Glossary definition
Senior Debt
The primary layer of debt in a development finance structure, secured by a first legal charge on the property and sitting at the bottom of the capital stack with first priority on repayment. Senior debt is the lowest-risk tranche of debt and therefore carries the lowest interest rate, typically 6-9% per annum on development finance deals.
Definition
The primary layer of debt in a development finance structure, secured by a first legal charge on the property and sitting at the bottom of the capital stack with first priority on repayment. Senior debt is the lowest-risk tranche of debt and therefore carries the lowest interest rate, typically 6-9% per annum on development finance deals. Senior lenders will usually advance up to 60-65% of GDV, with any additional borrowing requiring mezzanine finance or equity.
See also
Closely related terms.
Capital Stack
The total structure of funding used to finance a development project, arranged by seniority from senior debt at the bottom through mezzanine finance to developer equity at the top.
Mezzanine Finance
A layer of debt that sits between the senior loan and developer equity in the capital stack, secured by a second legal charge on the property.
Equity
The developer's own capital contribution to a project, sitting at the top of the capital stack and bearing the highest risk but also receiving the residual profit.
LTGDV (Loan to Gross Development Value)
A key lending metric in development finance that expresses the total loan amount as a percentage of the gross development value of the completed scheme.
Facility Agreement
The legal contract between a borrower and a lender that sets out all terms and conditions of the loan including the facility amount, interest rate, drawdown mechanics, repayment terms, covenants, and events of default.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
How Does Development Finance Work? A Complete Guide for UK Developers
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.
5 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 readReadGuide
Mezzanine Finance vs Joint Venture Equity: How to Choose
Both mezzanine and JV equity reduce the cash you need to invest. But they work very differently and suit different situations. This guide helps you decide which is right for your project.
4 min read readReadGuide
Development Finance vs Bridging Loans: Which Do You Need?
Two of the most common short-term property finance products, but they serve very different purposes. We break down the rates, terms, and scenarios where each makes sense.
8 min read readRead
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