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Acorn Development Desk · Senior Debt, Mezzanine & Site Finance

Development Finance: Structure Your Capital Stack for Maximum Return

Bespoke funding for ground-up residential builds, commercial-to-residential PD conversions, and site acquisitions. Senior debt up to 70% GDV / 85% LTC plus mezzanine top-ups.

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The Development Capital Stack

Four Products, One Funding Structure

Every scheme is built from these layers — we combine them to minimise your cash equity and maximise return on cost.

GROUND-UP & CONVERSIONS

Senior Development Debt

Best for: Experienced housebuilders and regional developers.

  • Up to 65%–70% LTGDV (Gross Development Value)
  • Up to 80%–85% LTC (Total Loan-to-Cost)
  • Staged drawdown tranches funded in arrears
  • Non-compounding rolled interest
MINIMISE DEVELOPER EQUITY

Stretched Senior Finance

Best for: Capital-efficient developers looking to stretch senior debt beyond standard LTV thresholds.

  • Up to 75% LTGDV
  • Up to 90% LTC
  • Reduces required cash deposit by 40–50% vs traditional bank senior debt
GAP FUNDING

Mezzanine & Equity Top-Up Capital

Best for: Developers with capital tied up in active projects who need top-up equity for a second site acquisition.

  • Sits behind senior debt as a second charge
  • Bridges the gap between senior loan and developer equity
  • Up to 90% LTC combined leverage
CUT MONTHLY INTEREST

Development Exit Bridging

Best for: Developers approaching practical completion who want to repay high development rates while marketing units for sale.

  • Replaces development debt with lower-rate bridging finance
  • Releases working capital for the next site
  • Extends the sales window without default penalties

Project Scheme Types Covered

From Single Plots to Full Estates

Residential Ground-Up Builds

Single luxury plots, multi-unit housing estates, and apartment blocks.

Commercial-to-Residential PD (Class MA)

Office block, warehouse, and retail conversions into self-contained flats.

Heavy Refurbishment & Extensions

Structural extensions, HMO conversions, and airspace developments.

Land & Site Acquisitions

Unconditional site purchases, sites with outline or full planning permission, and option agreements.

Interactive Estimator

Development Capital Stack Calculator

Model your total cost, senior debt, equity requirement, and profit on cost in real time.

£600,000
£1,200,000
£200,000
£3,000,000
Total Development Cost (LTC)£2,000,000
Senior Debt Available (65% GDV / 80% LTC)£1,600,000
Estimated Developer Cash Equity Required£400,000
Projected Developer Profit on Cost50.0%

🟢 Profit on Cost Meets the Typical 20%+ Lender Benchmark

Submit Scheme for Pre-Approval

Indicative illustration only. Senior debt is the lower of 65% of GDV and 80% of total cost, before fees and interest. Terms subject to full underwrite, valuation, IMS appointment, and status.

Important Tax & Financial Advice Notice

Acorn Finance is a specialist credit broker authorised and regulated by the FCA, not a tax advisory firm or accountant. Development projects, SPV corporate structures, Capital Allowances, Option to Tax (VAT on commercial land), and Corporation Tax on development profits carry distinct legal and tax implications. The information on this page is designed to highlight key structural considerations so you can lead an informed discussion with your qualified accountant or chartered tax specialist.

Keep Exploring

Related Development Finance Hubs & Guides

Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks (MUFBs)

Title engineering and equity release for multi-let blocks.

Refurbishment & Conversion Finance Hub

Light and heavy refurbishment capital matched to your project.

Revolving Credit Facilities for Developers

Rolling credit lines — draw, develop, repay, repeat.

Unmortgageable Property Strategy Guide

BRR and bridging strategies for assets banks won't touch.

Common Questions

Development Finance FAQs