Our Development Finance Brokers will arrange the perfect funding for your project
The Best Finance Deals and Unparalleled Service
The Best Deals: Due to our extensive lender network and ability to negotiate rates.
Ideal for: All types of project, from smaller residential conversions to large multi-unit schemes.
Extensive lender network: Access 100+ lenders including banks, development specialists, and Family Offices.
Dedicated support: Not just a broker – your expert adviser guides you from start to finish.
Tailored financing: Including standard development loans, development exit, mezzanine, and JV.
Flexible funding: Loan amounts from £250,000 with no upper limit.
All security types: Residential, commercial, mixed-use, and land.
All types of customer accepted: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first time developer.
Need development funding? Contact our expert team, or continue to research below…
Find your Development Finance scenario below…
Ground-Up New Builds & Large-Scale Refurbishments
Fund your construction project from land purchase to final completion.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or completing a major refurbishment, we arrange development loans that finance both the land and the build — giving you the capital you need to deliver your project confidently and efficiently.
Common scenarios include:
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Purchasing land and funding a full new-build scheme.
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Building multiple houses, a block of flats, or mixed-unit developments.
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Converting large or complex buildings into modern residential units.
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Developers needing 100% of build costs funded via staged drawdowns.
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Large refurbishments or redevelopment where works exceed traditional bridging limits.
What to expect:
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Typically up to 65–70% of GDV, with 100% of build costs funded.
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Up to 75% of purchase price (or land value) on day one.
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Drawdowns released against independent monitoring surveyor (IMS) reports.
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Rolled-up interest and fees added to the facility for better cash flow.
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Funding available from £500,000 to £50m+, depending on project size.
At Xcel Finance, we specialise in structuring development loans that match the complexity and ambition of your project. We’ll prepare a full proposal pack, compare offers across our lender panel, and negotiate the best structure for your site. From initial terms to drawdown and monitoring, we stay with you throughout the build.
If you’re planning a new-build scheme or major redevelopment, get in touch to discuss your project — we’ll guide you through every step.
Commercial-to-Residential Conversions & Mixed-Use Projects
Finance for office, shop, industrial and mixed-use buildings being transformed into modern homes.
Many of today’s strongest development opportunities come from converting commercial or mixed-use buildings. We secure finance for schemes using permitted development rights (Class MA, G, L) or full planning.
Common scenarios include:
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Office-to-residential conversions into flats or apartments.
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Retail or commercial buildings being converted into mixed-use schemes.
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Industrial or warehouse buildings transformed into residential blocks.
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Part-residential, part-commercial developments.
What to expect:
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Funding up to 70% GDV, with full build costs included.
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Suitable for heavy structural works or full reconfiguration.
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Lenders comfortable with commercial valuations and PD schemes.
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Ability to refinance onto investment finance once units are retained.
Conversions often come with unique challenges — commercial valuations, planning conditions, cashflow sequencing, and heavy works. We understand these projects inside-out and will structure your development finance to keep the build moving smoothly. We’ll package your scheme professionally and introduce lenders who truly understand conversion projects.
Speak with us today about your upcoming conversion or mixed-use project — we’ll help you get the funding right first time.
Development Exit Loans
Reduce costs, release profits, and extend your sales window.
Once construction nears completion, development exit loans replace your existing development facility. This reduces interest, releases capital, and gives you time to achieve the best sales values.
Common scenarios include:
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Completed schemes where developers want more time to sell.
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Projects nearing completion where the final development drawdown is slow, or where additional funds are required.
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Releasing equity to fund the next site.
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Switching away from expensive end-of-term development rates.
What to expect:
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Funding based on the current value of the completed scheme, up to 75% LTV.
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Typically lower rates than development finance.
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Options for capital raise where surplus value exists.
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Flexible terms aligned to your sales or refinance strategy.
We help developers reduce costs, release equity and extend sales time by arranging smooth transitions from development finance to exit funding. We review your completed scheme, structure the refinance, liaise with your lender and keep the process moving quickly.
If your project is nearing completion and you need more time or want to release cash, get in touch — we’ll arrange the right exit finance.
High-Leverage / Stretch Senior & Mezzanine Finance
Maximise leverage and reduce your equity contribution.
Where senior development loans don’t provide enough capital, mezzanine and stretch-senior facilities fill the gap — allowing you to put less cash into the deal while keeping full control of the project.
Common scenarios include:
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Developers seeking up to 90%+ loan-to-cost ratio.
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Schemes where build costs exceed senior lender limits.
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Developers wanting to retain liquidity for multiple projects.
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Budget overrun or unexpected cost increases during construction.
What to expect:
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Stretch senior loans up to ~75% GDV / 90–95% LTC.
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Mezzanine finance secured via 2nd charge behind the senior lender.
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Options to reduce equity input significantly.
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Used for top-up capital or to bridge funding gaps.
High-leverage structures require careful planning and expert presentation to lenders. We work across senior and mezzanine markets daily, allowing us to negotiate the best blended costs and minimise your equity input. We’ll build your lender pack, model the deal, and manage both funders throughout the project.
If you’d like to maximise leverage or reduce the cash you need to put in, talk to us — we’ll structure a solution that works.
Build-to-Rent (BTR) & Long-Term Hold Strategies
Funding for developers keeping units as investments.
For schemes being retained rather than sold, specific development finance structures can help support the build and transition to long-term BTL finance.
Common scenarios include:
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Developers delivering blocks to be retained.
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PRS/BTR investors building long-term income streams.
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Developers moving from sales exit to refinance exit.
What to expect:
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Development funding through build phase.
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Pre-approved refinance terms for a smoother exit.
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Ideal for long-term holders of multi-unit blocks.
Whether you’re converting, building or retaining units, we understand the journey from construction through to long-term investment finance. We’ll secure the right development structure and help you line up an efficient exit route into a BTL or commercial investment loan.
If you’re building units to retain, talk to us — we’ll help you secure the right funding now and for your long-term strategy.
Land Acquisition, Pre-Planning & Planning-Gain Finance
Buy land early, secure planning, and unlock uplift value.
Development often begins long before a spade hits the ground. We arrange finance for land purchases, pre-planning work and planning-gain strategies.
Common scenarios include:
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Buying land with or without planning permission.
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Securing sites subject to planning.
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Funding planning applications, design work, surveys, or early professional fees.
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Developers aiming to enhance value and refinance or sell post-consent.
What to expect:
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Funding available for land purchase + planning-stage costs.
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Rates tailored to planning status and exit strategy.
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Ideal for developers, land promoters, and investors seeking planning uplift.
We regularly help developers and land investors secure funding before planning consent is in place. Our team knows how to position early-stage sites to lenders, highlight planning potential, and ensure your finance supports your strategy — whether you intend to build, refinance or sell post-consent.
If you’re acquiring land or seeking planning-gain finance, get in touch — we’ll help you secure the right structure to move forward.
Joint Venture (JV) Finance
Partner with experienced funders to finance projects with minimal initial capital.
Where developers have strong experience and good schemes but limited upfront cash, JV funding can provide up to 100% of costs in return for a profit share.
Common scenarios include:
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Developers with skills and track record but limited capital.
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Investors seeking hands-off exposure to development returns.
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Projects where profit share makes more sense than high-interest debt.
What to expect:
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Typically covers all or most of land + build costs.
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Profit-share structure agreed upfront.
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Ideal for experienced developers with a strong exit strategy.
JV funding is all about matching strong developers with the right investment partners. We’ll review your scheme, prepare your numbers, and introduce you to experienced JV funders who understand your vision. Our expertise ensures you secure a fair structure and a smooth funding journey.
If you’re exploring JV options, get in touch — we’ll help you access experienced partners who can fund your next project.
Why our customers choose us to arrange their development loans…
We will save you money because we work with all types of lender, and will negotiate the best rates and the flexibility you need.
We will save you time because we’ll find the best loan quickly, and complete as much of the paperwork for you as possible.
We will reduce stress because we take full ownership of sourcing, arranging, and completing your funding; so you can relax knowing it’s all taken care of.
Our brokers are not only property finance experts, but are highly trained to deliver exceptional levels of service; no matter your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Property Development Finance…
How much can I borrow?
The amount you can borrow depends on your project’s scale and value.
Typically, standard development finance covers up to around 65–70% of the Gross Development Value (GDV) of the completed project, or roughly 85-90% of your total project costs.
Lenders usually expect you to contribute the remaining 10–15% from your own equity.
In absolute terms, loans often start from about £500,000 and can go into the high millions, depending on the development. If your project needs higher leverage than a standard loan provides, some lenders offer additional financing solutions (like mezzanine loans or joint venture agreements) to top up the amount. We can help arrange the full ‘funding stack’ for you.
For smaller loans, take a look at our Bridging Finance page.
Can I do the work myself?
What sort of projects can I fund?
- Ground-up construction of new residential or commercial buildings
- Property conversions and heavy refurbishments (e.g. turning an office into flats)
- Land development where planning permission is in place
- Mixed-use developments (combining residential and commercial elements)
In general, any project that involves constructing or significantly improving property for profit can qualify.
Whether it’s a single house build, a multi-unit development, or a commercial project, there are lenders that specialize in that type of deal. It’s important to have the proper planning permissions and a sound business plan, as lenders will closely assess the viability of the project.
How long does development funding take?
Can I get finance for my first project?
Can I re-finance an existing loan?
What costs are involved?
Development finance comes with several fees and expenses in addition to interest. Common costs include:
- Lender arrangement fees – a fee for setting up the loan (often a percentage of the loan amount) which is usually added to the loan rather than paid at the start.
- Valuation and monitoring fees – the cost of an initial valuation report on the project and ongoing inspections by a surveyor who will monitor construction progress.
- Legal fees – covering the legal costs for both you and the lender.
- Exit fee – some lenders charge a fee when you repay or refinance the loan at the end of the term.
In most cases, the interest is rolled up (added to the loan balance) so you don’t make monthly payments – the entire loan plus interest is paid off when the project is completed. Many of the fees can be deducted from the loan itself, which means you’ll mainly need to pay certain costs (like valuation and legal fees) upfront. We will ensure that all of the costs above are budgeted correctly, and negotiate the best rates with our recommended lender.
Can I apply to a lender direct?
When do I have to re-pay the loan?
Can I get 100% development funding?
If you already own the land, then you’ll be able to raise all of the construction costs so long as any lending already secured on the site is at a reasonable level.
In most cases, lenders will require you to put in some of your own capital, so 100% financing is not a ‘standard’ option. Typically, a development lender might fund up to 80–90% of the project costs, meaning you must contribute the remaining 10–20% yourself
However, there are ways to achieve close to 100% funding through special arrangements. One option is to use mezzanine finance (a second, smaller loan on top of the main loan) to cover part of the required funding gap.
Another route is to enter a Joint Venture or profit-sharing agreement with an investor or the lender – in such cases the financier provides additional capital (even up to covering all costs) in return for a share of the profits on completion. These solutions can effectively allow for 100% funding, but they come at the cost of higher interest rates or giving up a portion of your profit. Always consult with your broker or financial advisor to determine if these options make sense for your situation.
Still unsure? Talk to one of our advisors today and we will clear up any concerns or questions you may still have.
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