Ground up development finance

Specialist ground up development finance

Key features of our specialist ground up development finance

  • Up to 85% Loan to Cost (LTC) net of interest

  • Up to 65% Loan to Gross Development Value (LTGDV)

  • Loan amounts from £250,000 to £5,000,000

  • Terms up to 24 months (minimum 3 months interest)

  • Rolled (no serviced interest)

  • No early repayment charges

We support experienced developers* with residential property projects, providing competitive development finance loans up to 65% LTGDV and up to 85% LTC, net of interest.

* ‘Experienced developers’ will have developed 3 similar schemes within the last 5 years, contractor experience alone is not enough.

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Rates & fees

  • Interest rates: Tracker rates from 5.25% + BBR pa.
  • Catalyst facility fee: Minimum 2.00% (of total committed facility)
  • No early repayment charges
  • Exit fee: Minimum 1.00% (of total committed facility)
  • Admin fee: £1,995

Borrower

  • Experienced property developers
  • Borrowers from age 21 to 85
  • Borrowers with good credit history

Property

  • Residential and mixed use schemes
  • Urban sites in England and Wales
  • Full planning in place
  • Sites up to 20 units
  • Strong sales/rental demand required
  • Minimum 15% profit, after finance costs
  • Collateral warranties not always required

Who you'll work with

Throughout your project you’ll be supported by our expert team

‘Your service and support have been first class’ ‘I appreciate your credit-based approach’ ‘The options are workable and pragmatic. Thanks!’ ‘Quickest and most engaged lender I approached’

Your customer journey

01

Share your idea

Brokers and potential borrowers contact our New Business Team to discuss their property project and funding requirements. They can either call, email or complete a website Quick Loan Enquiry form. Our BDMs respond in person within 4 working hours!

02

Head of Terms

Our BDMs structure competitive heads of terms for the broker and borrower. Once agreed, it's time to begin the application process and submit the application pack. 

03

Application time

Your BDM will introduce you to your dedicated Catalyst Underwriter, who reviews your application and liaises with the appointed solicitors, to ensure valuations are completed and funding is agreed quickly.

04

Loan completion: Funding provided

Following the underwriting process and valuation review, your Underwriter will work with you to ensure funding is provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. Ready for you to begin your property project.

Buy to let finance FAQs

Whether you’re a first-time landlord or managing a large portfolio, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you understand how our Latitude product works — and why it’s different from mainstream BTL lending.

Specialist buy to let finance is designed for landlords who don’t meet the criteria of traditional lenders. This could include limited company structures, offshore ownership, complex portfolios, or non-standard income profiles.

We offer loans from £100,000 to £7.5 million, depending on the property, your portfolio, and your overall financial profile.

You can borrow up to 75% of the Open Market Value (OMV) of the property.

Our fixed rate is 8.75% per annum. There are no exit fees, and early repayment charges only apply within the first 18 months of the term.

Yes, but only during the initial period: 2% in year 1 and 1% from months 12 to 18. After that, no ERCs apply, giving you greater flexibility to refinance or exit early.

We consider UK individuals, limited companies, LLPs, offshore companies, and trusts. Borrowers must be between 21 and 80 years old at the end of term.

We lend on residential properties, HMOs, MUFBs (up to 10 units), and mixed-use buildings, as long as there’s strong rental or resale demand and valid ASTs in place.

We require 100% Interest Cover Ratio (ICR), offering greater flexibility for landlords with complex or non-standard income.

Yes. You can use this finance product for purchase, refinance, or to raise capital against existing property.

Yes. We offer a 12-month extension beyond the 24-month term, without any additional fee, as long as the loan has performed well.

“We see bridging finance as more than a short-term fix — it’s a tool that gives our clients the confidence to move quickly and take control of opportunities when timing really matters.”
Dan Burden, Senior Underwriter at Catalyst Property Finance
Dan Burden
Senior Underwriter
“Our ground-up development funding fills the gap between traditional low-leverage loans and equity investment. With our senior stretch product, borrowers maintain control over their projects while securing a larger share of the profits at exit.”
James Farge, Sales Director at Catalyst Property Finance
James Farge
Sales Director

Here are a few of our case studies

From your initial purchase to final sale, our funding has helped clients move quickly, unlock potential, and build with confidence. Whether it’s land acquisition, planning gain, or full-scale residential development, these case studies show what’s possible with the right finance partner by your side.

Ground up loans for investment properties

Development Finance: Residential schemes in England and Wales

Looking for funding to get your development moving? Catalyst offers fast, flexible development finance for experienced developers working on residential and mixed use schemes.

If you’re building from the ground up, we’re here to help you secure the capital you need to deliver your project with confidence.

What is development finance?

Development finance is a type of short-term funding used to support the build or conversion of property developments. Loans are typically drawn in stages to align with the progress of your project, helping to manage cash flow and keep things on track.

At Catalyst, we fund residential-led developments across England and Wales, with a strong focus on local expertise and hands-on support.

Why choose our specialist development finance?

Our development finance is designed for experienced property developers looking to fund residential or mixed-use projects from the ground up. With competitive rates, flexible structuring, and a responsive team, we support you from land acquisition through to final sale or refinance.

Straightforward, fast funding. All projects considered.

Call our New Business Team on  01202 112 900  to discuss your development finance enquiry.