Ground Up Commercial Construction Loans: A Comprehensive Guide

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Ground up commercial construction loans can be a complex and daunting process, but understanding the basics can make a huge difference in securing the funding you need.

These loans are typically used for projects that involve building a new structure from the ground up.

A ground up construction loan can range from $500,000 to $50 million or more, depending on the scope and size of the project.

To qualify for a ground up construction loan, you'll need a solid business plan, a strong credit history, and a significant down payment.

A down payment of 20-30% is common for these types of loans, but some lenders may require more or less.

The loan term for a ground up construction loan can vary, but it's typically around 1-2 years, with a 6-12 month draw period.

What to Know

Ground up commercial construction loans can be a complex and intimidating process, but understanding the basics can make all the difference.

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Typically, these loans are used to finance the development of a new commercial property from the ground up, covering everything from land acquisition to construction completion.

The loan amount can range from $1 million to $100 million or more, depending on the project's scope and complexity.

You'll need a solid business plan, a strong credit history, and a significant down payment to secure a ground up commercial construction loan.

Loan terms can vary, but typically range from 1-5 years for construction and 5-20 years for permanent financing.

A construction loan typically requires a 10% to 20% down payment, while a permanent loan may require a 20% to 30% down payment.

The interest rate on a ground up commercial construction loan can be fixed or variable, and may be tied to a prime rate or a specific index.

You'll need to have a solid understanding of the project's budget, timeline, and cash flow to secure a loan.

Commercial Loan Process

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The commercial loan process for a ground up commercial construction loan can be complex, but understanding the basics can help you navigate it. A commercial construction loan begins with the developer submitting a loan request for approval with a specific lender.

The requirements for a commercial construction loan can vary, but some basic terms are standard across the industry. A down payment of 10% or more is usually required. Repayment terms are limited to 25 years or less.

Lenders assess eligibility based on individual and business credit rating and history. The best credit scores enjoy lower interest rates, which tend to fall between 4% and 12%. Banks usually provide lower interest rates than hard money lenders.

How Commercial Loans Work

A commercial construction loan is a type of loan that allows you to finance the construction of a commercial property. To get approved, you'll typically need a down payment of 10% or more, and repayment terms are usually limited to 25 years or less.

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The interest rate on a commercial construction loan can vary, but it's usually between 4% and 12%. Banks tend to offer lower interest rates than hard money lenders, but it ultimately depends on your credit score and eligibility.

The lender will assess your eligibility based on your individual and business credit rating and history. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be.

Here are some common property types that can be financed through a commercial construction loan:

  • Multifamily
  • Office
  • Retail
  • Industrial
  • Self Storage
  • Hotels
  • Mobile Home Parks
  • Mixed Use
  • Owner Occupied

In some cases, a lender may provide both short-term and long-term financing for a project, while in other cases, they may be kept separate. It's essential to discuss your specific needs with a lender to determine the best approach for your project.

The LoanBud Advantage

Our experienced lending officers provide expert advice and support throughout the construction loan process.

With LoanBud, you can bring your real estate investment dreams to life and build properties to resell or retain as cash flowing properties.

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We offer down payments as low as 10% and interest-only draw schedules, allowing developers and business owners to preserve liquidity and grow their portfolios.

Infill sites in urban locations have the highest opportunity to provide the maximum yield, making them prime locations for Ground-Up Development Construction Loans.

Our Ground-Up Construction Loans enable developers to invigorate and enhance urban communities by blending in and completing the urban tissue with their projects.

Loan Options and Features

To get a commercial construction loan with beneficial terms, working with a commercial mortgage broker like Clopton Capital is a great idea. They have an extensive network of lenders with whom they have close relationships, allowing them to determine the best possible options based on your unique situation and goals.

The best way to qualify for a commercial construction loan is by making smart financial decisions, maintaining a great credit score, and not going into too much other debt, especially revolving debt. This will give you a strong foundation to work with when applying for a loan.

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If you're eager to find a commercial construction loan that's beneficial to you, but don't know where to start, working with an experienced commercial mortgage broker can be a huge help. They'll navigate the process of submitting documentation and help you get the funds you need to begin construction or complete your project.

To get the best possible terms for your construction loan, it's essential to work with a broker who has the skills and relationships necessary to get you a good deal. Clopton Capital's expert team of loan specialists has exactly that, and they'll listen to your needs to get you the commercial construction loan that will set you on a path to success and profitability.

Here are the property types that Clopton Capital considers for commercial & development loans when setting you up with construction loan support:

  • Multifamily
  • Office
  • Retail
  • Industrial
  • Self Storage
  • Hotels
  • Mobile Home Parks
  • Mixed Use
  • Owner Occupied

LoanBud provides ground-up construction loans for numerous property types, including single-family rental homes, multifamily properties, and commercial real estate. By combining land acquisition, horizontal site development, and vertical construction financing into a single loan, borrowers can seamlessly manage all aspects of their project under one loan.

Their ground-up construction loans cover up to 85% of your project's costs, providing you with the resources needed to see your construction venture through to completion. This can be a huge help in managing your cash flow during the construction period.

Client Success Stories

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We've helped numerous clients achieve their commercial construction goals with our expertise in ground up construction loans. A borrower in a partnership arrangement was able to secure a 75% LTC construction loan for a $5 million apartment building project in a small suburb outside of Chicago.

This type of loan provided the developer with the flexibility to qualify, construct, and stabilize the project, with a 3-year mini-perm that allowed for enough time to either sell or recapitalize it. The loan's high LTC and low fees made it an attractive option for the borrower.

A hotel developer in New Jersey was able to secure a 24-month private construction loan at 75% LTC without personal recourse to any investor. This loan allowed for an extension of time, giving the developer the latitude to complete and stabilize the project.

We were able to structure a loan that met the borrower's demands, which were "on the edge of possibility": relatively high leverage, low rate, and non-recourse property loan with a manageable loan payment. An estate was able to secure an 85% loan-to-value, non-recourse, low-rate construction loan for a $31 million apartment building project in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down for a commercial construction loan?

Typically, a down payment of at least 10% is required for a commercial construction loan. Borrowers should review loan terms carefully to understand the specific requirements.

What do I need to get a commercial construction loan?

To qualify for a commercial construction loan, you'll need to provide financial statements, a business plan, and creditworthiness, as well as a personal guarantee. Review our loan requirements to learn more about the application process and what's needed to secure funding.

Sean Dooley

Lead Writer

Sean Dooley is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a strong background in research and analysis, Sean has developed a keen eye for detail and a talent for distilling complex information into clear, concise language. Sean's portfolio includes a wide range of articles on topics such as accounting services, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of financial concepts and a ability to communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.

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