Real Estate Development Capital Stack Explained
Commercial Real Estate Development Finance

How To Finance Ground-Up Development

Ground-up financing is not a single loan. It is a capital stack sized to execution risk, with controls that protect senior lenders and keep equity aligned. If you want us to run the process, start at How It Works.

The fastest way to get declined is to pitch a development deal like a stabilized asset. Construction lenders underwrite permits, budgets, contracts, contingency, draw controls, and takeout certainty. This page explains the capital stack and what lenders actually require.

For our Commercial Real Estate execution coverage, see Commercial Real Estate Financing. To submit a live deal, use Submit Your Deal.

What Decides Approval

Execution Package

  • Entitlements and permit status with timeline risk clearly stated.
  • GMP or hard bid and a credible GC track record.
  • Full sources and uses with contingency and soft costs.
  • Draw schedule aligned to milestones, not optimism.

Exit And Coverage

  • Takeout strategy: sale, refinance, or permanent debt.
  • Pre-leasing or pre-sales where the asset class demands it.
  • Sponsor liquidity and completion support.
  • Market evidence that rent or sales targets are realistic.
Common failure point. “We will raise the equity after the lender issues a term sheet.” In construction lending, equity is a condition, not a plan.

Real Estate Development Capital Stack

Tranche Typical Role What It Requires
Senior Construction Loan Funds the majority of hard and soft costs via draws, with strict controls. Permits, budget, GC contract, contingency, inspections, lien releases, and sponsor completion support.
Mezzanine / Junior Debt Bridges the gap between senior proceeds and required equity. Senior lender consent, intercreditor terms, clear takeout path, and reporting discipline.
Preferred Equity Fills the stack with structured equity economics and controls. Governance rights, priority return terms, and alignment with senior covenants.
Sponsor Equity First-loss capital. Demonstrates alignment and absorbs execution risk. Verified funds, timing of contribution, and sufficient liquidity after funding.
Credit Enhancement Reduces risk for lenders in specific structures or corridors. Instrument terms, conditions, and enforceability with the lender’s required form.

Capital stacks vary by asset type, entitlement status, sponsor strength, and takeout certainty.

Structures And Terms

Use the menu to keep the page short. Select a topic to see what matters in underwriting.

Capital Stack Menu
Select a topic to view details
Sizing And LTC

Senior construction debt is sized to risk. The lender wants enough equity beneath them to absorb cost overruns and schedule slippage.

  • LTC and LTV targets depend on entitlement and market depth.
  • Higher leverage usually requires stronger sponsor support and tighter controls.
  • Budget credibility matters more than a pro forma IRR.
If you cannot defend your budget line-by-line, the lender will price the deal as if it is wrong.

How Financely Executes

1) Submission

Submit the project facts, status, and target capital need via Submit Your Deal.

2) Indicative Capital Stack

We produce an indicative structure covering senior, gap, equity, and the conditions that will decide lender interest.

3) Packaging And Distribution

We produce lender-ready materials and distribute to fit counterparties. Outcome is term sheets or written declines.

4) Term Sheet To Closing

We coordinate diligence requirements and closing steps through regulated counterparties, with tight process control.

Finance A Ground-Up Development Deal

If you have site control, a real budget, and a defined timeline, submit the deal. We respond with a structured path to capital.

FAQ

How much equity do construction lenders usually require?

It depends on entitlement status, asset type, and sponsor strength. Most lenders expect meaningful equity beneath the senior loan and clear funding timing.

Can I raise gap capital before senior debt?

Sometimes, but most gap providers require senior lender alignment. The stack needs to be coordinated, not assembled in isolation.

What is the most important document for underwriting?

The full budget and sources and uses, supported by contracts, permits, and a draw schedule that matches reality.

Do you provide the loan directly?

No. Financing is provided by third-party funders and regulated counterparties, subject to underwriting and compliance.

What is a takeout and why does it matter?

Construction debt is temporary. A takeout is the plan to repay it through sale or permanent financing. Without it, lenders view the risk as open-ended.

What stage is financeable?

Most projects are financeable once site control, permits or a credible path to permits, and a defensible budget are in place. Earlier stages can be possible but are more selective.

Disclaimer: Financely operates as a transaction-led capital desk. Financing is subject to third-party underwriting, compliance, sanctions screening, and documented terms. Nothing on this page is a commitment to lend or an offer of securities.