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Connect the site appraisal, permissions, build programme and exit before arranging the facility.
Explore the stages, not a fixed schedule. Legal work, lending and property checks often overlap. This is a guide, not a tracker of your application. Purchase references to exchange and completion use England and Wales; ask your solicitor about Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Start with the site, proposed scheme, cost appraisal and delivery experience. These form part of the information a development lender may review.
Prepare the site details, works outline, appraisal and track record.
You, project team and adviser
The project brief and funding need are clear.
Background reading: Shawbrook — Development finance — an example lender process ↗
Planning permission and building regulations approval are separate considerations. Check the relevant authority and nation-specific process.
Record permission status, conditions and the approvals still needed.
Planning consultant, designer and relevant authority
Your team understands the approvals and dependencies.
Background reading: GOV.UK — Planning permission ↗
Set out project costs, your equity and the intended exit. A lender may assess the scheme and its projected completed value.
Prepare a cost plan, cash-flow forecast, contingency and exit assumptions.
You, cost consultant and adviser
Funding assumptions and possible shortfalls are visible.
Background reading: Shawbrook — Development finance — an example lender process ↗
The lender may require valuation, monitoring and legal due diligence before the facility can proceed. Requirements vary by lender and scheme.
Coordinate reports and answers to the lender’s conditions.
Lender, valuer, monitoring surveyor and solicitors
The facility terms and initial drawdown conditions are understood.
Background reading: Shawbrook — Development finance — an example lender process ↗
Development funding may be released in stages. Check the facility’s evidence and inspection requirements rather than assuming cash arrives before a contractor payment.
Align draw requests, progress evidence and your cash buffer.
You, contractor, monitoring surveyor and lender
The next draw request meets the agreed conditions.
Background reading: Shawbrook — Development finance — an example lender process ↗
Plan the sales or refinance work alongside the build. Check the completion documents your exit route requires.
Track final approvals, sale or refinance progress and repayment figures.
Project team, lender and solicitors
Repayment and the release of security are confirmed.
Background reading: GOV.UK — Building regulations approval ↗
Sources checked 12 October 2026. Process explanations are summarised; preparation prompts and checkpoints are editorial checklists, not requirements imposed by the source. Follow the linked original for its scope and updates.
MoneyHelper provides public money guidance. GOV.UK provides government information. British Business Bank explains business finance. Shawbrook is an example of one lender’s development process, not a whole-market rule or endorsement. Terms, approvals and timescales depend on the case. These guides do not replace personal financial, legal, tax or technical advice.
Start with the property address or site details, intended use, estimated purchase and works costs, available equity, important dates and intended repayment route. An outline is enough for the first conversation; send sensitive documents only through an agreed secure channel.
Finance, legal work and technical advice depend on each other. Keep a short action list with the person responsible, the question to resolve and the next decision date. Revisit the budget when the scheme, property or terms change.
Discuss development finance ↗Tell Jack what you want to do, the stage you have reached and any important deadline.