Property Developers: Your 5-Step Plan to Finance-Ready

Even a seasoned property developer can fall short when it comes to finance and funding their projects.

Are you relying on cash now and planning to get finance “later”?

Or diving into a build without speaking to a tax advisor first?

Whether you’re a property developer applying for finance or self-funding, getting finance-ready from the outset leads to smoother projects, fewer delays, and greater confidence from investors or lenders.

Here’s our 5 step guide:

1. Start with the Right Structure

Your legal and tax structure will affect everything from how you borrow, to how you pay tax, to how easily you can exit the project.

• Speak to your accountant or tax advisor before setting anything up, it could save you thousands later

• Use an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) to simplify borrowing, accounting, and exit planning

• Avoid using your personal name or trading business without advice, it can create tax and VAT complications

• Get early guidance on VAT recovery, SDLT, and the tax treatment of future profits

2. Speak to a Finance Broker Early

Even if you’re planning to use your own funds initially, speak to a development finance broker as soon as possible.

• Early advice helps you understand your funding options and how long approvals might take

• A broker will guide you through lender expectations and help you avoid pitfalls

• Leaving it until your cash starts to run out usually means worse rates and reduced flexibility

• Even if you don’t need a loan now, being “lender ready” can make a big difference down the line

3. Know What Lenders Expect 

Most lenders won’t just hand over the full amount upfront.

They release funds in tranches, signed off by a Quantity Surveyor (QS).

• Be aware that you may not get to choose the QS but you can still plan for the process

• Expect checks on your schedule, insurance, warranties, and contractor credentials

• If you’re self-funding now but planning to refinance or sell later, following lender principles early will make that easier.

4. Build a Paper Trail

Good documentation builds confidence, keeps your project on track, and makes funding or exit conversations easier.

• Prepare a clear development plan covering scope, timeline, budget, and projected GDV

• Your accountant and broker can help you refine this into a finance-ready pack

• Keep digital copies of key documents: legal packs, planning approvals, contracts, site plans, and warranties

• Use project management or cashflow tools to monitor spend and track progress

5. Understand the Role of Insurance

Insurance is often overlooked, but without the right cover, you may not even be eligible for finance.

• Most lenders require specific build and site insurance before funds are released

• Once building work begins, some insurance options can be limited or difficult to obtain.

• Even if you’re self-funding, cover is critical especially for change-of-use or new build developments

• Some policies can’t be backdated, so getting this right from day one protects your investment

Are you a Property Developer looking to Get Finance Ready?

Laying the right foundations before you start a development is crucial and that starts with a solid, joined-up strategy across structure, tax, and finance.

To help you cover all bases before breaking ground, we can:

• Structure your project with the right ownership model

• Clarify your tax position and VAT obligations

• Build a lender-ready finance pack

• Set up tools to enable you to track the cash being spent on your projects

• Future-proof your development even if you’re self-funding

• Connect you with trusted specialist finance brokers

Talk to us

We support property developers and investors at every stage from startups to seasoned professionals.

If you’re serious about building a profitable and sustainable property business, having the right accountant and specialist broker in your corner makes all the difference.

Call us on 01634 731 390 or complete the contact form below to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation.

Our services

If you would like to find out more about some of our services that might help you please take a look at our related pages:

Property Investors

Property Developers

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The content in this blog is correct as at 7th August 2025. See terms and conditions.