Property Development Finance & Land Purchase in West London
From site acquisition to final unit sales, we arrange specialist development finance that funds the ambition of developers at every stage of their journey.
Introduction
What Is Development Finance?
Development finance is a specialist short-term lending product designed to fund property development projects — from land purchase and new builds to large-scale conversions and mixed-use developments. Unlike other forms of property finance, development loans are typically drawn down in stages, with the lender releasing funds against the value of works completed as the project progresses toward its Gross Development Value (GDV).
The West London property market offers compelling development opportunities — from permitted development conversions of commercial buildings to residential, to new build schemes on brownfield land, to the subdivision of large period properties into high-value apartment schemes. Identifying the right finance for each type of project, at the right loan-to-cost (LTC) and loan-to-GDV ratios, is critical to a project's viability.
West London Property & Let works with a curated panel of development finance lenders — from challenger banks and boutique development lenders to family offices and peer-to-peer platforms. Our advisers have practical knowledge of development finance structures and will identify the lender and product best suited to your scheme.
Who is it for?
Who Is Development Finance For?
Development finance is used by:
- Experienced property developers undertaking new build residential schemes
- Developers pursuing permitted development conversions (office to residential, etc.)
- Investors purchasing land with or without planning permission
- Small and medium-sized developers building 1–50 units
- Property professionals undertaking large-scale HMO conversions
- First-time developers with strong professional backgrounds (subject to lender appetite)
Why Choose West London Property & Let?
Development Lender Expertise
We understand development finance structures — LTC ratios, GDV assessments, monitoring surveyors — and work with lenders who are active and competitive in this space.
Staged Drawdown Management
We coordinate staged drawdowns throughout your build programme, ensuring funds are available when needed without paying interest on undrawn amounts.
From Land to Exit
We can arrange finance from land purchase through to the development loan — and then onto the long-term product (BTL, commercial, or sale) at practical completion.
How It Works
Scheme Appraisal
We review your development appraisal — land cost, build cost, GDV, timeline — and identify suitable lenders and products.
Indicative Terms
We obtain indicative loan terms from multiple lenders, giving you a clear picture of the funding available before committing to a site.
Full Application
We manage the full application process, including coordination with the lender's monitoring surveyor and your professional team.
Drawdown & Exit
We coordinate staged drawdowns throughout the build and plan your exit — refinance to long-term finance or forward sale — from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What loan-to-cost ratio is available for development finance?
Most development lenders will advance up to 65–70% of total project costs (land + build), and up to 55–65% of GDV. Senior stretch and mezzanine finance can increase total funding to 80–90% of costs for the right schemes.
Do I need planning permission before applying?
For a standard development loan, yes — most lenders require at least outline planning. However, land loans are available for sites with or without planning, and bridging finance can be used for land acquisition ahead of planning being obtained.
Can first-time developers access development finance?
Some lenders will consider first-time developers with strong professional backgrounds (e.g., architects, project managers, quantity surveyors). Most lenders prefer developers with a demonstrable track record.
What is a monitoring surveyor?
A monitoring surveyor (or project monitor) is appointed by the lender to inspect works at each drawdown stage and certify that works have been completed to the required standard and specification. Their fees are typically added to the project costs.
What are the typical loan terms?
Development loans are typically arranged for 12–24 months, with the facility structured around the project timeline. Extensions are available where projects overrun.