Build today. Fund tomorrow. Get development finance that releases money when your project needs it most.
Need funding for a property project but don’t want to tie up all your capital upfront? Development finance gives you access to funds released in stages as your build progresses. It’s perfect for residential developments, commercial projects, and mixed-use builds when timing and cash flow matter.
At Greenwood Capital, we know which development finance lenders back different types of builds. From first-time self-builders to seasoned developers, we’ll get you funded fast.
Development finance is short-term funding designed to support property builds, conversions, and refurbishments – residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Unlike traditional mortgages, it’s released in stages as your project progresses, giving you exactly what you need, when you need it.
You’ll typically use the first drawdown to purchase the site, then access further funds through each milestone, from groundwork to final fit-out. Loans are secured against the site and usually run for 12–24 months, giving you time to build, complete, and exit.
Lenders usually cover 60–80% of total costs, and experienced developers may secure up to 90%. You bring the deposit – they help fund the rest. Once finished, you can sell, refinance, or hold the property as a long-term investment.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. The type of development finance you need depends on your project, experience, and exit plan.
Residential development finance
This covers everything from single self-builds to multi-unit housing developments. Rates are typically lower because houses have predictable values and ready buyers. Perfect for building your own home or developing plots for sale.
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Commercial development finance
Ideal for funding offices, retail units, warehouses, and mixed-use projects. These deals tend to be larger and more complex, but specialist lenders understand the longer timelines and higher values that come with commercial property.
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Refurbishment finance
Designed for major renovation projects where you’re transforming an existing structure. Whether you’re converting a barn into flats or gutting a commercial building, it covers the costs of turning a shell into something new.
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Plot finance
Gives you the funding to purchase land before construction begins. It’s often used as a bridge to development finance, helping you act quickly on opportunities without waiting for full planning approval.
Learn moreTell us about your project. We’ll look at key details like planning permission, location, build costs, and projected GDV (gross development value). Lenders also factor in your experience, especially for larger or commercial developments.
Development finance lenders will review your proposal and run the numbers. If it looks viable, they’ll agree an amount – typically 60–80% of total costs – and outline your drawdown schedule.
The loan isn’t paid upfront. You draw down funds in agreed phases as the build progresses – starting with land purchase, followed by construction milestones. Surveyors often sign off each stage before the next tranche is released.
Most development loans run 12–24 months. When the project’s complete, you repay the loan either by selling the finished property or refinancing with a longer-term mortgage (like buy-to-let or commercial finance).
Development finance works best when you’ve got a clear plan, solid numbers, and permission in place. It’s ideal for ground-up builds, property conversions, refurbishments, or self-builds – whether you’re an experienced developer or doing it for the first time.
This type of funding is commonly used for housing development, mixed-use projects, and smaller commercial builds. If your project’s still in early planning with no permission yet, it might be too soon – but we can point you in the right direction.
Not sure where you stand? We’ll help you figure out if development finance fits, and what lenders are likely to say yes.
James was brilliant from start to finish. He knew exactly which lenders would suit us, handled everything quickly, and kept me updated the whole way through. We had offers to review within hours and the whole thing was wrapped up in 48 hours. I’d recommend Greenwood as a first call for any business looking for funding.Get in touch
We’ve answered some of the most common questions below, from how quickly we can fund to what kind of businesses we support.
Development finance is used to fund property construction, conversions, or major refurbishments, with money released in stages as the build progresses. Bridging finance is a short-term loan used to ‘bridge’ a gap, often between buying a property and selling another - and is usually released as a lump sum. If you're building or redeveloping, development finance is the better fit.
Most development finance lenders require a deposit, so 100% funding is uncommon. However, in some cases, experienced developers may access higher leverage - up to 100% of build costs - by securing additional assets or using a joint venture model. For most borrowers, lenders will fund 60–80% of total development costs.
The amount you can borrow with property development finance depends on your project size, location, and exit strategy. Typically, lenders offer up to 80% of total costs or 60–70% of the gross development value (GDV). Larger loans may be available for commercial or housing development finance with the right experience and planning in place.
Ready to move forward with your project? We’ll connect you with the right development finance lenders. Contact us today or apply using the form above.