Glossary definition
Debenture
A security instrument that creates both a fixed charge over specific assets and a floating charge over a company's remaining assets, giving the lender comprehensive security over the borrower's business. In development finance, a debenture is commonly taken alongside a first legal charge over the development site, particularly when lending to a special purpose vehicle.
Definition
A security instrument that creates both a fixed charge over specific assets and a floating charge over a company's remaining assets, giving the lender comprehensive security over the borrower's business. In development finance, a debenture is commonly taken alongside a first legal charge over the development site, particularly when lending to a special purpose vehicle. If the borrower defaults, the debenture gives the lender the right to appoint an administrator or receiver over the company and its assets.
See also
Closely related terms.
Fixed Charge
A form of security that attaches to a specific, identifiable asset — typically the development site — preventing the borrower from dealing with or disposing of that asset without the lender's consent.
Floating Charge
A form of security that hovers over a class of assets that may change from time to time, such as stock, plant, or receivables, crystallising into a fixed charge upon a defined trigger event such as borrower default.
First Charge
A legal charge registered against a property title that gives the holder (typically the senior lender) first priority over all other creditors in the event of a sale or enforcement.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
A limited company set up specifically to hold a single property development project, ring-fencing it from the developer's other business activities and assets.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
Legal Due Diligence in Development Finance: What Solicitors Check
Legal due diligence is the backbone of every development finance transaction. This guide explains what solicitors investigate, common issues that delay completions, and how to prepare your legal pack.
9 min read readReadGuide
What Happens When a Development Loan Defaults? A Step-by-Step Guide
A detailed walkthrough of the development loan default process in the UK, from initial breach notice through to enforcement, and what developers can do at each stage to protect their interests.
12 min read readReadGuide
The Capital Stack in Property Development: How to Structure Your Funding
A comprehensive guide to understanding and structuring the capital stack in UK property development, from senior debt through mezzanine to equity contributions.
9 min read readRead
Where it shows up
Finance products using this term.
Ready to apply
Knowing the term is one thing.
Getting it on your term sheet is ours.
Send us the outline. We come back with indicative pricing from the right lenders inside a working day.