BVS Finance

Development Finance

Development Finance Leicester

Property development can be an exciting opportunity, but securing the right funding is often one of the most important parts of getting a project off the ground. Whether you are planning a new-build development, converting an existing property or carrying out a major refurbishment, having the right finance in place can help you move forward with greater confidence.

At BVS Finance, we help property developers explore suitable funding solutions for a range of development projects. From smaller residential schemes to larger developments, we can help you understand the finance options available based on your project, experience, financial circumstances and development plans.

If you are looking for development finance Leicester developers can consider for their next project, our team can help you navigate the funding process and understand what may be required by potential lenders.

What Is Development Finance?

Development finance is a form of specialist property finance designed to help fund the costs associated with a property development project.

Depending on the project and lender criteria, development finance may potentially contribute towards costs such as land or property acquisition, construction, refurbishment and other eligible development expenses.

Unlike a standard residential mortgage, development finance is structured around the specific requirements of a development project. The lender may consider the purchase price or existing property value, estimated development costs, projected end value, planning permission, development programme and the developer’s experience.

Every project is different, which means the most appropriate funding structure will depend on the individual circumstances.

Development Finance for a Range of Projects

Property development can take many forms, and different projects can require very different funding structures.

BVS Finance can help developers explore potential finance for projects such as:

  • New-build residential developments
  • Property conversions
  • Major refurbishment projects
  • Renovation of existing properties
  • Development of multiple residential units
  • Commercial property developments
  • Mixed-use developments
  • Land purchases with appropriate planning
  • Property development projects for resale or investment

Whether you are an experienced developer or working on a smaller project, it is important to understand the finance available before committing to a purchase or starting construction.

Why Use a Development Loan Broker in Leicester?

Development finance can involve more variables than standard property borrowing. Lenders may assess not only the property but also the development plans, construction costs, projected value and proposed repayment strategy.

Working with a development loan broker Leicester developers can rely on may help simplify this process and give you a clearer understanding of the potential funding options available.

At BVS Finance, we can help you consider factors including:

  • The type and size of your development
  • Purchase or existing property value
  • Estimated construction and development costs
  • Planning permission and the proposed scheme
  • Your available deposit or equity
  • Expected gross development value
  • Your previous development experience
  • Your intended exit strategy

The aim is to help you approach potential lenders with a well-prepared funding proposal and a clear understanding of your requirements.

Development Finance Leicester for New-Build Projects

New-build developments can require substantial upfront investment before any completed properties generate a return. Development finance can potentially provide funding towards eligible project costs, subject to lender criteria.

For example, a developer may purchase a site with planning permission and require funding to cover part of the construction costs. The finance can be structured around the development programme, with funds potentially released in stages as the project progresses.

A lender will typically want to understand the proposed development, construction costs, timescales and anticipated end value before determining whether the project is suitable for funding.

Having realistic costings and a detailed development plan can therefore be important when preparing your application.

Property Conversion and Refurbishment Finance

Not every development involves constructing a property from the ground up.

Converting an existing building into residential units, changing the layout of a property or carrying out substantial refurbishment can also require specialist funding.

For example, a developer may purchase an older commercial or residential property with the intention of transforming it into multiple units. The project could require funding for the acquisition as well as eligible refurbishment or conversion costs.

The finance requirements will depend on the scale and nature of the works, the property’s current condition, planning position and projected value once the development is complete.

How Does Development Finance Work?

Although every project is different, the development finance process generally involves several important stages.

1. Discuss Your Development

The first step is to understand the project, including the property or land, proposed works, development timeline and your overall objectives.

2. Assess the Numbers

The financial structure of the project needs to be considered. This can include the purchase price, development costs, professional fees, contingency, finance costs and expected end value.

3. Review Potential Funding Options

Once the project has been assessed, potential development finance solutions can be explored based on the circumstances and lender criteria.

4. Prepare the Application

Supporting information may include planning documents, development appraisals, building costs, schedules, drawings and details of the developer’s experience.

5. Valuation and Lender Assessment

The lender will assess the proposed project and may arrange an independent valuation. It will also review the borrower’s financial circumstances and the viability of the development.

6. Finance and Development

Once the lender’s requirements have been satisfied, the finance can proceed to completion. Development funding may then be released in stages in accordance with the agreed facility and progress of the project.

What Do Development Finance Lenders Consider?

Lenders can assess a development project from several different angles. Understanding these factors before making an application can help you prepare a stronger proposal.

The Property or Land

The location, current value, proposed use and overall suitability of the site can all influence the finance available.

Planning Permission

Planning is often an important consideration for development finance. The planning position and proposed development can affect the lender’s assessment of the project.

Development Costs

Accurate estimates of construction and associated costs are essential. Lenders need to understand how much funding the project requires and whether the proposed budget is realistic.

Gross Development Value

The expected value of the completed development can be an important part of the lender’s assessment. An independent valuation may be required.

Developer Experience

Your previous property development experience may be considered, particularly for larger or more complex projects. However, the requirements can vary between lenders.

Exit Strategy

The lender will want to understand how the development finance will ultimately be repaid. This could potentially involve selling completed units, refinancing onto longer-term finance or another suitable repayment strategy.

What Can Development Finance Be Used For?

Depending on the lender and project, development finance may potentially be used towards a variety of eligible costs associated with a property development.

These can include:

  • Purchasing land or an existing property
  • Construction costs
  • Conversion and refurbishment works
  • Professional fees
  • Certain associated development expenses
  • Other eligible project costs

The exact amount and structure of funding will depend on the individual development and the lender’s criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions About Development Finance

What is development finance?

Development finance is specialist property finance designed to help fund eligible costs associated with developing, converting or significantly refurbishing property. The structure is generally based on the specific development project and its financial requirements.

Potentially, yes. Development finance can be used for eligible new-build projects, subject to factors such as planning permission, project costs, projected end value, developer experience and lender criteria.

It may be possible. Some lenders may consider applications from developers with limited previous experience, although the requirements can vary. The strength of the project, financial position, experience and wider circumstances may all be considered.

Development finance requires a clear exit strategy. Depending on the project, this could involve selling the completed properties, refinancing onto longer-term finance or using another suitable source of capital.

The amount available depends on factors including the purchase price or current property value, development costs, projected end value, borrower circumstances and lender criteria. A detailed assessment of the project is generally required before the available funding can be established.

A specialist development loan broker Leicester developers work with can help you understand potential funding structures, lender requirements and the information needed to support an application. This can be particularly useful for more complex development projects.

Explore Development Finance in Leicester

Every property development project has its own opportunities and challenges. From acquiring a site and securing planning permission to managing construction costs and achieving the final sale or refinance, having an appropriate funding strategy is an important part of the development process.

At BVS Finance, we help developers explore potential finance solutions based on their individual projects and circumstances. Whether you are planning a new-build scheme, converting an existing property or undertaking a substantial refurbishment, we can help you understand the potential routes available.

If you are looking for Development Finance Leicester developers can explore for their next project, speak to BVS Finance today.

Contact our team to discuss your development plans and explore your potential finance options.