Ground-up builds, conversions and refurbishment
Development finance for UK property projects
Property Broker Pro helps first-time and experienced developers prepare a development finance enquiry and connect with one matched specialist broker. Funding depends on the scheme, planning, costs, experience, exit and lender criteria.
Start your ground-up builds, conversions and refurbishment enquiryWho this can help
For developers funding new builds, conversions, heavy refurbishment, part-built schemes or development exits.
Understanding ground-up builds, conversions and refurbishment
Development finance is designed around the delivery of a property project rather than only the purchase of an existing asset. The facility may combine acquisition funding with staged releases for construction, subject to the lender's conditions and monitoring. This makes the quality of the appraisal, cost plan, programme and professional team central to the assessment.
A credible scheme connects planning, build costs, contingency, expected end value and exit. Changes to specification, delays or cost inflation can affect the funding requirement, so the project should retain appropriate headroom. The matched broker can discuss lender criteria, but developers remain responsible for their own commercial, tax, legal and construction advice.
Common scenarios
Ground-up residential and mixed-use development
Conversions, extensions and heavy refurbishment
Development exit and refinance scenarios
Funding assessed against costs, value, planning and the proposed exit
Two checks come first
We first check that the property is not occupied, or intended to be occupied, by you or a close family member. We then check that the purpose is property investment, development or letting. Cases that do not pass these checks stop before terms or contact capture.
How the enquiry and matching process works
The initial questions organise the information a specialist broker is likely to need. They do not constitute an application, advice or approval.
- 1
Set out the scheme, planning position, purchase or current value and the proposed funding requirement.
- 2
Provide the high-level build budget, programme, expected end value and intended exit.
- 3
Complete the opening checks and add project, experience and security details progressively.
- 4
The matched specialist broker reviews the information and discusses suitable lender criteria. Drawdowns, monitoring and any formal facility remain subject to full assessment.
What may affect the available finance route
Planning and permissions
Planning status, building regulations, permitted development rights and any conditions can affect the funding route and timetable.
Cost plan and contingency
Lenders typically need a realistic build cost, professional fees, programme and contingency. Large unexplained gaps can make a project harder to assess.
Gross development value
Expected end value is usually supported by comparable evidence and a formal valuation. It should be consistent with the scheme, specification and local market.
Team and experience
A first-time developer may still have options, but the professional team, contractor, project management and relevant experience can all matter.
Information worth preparing
You do not need every document to start, but accurate headline information helps the matched broker understand the case quickly.
- Planning decision, drawings or a clear summary of the proposed scheme
- Purchase price or current value and the amount of finance required
- Build-cost estimate, professional fees, contingency and programme
- Expected end value and a proposed sale, refinance or development exit
- Details of your experience, contractor and professional team
Costs and important considerations
Development finance can include interest, arrangement, valuation, legal, monitoring and other project costs. Drawdown arrangements and the treatment of interest vary. A broker can explain the structure, but only the lender can confirm a formal facility.
Common planning issues to avoid
Using a build budget without contingency
Unexpected ground conditions, material costs and programme changes can create a funding gap if the appraisal has no realistic allowance.
Overstating the end value
The expected GDV should reflect the approved scheme, specification and local comparable evidence rather than the best possible outcome.
Ignoring drawdown timing
Understand when funds may be released and what evidence or monitoring is required so contractors and professional fees can be paid on time.
Questions about ground-up builds, conversions and refurbishment
Can a first-time developer apply for development finance?
Yes, some lenders consider first-time developers, often alongside a suitable professional team, contractor and project structure. A broker can explain which criteria may apply.
What information is useful for a development finance enquiry?
Planning status, purchase price or current value, build costs, expected end value, programme, experience and exit strategy are commonly relevant. The funnel collects these details progressively.
Can development finance cover refurbishment or conversion?
Some lenders consider conversions, extensions and heavy refurbishment as well as ground-up builds. The scope, planning, costs, property and exit determine which options may be relevant.
How are development funds usually released?
Project funding is commonly released in stages as work progresses and may involve monitoring or valuation requirements. The exact drawdown process is set by the lender and facility.
What is a development exit?
A development exit is a refinance or sale used to repay development funding once the scheme reaches an appropriate stage. The proposed exit should be supported by realistic value and timing assumptions.
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Buy-to-let mortgages for UK landlords
Non-consumer landlord and investment finance
Property investment finance, sourced through a specialist broker
Finance for property investors
Property Broker Pro is not a lender, broker or financial adviser and does not arrange loans or make lending decisions. Indicative figures, where shown, are illustrative only and are not a formal offer, credit approval or financial advice. Finance remains subject to lender criteria and full underwriting. Bridging loans, development finance and non-consumer buy-to-let mortgages are unregulated products.