SPECIALIST FINANCE

Development Finance

Some forms of development finance are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

When the site stacks up but the bank will not move

You’ve found a site that stacks up. The numbers work, the demand is there, and you are ready to build. Then the bank takes eight weeks to come back, and when it does, it is judging you on last year’s payslip rather than the scheme in front of you.

Development finance is built for the project, not the payslip. It funds the land and the build, releases the money in stages as the work goes up, and is repaid when you sell or refinance. As a whole-of-market broker with access to a panel of specialist development lenders, Mortgage Matchmakers knows which of them will back a scheme like yours, and which will only waste your time.

Funding built around the project, not your income

High-street lenders assess people. Development lenders assess deals. What matters is the strength of the scheme: the site, the build costs, the projected end value, and a credible way out at the end. A sound project with a clear plan can be fundable even when a standard mortgage application would stall on income or on credit scoring that was never designed for property development.

What we can fund

If the plan is to create or add real value to property, there is usually a lender for it:

Ground-up new builds, from a single unit to a multi-plot scheme
Conversions, such as office, commercial or barn space to residential
Permitted development and change-of-use schemes
Heavy refurbishments and renovations beyond a standard mortgage’s reach
Finishing a part-built or stalled project, or refinancing one mid-build
Land that already has planning in place, alongside the build costs

Who it is for

Property developers and investors of every size. Experienced developers moving on to the next scheme. First-time developers with a strong deal and a clear plan. Portfolio landlords converting or building out. Investors and auction buyers who need to move quickly now and build later. If you are not certain your project fits, that is exactly the conversation to have with us.

How the money actually works

Staged drawdown. Funds are released in tranches against build milestones, signed off by a monitoring surveyor, so you only pay for what you have drawn.
Land and build. Lenders typically fund a share of the land cost plus the majority of the build costs, sized against the project and its end value rather than a flat loan-to-value.
Interest. Usually rolled up and settled at the end rather than paid monthly, which protects your cash flow while the site is live.
Term. Most schemes run for around 12 to 36 months, matched to your build programme with room to sell or refinance.
Exit. The loan is repaid on completion, either by selling the finished units or refinancing onto a term mortgage.

The exit is where most schemes are won or lost

Lenders want to see how they get paid back before they lend a penny. That is the exit: a sale at the projected value, or a refinance onto a buy-to-let or term mortgage. We pressure-test the exit with you at the very start, so the plan still holds if the market shifts or the build runs long, and we can line up the bridging or term finance that follows, so completion does not turn into a scramble.

Turned down, or short on track record?

Being declined by one lender is not the same as being unfundable. A high-street bank often says no for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the deal: income-based underwriting on an asset-based project, or credit scoring that ignores a solid site and a sensible exit. A lack of track record is one of the most common, and most frustrating, reasons a viable scheme stalls. Specialist lenders assess the project and the exit, and several are comfortable backing first-time and smaller developers. Our job is to take your deal to the ones who will say yes.

The worries we take off your plate

Hidden costs. A tempting headline rate can hide arrangement, exit and monitoring fees. We compare the total cost of finance across lenders, not just the number on the front page.
Cash flow during the build. Staged drawdown and rolled-up interest are structured so a slow month on site does not drain your reserves.
Numbers that stop stacking up. If build costs creep or the sales market softens, a scheme can wobble. We stress-test the figures with you before you commit, not after.
Lenders who pull out late. We work with lenders who do what they say, so a fast yes does not become a slow no halfway through the build.

How we help

We compare development and specialist lenders across the whole market, structure the funding around your scheme and your exit, manage the drawdown schedule with the surveyor, and stay with you from the first enquiry to the final sale. You get an honest read on what is fundable early, so you can commit to a site with confidence rather than hope.

Send us your scheme

The quickest way to find out where you stand is to tell us four things: the site and what you plan to build, your build costs, the projected end value, and how you intend to exit. Send those over and we will give you an honest indication of what is fundable, usually within days. No obligation, and no jargon.

Frequently asked questions

How much can I borrow with development finance?

Lending is based on the project’s costs and its end value (the Gross Development Value), rather than a simple loan-to-value. Lenders typically fund a proportion of the land cost plus the majority of the build costs. We work the numbers for your specific scheme.

What is the difference between development finance and a bridging loan?

Both are short-term, but they do different jobs. A bridging loan is usually a single lump sum secured against a property, often to move quickly or break a chain. Development finance is structured around a build: it funds land and construction, releases money in stages, and is repaid when you sell or refinance. Some projects use bridging to secure a site and development finance to build it out.

Can you fund conversions and refurbishments, not just new builds?

Yes. As well as ground-up builds, lenders fund conversions (such as commercial or office to residential), permitted development schemes, heavy refurbishments, and the completion of part-built projects. We match the scheme to lenders who are comfortable with that type of work.

How is development finance repaid?

On completion, by selling the finished property or refinancing onto a longer-term mortgage. This is the exit, and lenders want to see a credible one before they commit.

How long does a development loan run for?

Most run for around 12 to 36 months, sized to the build programme with a sensible margin for sales or refinancing. The right term is set by your scheme and your exit, not a fixed rule.

Do I need development experience?

It helps and can improve your terms, but options exist for first-time developers. The strength of the scheme and the exit usually matter most.

How quickly can I get an answer?

Once we have the scheme details and costings, we can give you an honest indication of what is fundable quickly, often within days depending on the project. Formal terms follow the lender’s own assessment.

Is development finance regulated?

Most development finance is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, as it funds a business project rather than a home you live in. We will tell you clearly where your case sits.

Why Mortgage Matchmakers

FCA Authorised
200+ 5-star Google reviews
Spelthorne Business Awards 2026 Finalist (2025 Runner Up, Best Business in Staines and Laleham)

Talk it through with Mohit Mehra on 07915 577777, or send us your scheme and we will tell you where it stands. No obligation.

Happy Clients

    
 
 
        
   Jazz Bhangu 
 2026-07-31
 
 
  I found Mohit when doing a local search for mortgage advisors that were local to me. Mortgage Matchmakers popped up with nothing but 5 star reviews. When I reached out to Mohit for an initial discussion, I felt very confident that the 5 star reviews were a true reflection of his service.

Mohit was always available to talk through the process, what my options were and unfortunately when my sale and purchase fell through he was very supportive and provided some great advice during what was a challenging period.

I always felt like Mohit gave me numerous options and approaches I could take with my new mortgage, I never felt any pressure from him in any shape just excellent advice and guidance throughout what was a stressful period.

Mohit has now become my go to guy and will be reaching out to him when my current fixed is due. I would recommend Mohit to family and friends without any doubts, 5 star service from a 5 star guy!!
  
 
       
   Nitin Katyal 
 2026-06-03
 
 
  Best in business. From the moment I contacted Bhavna Grover, I was well informed about the options available. I will highly recommend Mortgage Matchmakers.
  
 
       
   Loredana Gheorghe 
 2026-05-18
 
 
  Excellent service from start to finish.As a first time buyer, Mohit was professional, responsive, and made the whole mortgage process smooth and stress-free. He took the time to explain everything clearly and worked hard to secure the best deal for me. Highly recommended.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
       
   Mina T 
 2026-05-15
 
 
  Mohit was really helpful and got me a mortgage offer within a few days! Thank you so much :)
  
 
       
   Basavaraj SH 
 2026-04-29
 
 
  I was referred to Bhavna (Mortgage advisor) by a friend, and I’m so glad I was. She has been amazing in helping me with my residential remortgage and finding the best deal suited to my circumstances.

Bhavna is incredibly hardworking, responsive, and communicates everything clearly and efficiently, making the whole process stress-free. She truly goes the extra mile for her clients and supports you at every step right through to completion. She also keeps an eye on the market to make sure you secure the best possible deal before everything is finalised.

I would highly recommend Bhavna to anyone looking for a reliable and dedicated mortgage advisor.
  
 
       
   Jyoti Bains 
 2026-04-02
 
 
  I’ve known Mohit for past so many years, and in that time I’ve seen firsthand just how dedicated, honest, and knowledgeable he is, both professionally and personally.

As a mortgage advisor, Mohit goes above and beyond. He takes the time to really understand your situation, explains everything clearly (no jargon or pressure), and make what can feel like a stressful process so much smoother and more manageable. What really stands out is his integrity, you genuinely feel he has your best interests at heart.

It’s rare to find someone who combines expertise with such a personal touch. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or remortgaging, you’re in very safe hands.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for trustworthy, reliable mortgage advice!
  
 
       
   Dripesh Chauhan 
 2026-03-26
 
 
  I would like to thank you Mortgage Matchmakers in helping out the mortgage for our second home. Specially I would like to thank you Bhavna for her dedication and professionalism during the process. I will highly recommend Bhavna of Mortgage Matchmakers Limited for anyone looking for a mortgage.

Dripesh & Reena
  
 
       
   Jaya Bhardwaj 
 2026-03-17
 
 
  Our experience with Bhavna from mortgage matchmakers has been absolutely fantastic. We have been using her for a while now to get mortgages on several of our properties, including buy to let properties purchased through our limited company and she has always managed to find fantastic deals for us. What particularly stands out is her communication, prompt responses to any queries and her efficiency. Even after the mortgage is approved, she constantly keeps looking to see if any better deals arrive on the market and lets you know if this is the case. She manages everything for you and we have never had any issues with any of the mortgage deals she has sorted for us. Doing business with her is a great pleasure and I would highly recommend Bhavna at Mortgage matchmakers for all of your mortgage needs.
  
 
       
   Avanish Tantry 
 2026-03-17
 
 
  I have used Mortgage Matchmakers for several mortgages now and am very happy with their service. Bhavna Grover, who has been our mortgage advisor, is excellent and I can’t recommend her enough. She is professional, very hard working, extremely prompt with her responses and gets things done in super quick time. She has always managed to find really competitive deals for me, including limited company but to let mortgages, and keeps looking out for better deals right till the end. I couldn’t ask for anything more and she completely takes the stress and hassle out of obtaining mortgages. If you are looking for a mortgage advisor and company, look no further than Bhavna and Mortgage Matchmakers.
  
 
       
   Richard Smith 
 2026-03-11
 
 
  Mohit was very professional and clearly has a good knowledge of the mortgage market. He was able to secure us a rate ahead of the increase that came in 8 hours later! Would highly recommend for all mortgage related enquiries.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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