Funding for 1-3 Unit Projects

Development Finance for Small Residential Developments

While many lenders prefer larger projects, Hunter Finance provides development finance for smaller residential projects, including single-unit developments, two-unit schemes and small three-unit sites.

As an independent lender, we use our own funds and treat each project on its merits. If your project is well-costed and has a clear exit strategy, we want to hear from you.

Small Residential Project We Can Consider

Small residential developments can be the perfect starting point for private developers. They’re often more manageable than larger schemes and can deliver strong returns relative to their scale. However, many lenders prefer larger projects.

If you’ve found your scheme is too small for funding from mainstream banks, we want to talk to you. We’re here for developers working on:

  • A single new build house or flat
  • A two or three-unit residential scheme
  • A small infill site within an existing residential area
  • A property conversion
  • A refurbishment
  • Builders and tradespeople completing their first self-developed project
4 detached houses wittering Chichester new build

How Hunter Finance Can Help

Roofing Started at Alton, Hampshire property

Development Finance

Development finance for private residential property developments in the South East UK.

The cost of building in London vs in Sussex - row of London houses

Bridging Loans

Bridging loans for developers to provide short-term finance to ‘bridge the gap in projects.

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Equity Finance

Equity finance for property developers in return for a share of the development’s profit.

Bookham Case Study

Pre-completion Loans

Pre-completion finance loans for property developments that are very close to completion.

complete guide to development exit finance

Exit Finance

Exit finance is used to repay outstanding development finance so that it's ready for sale.

Why Small Development Finance Needs the Right Lender

Not every lender is set up to deal with small developments. Mainstream banks may prefer larger loan sizes with bigger returns, or their underwriting process may not be suited to hands-on, owner-managed projects.

However, we look at things differently. We understand that small projects still need a proper financial structure, and that they still offer fantastic opportunities.

  • Other small developers choose Hunter Finance because:
  • We are an independent lender using our own funds
  • We make decisions quickly
  • We deal with each project individually, and a small development gets the same attention as a larger one
  • You speak directly with someone who can make a lending decision
  • No broker fees, no upfront costs, no commitment to get an indicative offer

We’ve worked with over 500 developers across the South East, funding more than 800 new build properties. Many of these have been smaller residential schemes.

2 house property development

What We Need From You

For a small development, we’ll need details of:

  • Site location and planning status
  • The purchase price or current value of the land or property
  • Detailed build costs and completion timescales, including realistic contingency
  • Expected GDV for each unit on completion
  • The details and experience of the developer and contractor
  • Your exit strategy, such as the sale of the units or refinance onto a long-term residential mortgage

For more information, read our Lending Criteria.

Chingford Semi-detached house development

Why Property Developers Choose Hunter Finance

Fast Decisions

Most decisions are made within 7 days, and an agreement in principle as fast as 24 hours.

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Up to 100% of build costs

Our loans can support up to 100% of the build costs, helping you keep work moving without tying up unnecessary capital.

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No broker or upfront fees

No middleman, and an agreement in principle costs nothing.

Independent lender

Deal directly with Hunter Finance. We use our own funds and make our own decisions.

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No Project Too Small

We treat each project individually, and a small development gets the same attention as a larger one.

Up to 60% towards land or property purchase

We can lend up to 60% loan-to-value towards the acquisition of the land or property, depending on the project.

Our Successful Residential Projects

We’ve funded a wide range of small residential developments across the South East. For example, we recently provided £250,000 of funding for a successful Bungalow Conversion in Ware, Hertfordshire.

An existing bungalow was extended and converted into a 3-bedroom house, which was later sold for a healthy profit. View our other case studies to find out how we’ve helped developers like you.

barn conversion roof - lewes east sussex

Small Development Finance FAQs

Is my scheme too small for development finance?

Can I include both land and build costs in the loan?

What if I am a first-time developer doing a small project?

How long does it take to get a decision?

Ready to Discuss Your Small Development?

If you have a small residential development proposal and want to find out whether Hunter Finance can provide the funding you need, get in touch today. No upfront fees, no commitment required.

What Our Developers Have To Say

Want to find out more about what our clients have to say about us?

Testimonials what our property developers say

Highly professional group of people, very helpful and incredibly easy to work with. I would highly recommend Hunter Finance to Everyone.

Dariush

Developer

Hunter Finance has a great team that was willing to work with all our need. Always friendly and understanding to help with the unexpected issues that a build can bring. Could not be happier with there service and would always be eager to work with them again.

Russ Coleman

Developer

Used Hunter Finance instead of a bank for the first time for residential development finance. Much easier process, great communication all the way through and the very friendly team made the whole process as efficient as possible.

Finn Lambert

Developer