First-Time Property Developer Hub

A ground-up guide to how development finance is structured in the UK, covering loan mechanics, drawdown schedules, monitoring surveyors, and what lenders look for in your application.

A comprehensive checklist covering every document lenders require for a development finance application, from development appraisals to contractor tenders and planning evidence.

Your development appraisal is the single most important document in a finance application. This guide shows you exactly how to structure it so lenders say yes.

Lenders need to be confident your build costs are realistic. This guide explains the types of cost evidence accepted, how to present them, and current cost benchmarks across the UK.

The timing of your planning application relative to your finance approach significantly impacts the terms and speed of your development finance approval. This guide explains how to get the timing right.

Most development finance lenders require two to three contractor tenders. This guide explains how to run a tender process that satisfies lenders and delivers competitive pricing.

Adverse credit does not automatically disqualify you from development finance. This guide explains how lenders assess credit history and what options exist for borrowers with imperfect records.

Understanding the development finance timeline helps you plan your project effectively. This guide breaks down every stage from initial enquiry to first drawdown, with realistic timeframes.

Equity is the cornerstone of every development finance application. This guide explains how much you need, what counts as equity, and how to structure your contribution to access the best terms.

Commercial-to-residential conversions are among the most popular development strategies in the UK. This guide covers how to finance them, from permitted development to full planning applications.

Multi-unit residential developments represent the core of the UK development finance market. This guide explains how to structure finance for schemes of 5 to 50 units, covering everything from appraisal to exit.

Ground-up development finance funds new construction from vacant land to completed buildings. This guide explains how these facilities work, what they cost, and how to secure the best terms.

Large development sites are often built in phases. This guide explains how to structure finance for multi-phase projects, including capital recycling, inter-phase funding gaps, and lender expectations.

Many development projects involve partnerships or companies with multiple directors. This guide explains how lenders assess joint borrower applications and how to structure them for the best outcome.

If you already own your development site, second charge finance allows you to release equity and fund construction without remortgaging. This guide explains when it works and how to structure it.

A decision in principle gives you confidence to bid on sites and negotiate with vendors. This guide explains how pre-approval works, what it commits the lender to, and how to use it strategically.

A detailed guide to securing development finance with adverse credit history, covering how lenders assess CCJs, defaults, IVAs and bankruptcy, and the specialist options available in the UK market.

A comprehensive guide to funding property development before planning permission is granted, covering specialist pre-planning lenders, bridge-to-development structures, and how to demonstrate planning viability.

A comprehensive guide for first-time property developers seeking finance in the UK, covering how to demonstrate credibility to lenders, start building a track record, and navigate the funding process from site identification to exit.

Development Finance Calculator

Calculate senior debt, equity, interest costs and profit for your development project.

Development Profit Calculator

Estimate gross and net profit, profit on cost and profit per unit for a residential development.

Build Cost Estimator

Estimate total build costs by project type, specification level and region using BCIS benchmarks.

SDLT Calculator

Calculate Stamp Duty Land Tax for residential, commercial and additional property purchases.

Arrangement Fee Calculator

Calculate the true cost of arrangement fees when added to the loan, deducted from advance or paid upfront.