Property Development Finance in Kent
Kent
Kent is often referred to as ‘The Garden of England’, and for good reason. With its rich history, varied landscapes of rolling countryside and picturesque coastlines, as well as proximity to London, it remains one of the most attractive counties for property development in the South East.
Whether it’s the city life of historic Canterbury, the peaceful charm of towns like Royal Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, or the seaside appeal of places like Whitstable and Margate, Kent offers a perfect mix of urban and rural living. It’s no surprise the area continues to attract investors and developers looking to tap into strong demand for housing.
Thanks to excellent rail and road links to the capital, including high-speed services into St Pancras, Kent is home to a large commuter population looking for a better quality of life and more property for their money, outside London. From splitting a townhouse into stylish apartments in Maidstone, to new-build eco homes in Ashford, or restoring a barn in the Kent Downs into a countryside retreat, there’s a property development opportunity at every turn.
If you’ve found the perfect plot or property to transform, we’re here to help. With over a decade of experience providing property development finance in Kent, we’ve helped bring countless projects to life.
What You Need to Know about Property Development in Kent
While many aspects of property development in Kent are similar to those elsewhere in the UK, there are some local laws and regulations worth keeping in mind. A large part of rural Kent falls within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which means developments in these regions may be subject to stricter planning controls, although they still come under the National Planning Policy Framework.
Broadly, this means that sustainable developments are more likely to be granted planning permission. However, permission may not be granted if “any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits”.
Neighbourhood and Local Plans are also in place across districts like Maidstone, Canterbury, and Tunbridge Wells, so it’s essential to be aware of specific local policies when submitting planning applications.
Biodiversity is another key issue in Kent. Developments may need to consider protected species such as dormice, bats, and rare invertebrates. Kent County Council highlights the importance of ecological assessments, particularly in areas close to ancient woodland or wetland habitats.
For example, developers in Kent should consider that if their proposed development potentially impacts protected species or habitats, a survey must be carried out by a qualified ecologist. If evidence of protected species is found, a mitigation strategy and potentially a licence from Natural England will be required before work can begin.
The Kent Property Market
Like much of the South East, Kent consistently performs well in terms of high property values and demand. However, that can vary significantly by area and is not spread evenly across the county.
Towns and cities like Canterbury, Folkestone and Dartford experience a high demand for flats, townhouses, and smaller homes, which are ideal for first-time buyers and young professionals. These areas often see conversions of older properties into multiple modern apartments to meet that demand.
In the commuter belt towns like Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and Ashford, developers will find a strong appetite for 3- and 4-bedroom detached and semi-detached family homes. Proximity to schools, access to green spaces, and large train stations make these areas especially popular with families relocating from the capital.
As with the rest of the UK, sustainable housing is becoming a major trend in Kent too. Buyers are looking for homes with solar panels, heat pumps, EV charging points and superior insulation. With Kent’s high levels of sunshine, solar panels in particular can be a welcome addition to any development project.
Locations with direct rail access to London, such as Ebbsfleet, Rochester, Maidstone and Ashford, are increasingly attractive to commuters and hybrid workers, broadening your market and boosting resale potential.
Property Developments We Have Financed in Kent
We’ve successfully financed a range of property development projects in Kent including flats, apartments, terraced houses and large detached family homes.
- New Build Detached Homes in Shadoxhurst – £750k Loan
- New Builds in Challock – £985k Loan
- 6 x Individual Apartment in Sydenham, South East London – Ongoing
- Demo Bungalow & Build New in Crayford, South East London – £1m Loan
- 4-Bedroom Detached Property in Hastings – £680k Loan
Why choose an independent broker in West Sussex?
We are unlike banks in that we lend our own funds as independent lenders. Based in West Sussex, we have a huge amount of experience in property development projects in the South East of England, meaning we can offer relevant help and advice right at the moment you need it. Not only is our development finance quicker and cheaper than banks, we are also a supportive ear who understands the challenges of the local market.
Types of Property Development Finance in Kent
Development Finance
Development finance for private residential property developments in the South East UK.
Equity Finance
Equity finance for property developers in return for a share of the development’s profit.
Bridging Loans
Bridging loans for developers to provide short-term finance to ‘bridge the gap in projects.
Pre-completion Loans
Pre-completion finance loans for property developments that are very close to completion.
Exit Finance
Exit finance is used to repay outstanding development finance so that it's ready for sale.
What Our Developers Have To Say
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