Development Finance - Helping projects take shape - brick by brick

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Smaller builders and property developers have a huge part to play in tackling the UK’s housing shortage. In fact, they deliver between 225,000 and 275,000 homes each year – essential to keeping up with demand.

But access to finance still holds too many back. NHBC research shows 22% of developers say obtaining finance is a major barrier. Half said banks are reluctant to lend to small builders. A third said it takes too long. A quarter said lenders simply don’t understand their business.

At Saffron, we’re working to change that – brick by brick.

What's new?

We’ve refreshed our Development Finance range to make it more relevant, accessible and broker-friendly – shaped by real feedback from brokers like you.

One small click for brokers, one giant leap for our DevFi proposition

Development Finance is now available through our Broker Portal – so you can apply directly, manage cases more easily, and speed up the journey from enquiry to offer. And of course, our Business Development Team is still on hand when you need them.

Smarter pricing with real structure

We’ve introduced a new model for pricing that brings greater clarity and consistency to early conversations. It uses Tier 1 factors (like LTV or experience) to set a starting rate, and Tier 2 factors to flex that rate based on the individual case – whether that’s to reflect risk, or reward strength.

Created in collaboration with Business Development, Underwriting, Finance and Risk, the matrix is backed by a template and guidance to help make quoting smoother and quicker.

New tools. Same Saffron mindset

We might be adding new tech and sharper processes, but our personal approach, specialist knowledge, and commitment to doing what’s right for your client is still at the heart of what we do.

Our Development Finance team understands the world of smaller developers and builders. We know the funding challenges you face – and we don’t believe in off-the-shelf solutions. Instead, we assess every case on its own merits and shape lending around what works for the project in front of us.

So, if you’ve got a client with a bold vision (and even a slightly quirky build plan), it’s time to talk.

Let’s build something together.

The developments we can finance

Here’s an overview of the type of developments in which we’re interested:

• We’re happy to lend to experienced property developers or individuals with experience of the property development market, who have planning consent for a development project.

• We’ll lend on residential new build, refurbishment or property conversion projects based in England or Wales (we don’t lend in Scotland).

• We’ll lend on single properties or multi-unit developments.

• We typically provide funding of between £500,000 and £5 million but can be flexible.

• We will lend up to 90% of the costs or 70% of the gross development value, whichever is the lower.

• We will provide finance for the purchase of land as well as the construction costs.

• We’ll offer flexible terms to suit your requirements, and funding can be drawn-down in stages throughout the term of the project.

• Developers wanting to build 3+ properties, with the intention of keeping one as their main residence

• Rates are agreed on a deal-by-deal basis.