Development finance support

We support brokers placing development finance for residential projects that sit outside mainstream lending. Our experience helps you assess development cases early, structure them appropriately, and move your client forward with confidence.

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What is development finance?

Development finance is a specialised form of funding designed to support residential construction projects, with funds released in stages to track progress. It’s typically used when a client is constructing, converting, or significantly refurbishing a property with the intention of selling or letting it on completion.  

This type of financing is not affordability-backed, is short-term, and fees and interest can be retained throughout the build and repaid with the net advance loan on completion.  Lenders will usually assess the overall viability of the development, including costs, timelines, exit strategy, build team and applicants’ experience rather than just the property in its current state. 

For brokers, working with us on development finance can be a suitable route when a client’s project requires flexibility and staged funding, with a lender that understands the realities of building and development

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Two construction workers on a building site, wearing safety helmets and harnesses, working among protruding steel rebar on a concrete structure against a blue sky with some clouds.

Why do you need a specialist?

Development finance brings a different set of considerations to standard residential lending. Viability, cashflow, exit strategy, and lender appetite all play a critical role, and small details can have a significant impact on whether a case progresses smoothly.

Early assessment and a clear structure are essential, particularly when funding is released in stages and lender requirements vary by project type. Our role is to support you in navigating this by offering:

  • Free professional costing service: We provide a complimentary, fully costed schedule of works prepared by our in-house chartered engineer. Most lenders require this before they’ll even consider an application, and most clients don’t know their true costs without expert help. 

  • Feasibility first: We assess your client’s project upfront, so you know it’s viable before you commit. 

  • Cashflow forecast: We provide you with a detailed cashflow, so youcan illustrate to the client when and how much they will get at each drawdown during the build  

  • Lender matchmaking: We identify the right lenders for your client’s unique build, saving you time and hassle. 

  • Sorting all trades: Need contractors? We can source and coordinate every trade your client needs to complete the job, taking the stress out of recruitment. 

  • Clear structure: We set expectations early, keeping you and your client on track from day one. 

Why Mayflower
A two-story house under construction with wooden framing and a concrete block foundation, with a clear blue sky and trees nearby.

Choose how you want to work with Mayflower

  • Packager service

    If you want to remain closely involved in the advice process, we will work alongside you to:

    ✓ Assess project viability and lender fit.

    ✓ Provide a complimentary fully costed schedule of works.

    ✓ Navigate construction-specific challenges.

    ✓ Provide a cashflow forecast for your clients’s project.

    ✓ Minimum proc. fee paid of 0.4% up to 1%.

  • Refer clients directly

    Refer your client directly to Mayflower and we:

    ✓ Manage the whole advice process from initial enquiry through to completion.

    ✓ Keep you updated at every stage. You have 24/7 access through your Mayflower portal.

    ✓ Post-build, no contact is made by us.

    ✓ We don’t cross-sell any personal insurance.

    ✓ Minimum 0.16% fee paid for referrals on completion.

Experience you can rely on

At Mayflower, development finance is a core part of our specialist focus. Our team regularly works on residential development cases and understands the practical considerations lenders look for when assessing viability, structure, and risk. 

We provide brokers with clear, realistic guidance, helping development finance cases progress with greater clarity and fewer unexpected obstacles.

Case Studies
Front view of a suburban house with brick and stone exterior, two garage doors, a front porch, and trees on either side.

Ready to discuss a development finance case?

If you’re working with a client who requires development finance and would like specialist support, we’d love to hear from you. You can register to submit a case, or get in touch if you’d like to talk something through first.

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