We will find your perfect Development Finance

With over 100 development lenders to choose from, expertise in construction projects, and unrivalled customer service; you’ll find your perfect finance here…

Market-leading pricing: Due to our extensive lender network and ability to negotiate rates.

Dedicated support: Not just a broker – your expert advisor guides you from start to finish.

Flexible funding: Loan amounts from £500,000 with no upper limit.

Tailored financing: Including equity, joint ventures, mezzanine funding, and more.

All project types: Residential, commercial, mixed-use, and land.

Ideal for: All types of project, from large residential conversions to large multi-unit schemes.

  Extensive lender network: Access 100+ lenders including banks, development specialists, and Family Offices. 

All types of customer accepted: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first time developer.

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Need development funding? Contact our expert team today to get started!

A no obligation call with one of our experts. Arrange at a time that suits you.

Explore our most requested uses for Development Finance

The right finance for new builds and major refurbishments

Why use this finance?
Whether you’re building new homes, commercial units, or undertaking a large-scale refurbishment, development finance provides the funding you need to bring your project to life. These loans are structured around build phases, allowing you to draw down funds as the project progresses, reducing interest costs and improving cash flow.

  • All project sizes – From single-unit builds to large multi-phase developments.
  • Tailored funding – Borrow from as little as £500,000 with flexible loan-to-cost and loan-to-GDV structures.
  • Expert support – Finance designed to align with build stages, reducing interest costs.
  • Full project coverage – Funding available for site purchase, construction, and associated costs.

Build with confidence – let’s structure the right development finance for your project.

Unlocking potential before development begins

Why use this finance?
Acquiring land for development is a key first step, but often, sites are purchased before full planning permission is secured. Development finance can help fund land purchases while you work to increase its value through planning, implementation of planning conditions, or design work. Whether you intend to sell at a profit or proceed with construction, having the right finance in place is crucial.

  • Secure land quickly – Finance available for purchasing land, with or without planning permission.
  • Increase value – Fund planning applications, design work, and pre-development costs.
  • Maximise returns – Leverage funding to enhance land value before selling or developing.
  • Flexible finance – Loans structured for landowners, developers, and strategic land investors.

Get funding to acquire land and add value through planning – speak to our team today!

Boost your capital and maximise project potential

Why use this finance?
Developers sometimes need additional capital beyond their senior loan (standard development loans) to fully fund a project. Mezzanine finance provides a second charge loan to reduce your equity contribution, while Joint Venture (JV) funding allows investors to partner on a project without requiring full upfront funding. These options are ideal for developers looking to take on larger or multiple projects.

  • Increase leverage – Top-up your senior development loan with additional funding.
  • Lower cash input – Reduce the need for upfront equity, preserving capital for other projects.
  • Joint Venture options – Work with funding partners to bring projects to life without full equity investment.
  • Higher returns – Bridge the gap between available capital and project costs to unlock increased return on investment.

Need extra funding to push your project forward? Talk to us about mezzanine or JV finance.

Free up capital before sales complete

Why use this finance?
Once a development is complete, you may not want to rush sales just to repay your lender. Development exit finance helps you refinance at lower interest rates than your development loan, giving you more time to achieve the best sale prices…. you can also release capital for your next project. It’s an ideal way to reduce costs and manage cash flow between projects.

  • Lower-cost finance – Replace your development loans with lower cost ‘Development Exit’ finance.
  • Maximise returns – Release equity for reinvestment or to secure your next project.
  • Reduce lender pressure – Extend your timeline to complete sales at optimal market value.
  • Flexible repayment options – Interest rolled-up or serviced, depending on your needs.

Take control of your exit strategy – speak to us about refinancing your completed project.

Our customers choose us to arrange their funding because…

Our brokers are not only property finance experts, but are highly trained to deliver exceptional levels of service; no matter your requirements.

We will save you money because we work with all types of lender, and will negotiate the best rates and the flexibility you need.

We will save you time because we’ll find the best loan quickly, and complete as much of the paperwork for you as possible.

 We will reduce stress because we take full ownership of sourcing, arranging, and completing your funding; so you can relax knowing it’s all taken care of.

I started working with Jamie in 2018, when I was carrying out some small refurbishment projects.  He’s helped me grow my business and raise funds for larger and larger projects over the years, and now we’re working on multiple projects each year with loans of up to £5m.

North London | Property Developer and Investor

I was introduced to Xcel Finance by my architect.  I had been working with a lender on a large mixed-use development project, and had my main contractor ready to go; but the development lender let me down at the last minute…!

Thankfully, Xcel Finance were able to get up to speed incredibly quickly and arrange alternative funding… it was also a better deal than I originally had too.  I was working with Jamie and highly recommend him. 

West London | Property Developer and Investor

“Jamie made the process easy and supported us through the whole thing.  No challenge was too big and there was always a way through, around or over.  Thanks for your help it made a huge difference.  We would definitely recommend Excel Finance. 

Matthew | Property Developer | South Wales

We’re a letting agent who also own a large portfolio of buy to lets and we also do some refurbishment projects.  We used to have to speak to lots of different brokers for different projects and lending types… but now we just use Xcel Finance.

There’s nothing they can’t do and they offer great value for money. 

Letting Agent | Greater Manchester

“I was a building contractor for 20 years, and got tired of making money for other people.  I started using my own cash to buy and flip houses but the profits weren’t enough – I was going to give it up.  I spoke to Jamie at Xcel Finance and he helped me understand that with the same deposit I could borrow funds from a lender and build much bigger projects and significantly increase my profits.  It’s an excellent service.”

John | Property Developer | Essex

“I was amazed how quickly they were able to get my funding in place.  Great service. Would highly recommend Xcel Finance.”

Carol | Gloucestershire | Bridging Finance Customer

Excellent Exceptional Xcel. Jamie exceeded all expectations with such a cool and calming caring understanding nature, We were definitely an exception to the rule.

We cannot thank him enough for finding funding that has allowed us to finish a very special restoration of a listed building, (grand design dilemma, bank won’t lend money, owners despair)

He is forever in our thoughts, and has restored my faith in the whole financial world, I thought they were all against me, and was petrified of losing our home and all our efforts. Back to work, house to restore and get ready for sale. 

Carol & Kevin | Gloucestershire | Bridging Finance Clients

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Development Finance…

Can I get finance for my first project?
Yes – being a first-time developer is not a deal-breaker. Many development finance lenders prefer experience, but some will consider first projects if we present a strong case. You’ll need a solid project plan, a clear exit strategy, and probably support from an experienced contractor or project manager​.  We’ll help put together your project proposal, and give guidance on any professionals you may need to bring in to give the lender the confidence they need.
How much can I borrow?
The amount you can borrow depends on your project’s scale and value. Typically, development finance covers up to around 70–75% of the Gross Development Value (GDV) of the completed project, or roughly 90% of your total project costs​. Lenders usually expect you to contribute the remaining 10–15% from your own equity. In absolute terms, loans often start from about £500,000 and can go into the millions, depending on the development​. If your project needs higher leverage than a standard loan provides, some lenders offer additional financing solutions (like mezzanine loans or joint venture agreements) to top up the amount.  We can help arrange the full ‘funding stack’ for you.
Can I do the work myself?
It depends on your experience. Lenders want confidence that the project will be completed successfully, so they typically require an experienced developer or contractor to oversee the build​. If you have a track record with similar projects or you’re a qualified builder, doing the work yourself can be acceptable. However, if it’s your first development or a much larger project than you’ve managed before, the lender may insist that you bring in a professional contractor or project manager. This gives the lender assurance that the project will be delivered on time and on budget.
What sort of projects can I fund?
Development finance can be used for a wide range of property projects. Lenders commonly finance:

  • Ground-up construction of new residential or commercial buildings
  • Property conversions and heavy refurbishments (e.g. turning an office into flats)
  • Land development where planning permission is in place
  • Mixed-use developments (combining residential and commercial elements)

In general, any project that involves constructing or significantly improving property for profit can qualify.

Whether it’s a single house build, a multi-unit development, or a commercial project, there are lenders that specialize in that type of deal. It’s important to have the proper planning permissions and a sound business plan, as lenders will closely assess the viability of the project.

How long does development funding take?
Obtaining development finance typically takes 8-12 weeks from application to funds being available, but the timeline can vary by case​. We will be able to get you a ‘conditional offer’ quickly, so you know that our recommended lender is lined up. However, completing the loan involves steps like valuation of the site, legal documentation, and due diligence on your project. Factors such as how quickly you submit all required documents and how soon the surveyor’s evaluation is done will affect the timing​.  Working with a broker will undoubtably speed up your funding process as we know exactly what’s needed and when.
Can I re-finance an existing loan?
Yes. It’s common for developers to refinance a project loan if circumstances change or the term is ending. For example, if you need extra funds partway through the build, you might take out a mezzanine finance loan (a secondary loan) to top up your funding​. Likewise, if your initial development loan is expiring before the project is finished or sold, you can secure a development exit loan from another lender to extend your financing until completion. Refinancing can help you raise additional capital or get better terms, but it will depend on the project’s progress and value at the time of refinance.  See our specific ‘Mezzanine’ and ‘Development Exit’ pages for more information.
What costs are involved?

Development finance comes with several fees and expenses in addition to interest. Common costs include:

  • Lender arrangement fees – a fee for setting up the loan (often a percentage of the loan amount)​ which is usually added to the loan rather than paid at the start.
  • Valuation and monitoring fees – the cost of an initial valuation report on the project and ongoing inspections by a surveyor​ who will monitor construction progress.
  • Legal fees – covering the legal costs for both you and the lender​.
  • Exit fee – some lenders charge a fee when you repay or refinance the loan at the end of the term​.

In most cases, the interest is rolled up (added to the loan balance) so you don’t make monthly payments – the entire loan plus interest is paid off when the project is completed. Many of the fees can be deducted from the loan itself, which means you’ll mainly need to pay certain costs (like valuation and legal fees) upfront.  We will ensure that all of the costs above are budgeted correctly, and negotiate the best rates with our recommended lender.

Can I apply to a lender direct?
Yes, you can approach some development finance lenders directly, but it’s often wise to use a broker. A specialist broker like us have access to many lenders and can match you with the best fit for your project’s size and type​. Development finance deals can be complex, and choosing the wrong lender or missing a detail in the application could cause delays or even a rejection. Brokers understand each lender’s criteria and can help package your application to secure the most favourable terms. While going direct is possible, working with a broker will save you time and money by getting the right funding solution from the start.
When do I have to re-pay the loan?
Development finance is typically a short-term loan (often 12 to 36 months) that is repaid once your project is completed or sold. Usually, there are no monthly repayments during the term. Instead, the interest accrues and is paid in one lump sum at the end (this is known as rolled-up interest). You will generally repay the loan by either selling the developed property or refinancing it with a long-term mortgage once the project is finished​. This final payment of the loan (plus all accrued interest and any fees) is due by the end of the loan term. Some lenders might allow or require interest to be serviced during the term, but most development loans are set up to be cleared in full upon completion of the project as part of your exit strategy.
Can I get 100% development funding?

If you already own the land, then you’ll be able to raise all of the construction costs so long as any lending already secured on the site is at a reasonable level.

In most cases, lenders will require you to put in some of your own capital, so 100% financing is not a ‘standard’ option. Typically, a development lender might fund up to 80–90% of the project costs, meaning you must contribute the remaining 10–20% yourself​

However, there are ways to achieve close to 100% funding through special arrangements. One option is to use mezzanine finance (a second, smaller loan on top of the main loan) to cover part of the required funding gap. Another route is to enter a joint venture or profit-sharing agreement with an investor or the lender – in such cases the financier provides additional capital (even up to covering all costs) in return for a share of the profits on completion​. These solutions can effectively allow for 100% funding, but they come at the cost of higher interest rates or giving up a portion of your profit. Always consult with your broker or financial advisor to determine if these options make sense for your situation. 

Still unsure? Talk to one of our advisors today and we will clear up any concerns or questions you may still have. 

Download our free funding checklist

We have created a helpful checklist to help you plan for your project funding, just click the icon below and we’ll send you a tailored list for your project.

​Xcel Finance are proud members of the NACFB, a recognised sign of reassurance and quality for both lenders and borrowers.

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