Development Finance
Secure tailored development finance to bring your new build, conversion, or redevelopment to life.
Development Loan Calculator
Our calculator provides a fast and easy way to estimate the total cost of a development loan, including interest, fees, and repayment terms.
Contact Us
Looking for expert advice or simply want to find out more about what we offer? Complete our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.
How Development Finance Is Structured
Development finance is typically structured in stages to match the lifecycle of a project. A day-one advance is provided to support the site purchase or refinance, followed by staged drawdowns released as the build progresses and milestones are signed off by a monitoring surveyor.
Interest is often retained or rolled up, meaning no monthly repayments during the build period, with repayment made on sale or refinance at practical completion.
This structure allows developers to preserve cash flow while funding construction costs efficiently.
Property Development Projects We Support
We arrange development finance for a wide range of property projects, including:
- New build residential developments
- Commercial and mixed-use schemes
- Conversions, including office-to-residential
- Refurbishments and heavy works
- Permitted development projects
Funding is structured around the project’s complexity, planning status and exit strategy.
What is Development Finance?
Development finance is a short-term funding solution used to support property construction, conversion or major refurbishment projects. It typically combines funding for site acquisition with up to 100% of build cost, released in stages as work progresses.
Development finance usually comes in two parts: the first covers a percentage of the site’s purchase price, while the second funds up to 100% of the build costs, released as the work progresses.
At Christie Finance, our development finance team specialises in securing funding for new builds, redevelopments, and conversions. As an independent broker, we’re free to work with any lender, and our strong relationships with top lenders ensure you get the most competitive deal tailored to your project’s needs.
Key Factors to Consider
When you’re thinking about applying for development finance, there are various things that both you and a potential lender will need to consider:
- Experience: Do you have the right level of expertise to match the complexity of the development you’re currently looking at?
- Exit strategy: How do you plan to repay the loan? A clear exit strategy is essential.
- Financial stability: Lenders will assess your financial health, including your credit history and cash flow.
- Project viability: Is your project financially viable? Lenders will assess the gross development value (GDV) and development costs.
- Market conditions: Lenders will analyse external factors such as demand, economic trends, and planning constraints.
Types of Property Development Finance
- Residential Development Finance – Funding for new-build homes, flats, MUFB’s, refurbishments, and conversions
- Commercial Development Finance
– Loans for offices, retail spaces, and mixed-use developments
- Bridging Loans for Development
– Short-term solutions to cover costs before securing long-term financing.- Development Finance for First-Time Developers
– Specialised funding options for those entering the property market
At Christie Finance, we specialise in securing property development finance for new builds, redevelopments, and conversions. As an independent broker, we have access to a wide panel of development finance lenders, ensuring competitive terms tailored to your project’s unique requirements.
Development Finance Loan Terms
Typical development finance terms include loan-to-GDV of 60–70%, loan terms from 12 months to 5 years, and funding availability up to £85 million, subject to lender appetite and project fundamentals.
Who Can Apply for Property Development Finance?
Development finance is available to individuals, partnerships, and companies looking to fund real estate projects. Typical eligibility criteria include:
- A clear development plan and exit strategy
- Planning permissions where required
- Strong financial standing and credit history
- Experience in property development (preferred but not essential)
How to Apply for a Development Loan
Securing development finance requires a well-prepared application. Key requirements include:
- Equity Deposit: Typically, 30% 20% or more
- Good Credit History: Strong financial standing improves approval chances
- Contractor Details: Full information if using a third party
- Development Plan: A clear schedule of works and costs breakdown
- Planning Approvals: Documentation for permissions and compliance
- Track Record: CV outlining previous development experience
How Can Christie Finance Help Me Secure a Development Loan?
From experienced property developers to first-timers, we specialise in helping developers secure the finance they need for their projects. We’ve successfully arranged funding for numerous development finance projects, and we can help you secure the best possible terms by:
- Assessing your specific development goals and financial needs
- Matching you with development finance lenders
- Negotiating competitive rates and terms for your project
- Streamlining the application process
- Ensuring you meet all development finance criteria
- Assisting with the preparation of key documents
- Offering guidance on exit strategies and additional security
Our Capability
Please see our capability document showcasing how we have facilitated some brilliant completions for our clients
Short-Term Refinance – Aparthotel
Location:
United Kingdom
Outcome:
Arranged a short-term refinance facility for an aparthotel, providing flexible funding to support operational stability ahead of a longer-term financing solution.
Learn more about Christie Finance Real Estate: Short-term facility refinance for an aparthotel
Property Refinance – Buy-to-Let Portfolio
Location:
Slough
Outcome:
Secured refinancing for a portfolio of four buy-to-let properties, enabling improved funding terms and consolidation of existing debt.
Read about how Christie Finance Real Estate: refinance of four BTL properties in Slough
Speak to an expert
If you'd like to discuss these findings with your local sector expert, get in touch.
Additional Real Estate Services
Real Estate Finance
Commercial Bridging Finance
Buy to Let Mortgages
Latest News & Insights
Development Finance in Action: UK Property Project Case Studies
At Christie Finance, we supported the valuation of a care home in Devon undergoing a significant development phase. The planned expansion aimed to increase the number of bedrooms substantially, with each room designed to include ensuite facilities. This upgrade enhanced the quality of care and improved the operational efficiency of the home. The projected uplift in trading performance and profitability resulted in a considerable increase in the estimated value of the property upon completion. This case demonstrated how development finance unlocked growth potential for care home operators, enabling them to scale services, improve resident experience, and strengthen long-term business sustainability.
In another case, we supported a residential developer in securing funding for a small-scale housing scheme in Harrow. The finance package was structured to cover the land acquisition, construction costs, professional fees, and associated interest, enabling the delivery of four new homes. The projected value of the completed development is expected to significantly exceed the initial land value, reflecting the strong potential of the scheme. This example highlights how development finance can empower developers to bring high-quality housing projects to market, with the flexibility and support needed to navigate the complexities of planning, construction, and sale.
Development Finance FAQs
Can first-time developers get development finance?
Yes. First-time developers can access development finance, particularly for smaller or lower-risk schemes, provided there is a clear plan, strong professional team and defined exit strategy. Learn more in our development finance guide.
How do staged drawdowns work?
Funds are released in stages as the build progresses, following inspections by a monitoring surveyor. This ensures funding aligns with construction milestones and cost control. Use our Development Loan Calculator to estimate total funding costs.
Do I need planning permission before applying?
Most lenders require full planning permission before approving development finance, although some may consider projects close to approval on a case-by-case basis.
Can development finance be used for refurbishments or conversions?
Yes. Development finance is commonly used for refurbishments, heavy works and conversions, including permitted development schemes.
How long does development finance last?
Development finance is short-term, typically between 12 and 24 months, although longer terms may be available for larger or phased projects.