Development finance for UK residential and commercial schemes
Introductions to UK development finance specialists for residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes. Structured around land, build and exit, sale or refinance.
Commercial office development representing development finance for UK businesses.At a glance
| Finance type | Development Finance |
|---|---|
| Coverage | UK-wide, London-priority |
| Service | Introduction to a UK finance specialist. Bridge is not a lender. |
| Typical timeframe | Assessment takes minutes. Onward timelines are set by the specialist you speak with. |
| Advice status | Not regulated financial advice. |
Common use cases
- Ground-up residential and mixed-use schemes
- Commercial and industrial developments
- Conversions and permitted-development projects
- Heavy refurbishment with structural change
Who it may suit
- Experienced property developers and property businesses
- Property investors with a documented scheme and costs
- Developers with a clear delivery and exit strategy
- UK-registered companies and project SPVs
Availability, terms and eligibility are determined by the specialist you speak with.
Next step, start the Bridge Funding Intelligence Assessment or read how Bridge Commercial Finance introductions work. You can also compare every option on the UK commercial finance solutions overview or explore Scottish commercial mortgage coverage.
What is development finance?
Development finance is specialist funding used to support property development projects, land acquisition, ground-up residential and commercial developments, mixed-use schemes, conversions and refurbishment or redevelopment works. Unlike standard property finance, it is often structured around project stages, build costs, valuations and the planned exit route.
Bridge is an introduction service only. We do not lend money and do not provide regulated financial advice, any lending decision, terms and eligibility are determined by the specialist provider. See every option on the UK commercial finance overview.
Common development finance uses
| Project type | Example |
|---|---|
| Ground-up development | New residential or commercial construction projects |
| Conversion projects | Changing existing buildings into new uses |
| Refurbishment | Major improvement or redevelopment works |
| Mixed-use schemes | Combining residential and commercial elements |
| Land purchase | Acquiring development opportunities |
Development finance considerations
| Area | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Planning position | Determines development certainty |
| Build costs | Helps establish funding requirements |
| Developer experience | Demonstrates delivery capability |
| Exit strategy | Shows how finance will be repaid |
| Project viability | Supports overall assessment |
Development finance vs other finance options
| Finance type | Common purpose |
|---|---|
| Development Finance | Construction, conversion and redevelopment projects |
| Bridging Finance | Short-term funding before longer-term finance or completion |
| Commercial Mortgage | Longer-term property finance after completion |
| Asset Finance | Funding business equipment and assets |
Working capital requirements may instead suit invoice finance or business loans.
Development finance process
- 1Assessment
Understand the scheme, costs and funding requirement
- 2Review
Consider possible specialist finance routes
- 3Introduction
Connect with an appropriate provider
- 4Specialist assessment
Provider reviews viability, security and exit strategy
Begin with the confidential Funding Readiness Assessment and tell Bridge about your scheme.
Types of developments supported
- Residential developments
- Commercial buildings
- Office conversions
- Industrial projects
- Mixed-use developments
- Refurbishment schemes
Land acquisition ahead of a build is often supported by bridging finance, and completed schemes are commonly refinanced onto a commercial mortgage.
Why use Bridge Commercial Finance?
- Confidential Funding Readiness Assessment
- Clear understanding of your project requirements
- Introduction to relevant specialist providers
- UK-wide commercial finance coverage
- Straightforward initial process
Bridge is an introduction service only and does not provide regulated financial advice, read how introductions work.
Development finance guides
Individual development finance scenarios explained, from ground-up schemes to conversions and refurbishment projects.