Atlas › Finance we arrange › Development finance
Development finance
Development finance funds the land and build costs of a property scheme, released in stages as the work progresses, and is repaid from sale or refinance once the scheme completes. Atlas prepares and underwrites your scheme first, so the lenders who see it are the ones whose criteria it actually fits.
What it's used for
- Ground-up residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes
- Conversions, including office or commercial to residential
- Heavy refurbishment and extensions
- Site purchase with planning, where the build follows on
What lenders look at
- The gross development value (GDV) and how it is evidenced
- Total costs: land, build, professional fees, contingency and finance costs
- Your track record and that of the contractor and professional team
- Planning status and any conditions still to discharge
- The exit: sales evidence, pre-sales or a refinance route
What you'll need to send
You don't need everything on day one. Start with what you have; Atlas tells you what's missing as the deal is underwritten.
- Planning permission and drawings
- Build cost schedule or quantity surveyor's report
- Appraisal showing costs, GDV and profit
- Development CV for the sponsor
- Contractor details and build programme
- Company structure and any existing borrowing
How Atlas handles it
- Describe the deal. In your own words, online or on WhatsApp. Rough figures are fine.
- We underwrite it. Atlas checks the figures, asks the questions lenders will ask, and builds a complete pack.
- We match it. Your deal goes to the lenders on our panel whose criteria it fits, not to everyone.
- You compare terms. Lenders respond on the platform, and we help you through to completion.
Have a development finance deal? Start it on Atlas in a few minutes. Introducers and brokers can submit on behalf of clients.
Start a dealCommon questions
How much can lenders typically advance?
It varies by lender and scheme. Many lenders work to a percentage of total costs and a separate cap against GDV, with stronger schemes and experienced sponsors reaching higher. Atlas shows you the realistic range for your scheme before it goes out.
Can I get development finance without experience?
Some lenders will fund first-time developers on smaller or simpler schemes, usually with an experienced contractor and professional team in place. Your track record is one of the first things Atlas assesses.
How long does it take?
Timescales depend on the lender, valuation and legal work. A complete, underwritten pack shortens the lender's review because their questions are answered up front.
Other finance we arrange
- Bridging financeShort-term loans secured on property, repaid by sale or refinance.
- Invoice financeFunding released against your sales ledger.
- Asset financeFunding for vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment.
- Business loans and working capitalGrowth, working capital and acquisition funding.
- Football financeTransfer fees, receivables, media advances and club funding.
- Infrastructure and project financeSenior debt for energy, infrastructure and large projects.