Funding for the build, not just the plot

• Ground-up new build — single dwellings through to multi-unit residential schemes
• Major conversions, such as commercial-to-residential or barn conversions
• Structural extensions and reconfigurations beyond the scope of a standard refurbishment
• Part-built or stalled sites needing funding to reach practical completion
• Schemes combining a mix of open-market sale, private rent and affordable units

Project is more of a heavy refit than a rebuild? Compare it against refurbishment finance — we'll point you to whichever actually fits.

• •Planning permission in place, or a clear and credible route to obtaining it
• •A realistic build cost appraisal, ideally with a QS-reviewed budget
• •A credible contractor, build team or self-build track record for the scheme's scale
• •A defensible Gross Development Value, supported by comparable evidence
• •Sufficient equity or land value contribution — lenders want to see you have real skin in the deal
• •A sensible exit strategy: sale, pre-sales, or refinance onto a term facility

1. 01

   Share the scheme

   Send over the site, planning status, build cost appraisal and GDV — or we'll help you pull one together.

2. 02

   Lender matching

   We approach development lenders whose appetite fits your scheme's size, location and structure.

3. 03

   Terms & appraisal

   Terms are agreed, and a monitoring surveyor is appointed to assess the build cost and programme.

4. 04

   Legals & first drawdown

   Legal work completes and the land/purchase tranche is released to get the scheme moving.

5. 05

   Staged drawdowns

   Build cost is released in tranches as the monitoring surveyor signs off progress against the programme.

6. 06

   Exit

   We help plan the exit early — sale, pre-sale or refinance — so there's no gap between practical completion and repayment.

What's the difference between development finance and a bridging loan?+

Bridging finance is generally used against a property in close to its current state. Development finance is built for schemes involving substantial construction — ground-up builds or major conversions — and is structured around a build cost budget and staged drawdowns rather than a single lump sum.

How is the loan amount calculated?+

Development lenders typically look at both cost and value: the total cost of land plus build, and the Gross Development Value (GDV) of the finished scheme. Facilities are usually expressed as a percentage of cost and a percentage of GDV, with the lower of the two often driving the maximum loan.

Do I need planning permission before I apply?+

Having planning in place makes a deal considerably easier to fund and usually improves terms, but some lenders will consider funding at an earlier stage, particularly for schemes with a strong planning prospect. The earlier you bring us in, the more options we can explore.

What is a monitoring surveyor and why does it matter?+

A monitoring surveyor is appointed by the lender to independently assess build cost, progress and quality before each drawdown is released. It protects both you and the lender, and a realistic build programme that anticipates this process tends to see fewer drawdown delays.

Can first-time developers get development finance?+

Yes, though the lender pool narrows and the contractor/team's track record matters more. If it's your first scheme, having an experienced build team, a strong QS-reviewed budget and realistic contingency all strengthen the case — we'll tell you honestly where you stand.

Get Backing arranges finance secured on investment and development property for business purposes only. This is not a regulated mortgage contract. Rates, terms and fees are subject to status, lender criteria and independent valuation, and are not guaranteed. Security may be required over property and other assets, and property used as security may be at risk if repayments or the agreed exit are not met.