Conversion & Refurbishment Projects

Development Finance for Property Conversions

Converting an existing building to residential use can be a strong property development opportunity, but it is not always straightforward to finance. Banks and other mainstream lenders often struggle to assess conversion projects, particularly where the current use, condition or planning position falls outside their standard criteria.

Hunter Finance works differently. As an independent lender who uses our own funds, we have the knowledge and experience to assess each project on its own merits. If your proposed project is well-planned, realistically costed and has a clear exit strategy, we want to hear from you.

Property Conversion Projects We Consider

Our conversion finance is suitable for a wide range of property developers and projects across the South East, including:

  • Commercial to residential conversions, including offices, retail units and industrial buildings
  • Barn conversions and rural building conversions
  • Single properties converted into multiple residential units
  • Larger properties reconfigured to create new homes
  • Refurbishment projects that significantly change or add residential value

Whether you’re an experienced developer or taking on your first conversion, we’ll look at the strength of the project, your team, the costs and your exit strategy.

Livestock building property conversion

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.

What We Need From You

We understand that conversion projects can involve more complexity than new builds. Because of the potential for delays and unwelcome surprises, the more detail you can provide about planning permission, projected costs/timelines, and your exit strategy, the more it will help us assess your application.

However, at the initial stage, we just need some basic information about your project and site, so get in touch or apply in principle, even if you haven’t prepared your plans fully yet.

property developer drawing up plans and exit strategy

Why Independent Lenders Suit Conversion Projects

Conversion projects often need a more flexible and practical approach to funding than a standard new-build scheme. Whether you are converting a commercial building, barn, office, or existing residential property, the project may involve more variables around planning, valuation, build costs, timescales and exit strategy.

An independent lender can assess these details directly, rather than relying on a fixed lending template.

At Hunter Finance, we lend our own funds and make our own decisions, which means we can take the time to understand the project, the opportunity and the risks involved. If the fundamentals are strong, we are happy to consider conversion projects that need a more tailored approach to finance.

This can be especially valuable where speed, flexibility and direct access to decision-makers are important.

scaffolding at the bungalow conversion project in ware, Hertfordshire

Why Choose Hunter Finance for Your Property Conversion Project

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 conversion 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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South East Experience

We’ve worked with more than 500 property developers, lending over £75 million.

Cases considered on merit

Your project is assessed on its strengths, not just a template.

Our Successful Conversion Projects

We’ve funded a range of residential conversion projects across the South East, including a £1.2m Farm House Conversion in Hobbs Farm, West Sussex, taking place over two phases. 

The first involved converting three Grade II Listed barns into individual properties, while the second converted a separate Grade II listed outhouse into a single property. The £1.2m loan covered the full build and conversion of all four properties, which were quickly sold for a total of £2.4m.

View our other case studies to find out how we’ve helped developers like you.

rear view of barn conversion in lewes, East Sussex

Conversion Finance FAQs

Can I get development finance for a conversion without a long track record?

Do I need full planning permission before applying?

Can conversion costs be included in the loan?

How quickly can you make a decision?

Ready to Discuss Your Conversion Project?

If you have a residential conversion project and need finance from a proven and reliable local lender, get in touch today. There are no commitments and no fees.

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