Development Finance for Builders & Investors
Your Project Funding, Matched from Hundreds of Lenders
As an FCA regulated property finance specialist, we’re not just here to arrange development funding — we open doors to structures and solutions you won’t normally see on the high street.
Our direct relationships with mainstream, specialist, and private lenders often mean greater flexibility, more competitive terms, and a smoother process to keep your project on track.
Flexible. Tailored. Experienced.
"At Willow Private Finance, we’ve been supporting clients in realising their property ambitions since 2008. From funding ground-up developments and large-scale refurbishments to supporting conversion projects in the UK and overseas, our approach is always personal, proactive, and results-driven. We’re here to simplify the development finance process and deliver structured solutions designed to keep your projects moving."
— Wesley Ranger, Founder
Successful property development hinges on precise capital structuring. Unlike standard term lending, development finance is a dynamic facility where interest is typically rolled up and funds are released in arrears against build milestones. Our Development Suite allows you to stress-test your Gross Development Value (GDV) against your projected build costs and land value. This tool provides an essential look at your Loan-to-GDV ratio and estimated profit margins, metrics that private lenders use to determine the viability of your project.
Willow Private Finance | Property Finance & Refurbishment
Note: This calculator is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a formal offer of lending. Borrowing limits and interest rates are subject to status, credit checks, and full underwriting by the lender. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
The development finance market is highly specialist, with lenders assessing far more than the value of the site alone. Planning status, build costs, borrower experience, gross development value, exit strategy, contractor strength and contingency planning can all influence whether funding is available and how the facility is structured.
Browse our specialist guides below covering site acquisition, planning gain, ground-up development, heavy refurbishment, development exit finance, phased drawdowns, lender appetite, cost overruns and real client case studies.
Choose the development finance area that best matches your project. We will then show the most relevant guides, market updates or case studies for that specific funding requirement, rather than presenting the full archive at once.
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What Is Development Finance?
Development finance is a specialist short-term loan used to fund the construction, conversion or major refurbishment of residential, commercial or mixed-use property. Funds are typically released in stages as the project progresses and are repaid once the development is sold or refinanced.
How Does Development Finance Work?
Development finance usually consists of an initial advance to purchase the site or refinance existing land, followed by staged drawdowns to fund construction costs. The lender monitors progress throughout the build, with funds released after each stage is completed.
How Much Can I Borrow?
The amount available depends on factors such as the land value, build costs, projected Gross Development Value (GDV), developer experience and the overall viability of the project. Many lenders will fund up to 70% of land value and up to 100% of build costs, subject to agreed loan-to-cost and loan-to-GDV limits.
What Types of Projects Can Development Finance Be Used For?
Development finance can be used for a wide variety of projects, including new-build houses, apartment developments, commercial buildings, mixed-use schemes, office-to-residential conversions, HMOs, student accommodation and permitted development projects.
Do I Need Development Experience?
Not necessarily. While experienced developers often have access to a wider range of lenders and more competitive terms, many lenders will also consider first-time developers where the project is well structured and supported by an experienced professional team.
How Are Funds Released?
Unlike a traditional mortgage, development finance is usually released in stages. An initial advance is followed by additional drawdowns as construction milestones are achieved, helping to manage project costs and reduce interest charges.
What Security Is Required?
Development finance is secured against the development site. Depending on the project and lender, additional security or personal guarantees may also be required, particularly for higher-risk developments or first-time developers.
How Long Does Development Finance Last?
Most development finance facilities are arranged for between 12 and 24 months, although longer terms may be available for larger or more complex developments. The loan term should allow sufficient time for construction and the planned exit strategy.
Can Development Finance Cover 100% of Build Costs?
Yes. Many lenders will fund up to 100% of the construction costs, provided the borrower contributes the required equity towards the land purchase and the overall lending remains within the lender's loan-to-cost and loan-to-GDV criteria.
Can I Finance Land Without Planning Permission?
Some lenders will provide finance for land without planning permission, although lending is generally more restricted and may require a larger borrower contribution. Specialist lenders can often accommodate strategic land and planning gain opportunities.
What Is Gross Development Value (GDV)?
Gross Development Value, or GDV, is the estimated market value of a completed development once construction has finished. Lenders use the projected GDV alongside build costs and project risk when determining how much they are prepared to lend.
Can Development Finance Be Used for Refurbishment Projects?
Yes. Development finance is commonly used for heavy refurbishment projects, property conversions and change-of-use developments where significant building works are required. Light refurbishment projects may instead be suitable for refurbishment bridging finance.
What Happens Once the Development Is Complete?
Once construction is finished, the development finance facility is normally repaid through the sale of the completed units or by refinancing onto a longer-term mortgage or development exit facility if the properties are to be retained.
Should I Use a Development Finance Broker?
Development finance is a highly specialist market with significant differences between lenders' funding structures, pricing and risk appetite. An experienced broker can identify suitable lenders, structure the facility correctly and help manage the funding process from initial enquiry through to completion.
Why Choose Willow Private Finance?
Since 2008, Willow Private Finance has arranged development finance for projects ranging from single-build developments to multi-million-pound residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes. We work with specialist development lenders, challenger banks, private banks and institutional funders, enabling us to source bespoke funding solutions tailored to the size, complexity and objectives of each project.
Whether you're acquiring land, funding a new-build development, undertaking a conversion or delivering a large residential or commercial scheme, our experienced advisers can help structure the right funding solution for your project.
Contact Willow Private Finance today to discuss your development finance requirements and explore the most suitable funding options available.
Securing development finance requires more than finding the lowest headline rate. Lenders need to understand the site, planning position, build programme, borrower experience, costings, contingency and exit strategy.
Since 2008, Willow Private Finance has helped developers, investors and property professionals arrange funding for residential developments, conversions, heavy refurbishments and more complex property projects.
Our advisers work with specialist development lenders, challenger banks, private banks and alternative funders, enabling us to structure facilities around each project’s risk profile, timescale and commercial objectives.
Long-standing experience across changing property and development finance markets.
Access to development lenders, challenger banks, private banks and alternative funding lines.
Support for ground-up developments, conversions, phased schemes, heavy refurbishments and mixed-use projects.
Guidance on senior debt, stretch senior, mezzanine, development exit and staged drawdown structures.
Clear guidance from initial appraisal and lender selection through to offer, drawdown and project completion.
Funding solutions built around your project from land acquisition through to completion.
With direct access to specialist development finance lenders, private banks and institutional funders, we structure facilities that match the unique demands of each project.
Whether you are acquiring a site, funding ground-up construction, converting existing buildings, refurbishing property or refinancing an ongoing scheme, we help create funding structures that support every stage of the development lifecycle.
