Development Finance Calculator
Use our development loan calculator to get an instant estimate of how much you could borrow, what your finance is likely to cost, and your projected profit. Enter your site cost, build cost and GDV – no personal details required.
How this calculator works
The calculator models your loan the way a development lender would price it. It applies loan-to-cost (LTC) and loan-to-GDV (LTGDV) caps to work out your maximum facility, then calculates interest on the average drawn balance – not the full loan from day one – because development finance is drawn in stages as the build progresses.
Your results include an itemised breakdown of finance costs: interest, arrangement fee, exit fee and broker fee, alongside your total project cost, required equity and projected profit. Toggle between standard senior and stretched senior terms to compare leverage options.
From estimate to quote
The figures above are a development finance estimate, not a formal offer. A full quote depends on factors a calculator can’t capture: your development track record, the site’s location and planning status, build type, and current lender appetite.
In practice, terms from our lender panel often improve on the calculator’s assumptions – particularly on rate and fees for experienced developers with strong schemes. Send us your figures and we’ll return an indicative quote, typically within 24 hours.
What affects the costs?
Four levers drive the total cost of a development loan:
- Interest rate: Priced on risk – leverage, experience, asset type and location. Stretched senior facilities carry higher rates in exchange for higher LTC.
- Fees: Arrangement fees are typically 1–2% of the facility, with some lenders charging an exit fee of 1–2% of the loan or GDV. Both are usually deducted from or added to the facility rather than paid upfront.
- Build term: Interest accrues for the life of the loan, so an 18-month term costs materially more than 12. Realistic build programmes keep costs honest.
- Drawdown profile: Because funds are released in stages, slower early drawdowns reduce your average balance and total interest. This is why calculator estimates based on average drawn balance are more accurate than flat-rate calculations.
Development finance calculator FAQs
It’s an indicative estimate based on typical market terms. Actual pricing varies with your experience, the scheme and the lender – but for a well-structured deal, expect final terms within a reasonable range of the calculator’s output, and often better on rate.
Most lenders cap lending at 85–90% of total project costs or 65–75% of GDV, whichever is lower. Stretched senior facilities sit at the top of that range; standard senior below it. The calculator applies both caps automatically.
A formal quote sets out the facility amount, interest rate, arrangement and exit fees, term, drawdown schedule and any conditions – such as personal guarantees or pre-sales requirements. It follows an initial assessment of your scheme and experience.
Interest is charged only on funds drawn, and is usually “rolled up” – added to the loan and repaid at the end rather than serviced monthly. This is why lenders quote against your average drawn balance across the build.
Typically 10–15% of total project costs for stretched senior, or 20–25% for standard senior terms. The calculator shows your required equity for both. Mezzanine finance can reduce the cash you need to contribute.
No. The calculator doesn’t ask for personal details and no credit check takes place. A credit search only happens later in a formal application, with your consent.