Development Finance Advice
Structured finance for property development
Whether you’re building from the ground up, converting an existing property, or funding a multi-unit scheme, the right finance can make the difference between momentum and delay. We help you structure development funding that fits your project, your timeline, and your exit strategy so you can move forward on solid footing.
Most first calls with a Haupt & Co Development Finance Specialist only take 15–20 minutes
No obligation, just clear advice
Understanding Development Finance
Short-term funding for projects that don't fit standard mortgages released in stages as work completes, priced on risk and complexity, with terms typically 12-24 months and exit via sale or refinance.
Common projects we support include:
- Ground-up residential development (single units through to multi-unit schemes)
- Conversions (commercial-to-residential, HMOs, split into flats)
- Heavy refurbishments and extensions
- Mixed-use developments
- Land with planning (or conditional planning) strategies
The best solution balances speed, cost, flexibility, and risk while keeping your contingency and exit plan front and centre.
What we do
We structure development finance that fits your project matching the right lenders to your deal, negotiating terms that protect your position, and helping you move quickly when opportunities arise.
We help you:
- Assess suitable funding options based on your project, experience, and planning position
- Structure leverage sensibly, with contingencies and exit strategy in focus
- Provide clear visibility on costs, risks, and lender expectations
- Translate complex lending criteria into practical, commercial decisions
- Challenge assumptions that could weaken the deal or cause issues later
- Support informed decisions so your funding structure works in practice
Our advice is grounded in experience, careful assessment, and a clear understanding of how development finance works in practice.
Haupt & Co is a whole-of-market, FCA-regulated mortgage and protection broker, supporting clients with well-structured property finance solutions.
What we'll cover in an initial conversation:
- Your project overview: location, scope, planning position, and timeline
- How lenders assess GDV, build costs, contingencies, and experience
- The funding structure: deposits, drawdowns, interest, and fees
- Your exit plan (sale, refinance, or retained portfolio strategy)
- What you need to prepare to move quickly (documents + next steps)
No obligation - just straightforward guidance tailored to your project.
Most of our clients are referred to us by existing customers
How it Works
Our process is designed to be structured, transparent, and easy to follow, keeping your project moving at each stage.
Understand
Research & Advice
Apply
Support
- Start with a focused discussion to understand your project, timeline, and objectives
- Clarify your exit strategy and what lenders will need to see at each stage
- Research and compare suitable lenders across the market
- Recommend a funding structure and explain terms, costs, and drawdowns clearly
- Package and submit your case, coordinating valuations and lender requirements
- Stay involved as the project progresses, supporting drawdowns and changes as needed
The process is managed with care and attention at each stage, so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.
Development Finance FAQs
No two situations are the same. These are some of the questions we’re asked most often.
Do I need planning permission before applying?
Not always. Some lenders will consider finance with planning in progress, but terms and lender appetite depend heavily on your strategy, experience, and evidence of progress. If speed matters, we’ll advise on realistic routes and what documentation will strengthen your position.
How much deposit do I need?
It varies based on the project, your experience, the site, and lender criteria. Many deals involve a combination of borrower equity plus staged funding, with lender focus on Gross Development Value (GDV), build costs, and contingency. We’ll walk you through the numbers clearly and help you structure the funding sensibly.
How do drawdowns work?
Development finance is typically released in stages as work is completed. A monitoring surveyor (MS) usually signs off each stage before funds are released. We’ll explain the drawdown schedule, what to expect, and how to minimise delays.
What costs should I budget for besides the interest rate?
Development finance pricing is more than a headline rate. You may also see arrangement fees, valuation fees, MS monitoring fees, legal costs, and exit fees depending on the product. We’ll provide a clear breakdown upfront so you can make an informed decision.
How quickly can development finance complete?
Timescales depend on the lender, your documentation, valuation/QS availability, and legal complexity. If you have a tight deadline, we’ll recommend the most practical route and help you prioritise what to prepare to move quickly.
I’m new to development - can I still get finance?
Possibly. Some lenders will consider first-time developers, especially with the right professional team, a strong deal, and a sensible structure. We’ll be honest about what’s realistic and how to improve lender confidence.
Can I use bridging finance instead?
In some situations, yes – especially for acquisitions, auctions, or when works are needed before refinance or longer-term development funding. We’ll explain when bridging is appropriate, and when it becomes an expensive workaround.
Will you push me into a product that isn’t right?
No. Our advice is built around suitability and clarity. We’ll explain options, trade-offs, and costs in plain English so you can choose the route that fits your project and risk comfort.
What’s the first step?
A short conversation to understand your project and goals. From there, we’ll outline your options, what you’ll need to prepare, and the most sensible next move – without obligation.