Construction team planning a new build project
Worker on a ground-up construction site

Ground Up Construction Loans: Build Your Project from Scratch

Key Takeaways: Ground Up Construction Loans

  • What are they? Short-term financing (typically 12-36 months) specifically for building new residential or commercial properties from scratch.
  • Who qualifies? Experienced developers, builders, and investors with detailed project plans, strong financials, and often significant equity contribution (10-30% of project cost).
  • Why choose them? Fund land acquisition (if needed) and construction costs through a structured draw schedule. Offers flexibility that traditional mortgages lack for new builds.
  • Key Feature: Funds are disbursed in stages (draws) as construction milestones are met, aligning funding with project progress.
  • Khojie Advantage: Access specialized construction lenders offering faster approvals and more flexible draw schedules than traditional banks. We understand construction timelines and requirements.

Building from Scratch: What Are Ground Up Construction Loans?

Planning to build a new single-family home, apartment complex, or commercial building? A Ground Up Construction Loan is the financial tool designed specifically for this purpose. Unlike standard mortgages or renovation loans, these loans cover the entire process of building a new structure on vacant land or after demolishing an existing one.

These are typically short-term loans (12-36 months) structured to match the construction timeline. Funds aren't disbursed all at once; instead, they are released in stages (draws) as specific construction milestones (like foundation completion, framing, roofing) are met and verified through inspections.

Key Characteristics:

  • Covers Land & Construction: Can often include funds for land purchase plus all hard and soft construction costs.
  • Draw Schedule: Funds released incrementally based on project progress.
  • Interest-Only Payments: Common during the construction phase, paying interest only on the funds drawn so far.
  • Short-Term Nature: Designed to be replaced by permanent financing (or sale) upon completion.
  • Higher Scrutiny: Lenders carefully vet the project plan, budget, and builder's qualifications.

Why Use a Specialized Construction Loan?

Building from the ground up requires a different financing approach than buying an existing property:

  • Phased Funding: The draw schedule aligns funding with actual construction expenses, reducing interest costs compared to a lump-sum loan.
  • Covers All Costs: Designed to finance land (if needed), materials, labor, permits, and other construction-related expenses.
  • Flexibility During Build: Interest-only payments keep carrying costs lower during the non-income-producing construction phase.
  • Necessary for New Builds: Traditional mortgages typically aren't available until a property is complete and habitable.

💡 Khojie Advantage: We partner with lenders experienced in construction financing, offering more flexible draw schedules and faster processing than many traditional banks, keeping your project on track.

The Ground Up Construction Loan Process

Securing construction financing involves detailed planning:

  1. Project Planning: Finalize architectural plans, secure permits, create a detailed budget (hard and soft costs), and select a qualified general contractor.
  2. Loan Application: Submit your project plans, budget, contractor information, personal/business financials, and details about the land.
  3. Lender Due Diligence: The lender reviews the project feasibility, budget, appraisal (based on "as-completed" value), and borrower qualifications.
  4. Approval & Closing: Loan terms are finalized, including the total loan amount, interest rate, draw schedule, and fees.
  5. Construction & Draws: Construction begins. As milestones are reached (e.g., foundation poured), you submit a draw request. The lender typically sends an inspector to verify the work, then releases funds for that phase.
  6. Project Completion: Final inspections are completed, and a certificate of occupancy is issued.
  7. Loan Repayment/Refinancing: The construction loan typically needs to be paid off. This is usually done by refinancing into a permanent mortgage (like a Commercial Mortgage or DSCR Loan) or by selling the completed property.

Qualifying for a Construction Loan

Lenders look for experienced borrowers with well-planned projects:

  • Developer/Builder Experience: A strong track record of successfully completed construction projects is crucial.
  • Detailed Project Plan: Comprehensive architectural plans, permits, realistic budget, and timeline.
  • Qualified General Contractor: Lenders often vet the GC's experience and financials.
  • Strong Financials & Credit: Good personal credit (680+ preferred) and sufficient liquidity for down payment and reserves.
  • Significant Equity/Down Payment: Expect to contribute 10-30% of the total project cost (Loan-to-Cost or LTC is typically 70-90%).

Ground Up Construction Loans: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

  • Funds entire project (land + build)
  • Draw schedule matches expenses
  • Interest-only payments during build
  • Build exactly what you envision

Disadvantages:

  • More complex application/underwriting
  • Higher interest rates than permanent loans
  • Requires significant planning & oversight
  • Risk of delays and cost overruns
  • Need to secure permanent financing later

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I act as my own general contractor?

Some lenders allow it if you have extensive, verifiable experience as a licensed GC. However, many prefer or require a separate, experienced GC for the project.

What happens if construction takes longer than the loan term?

You may need to request an extension from the lender, which often involves fees. Significant delays can jeopardize your ability to secure permanent financing and repay the construction loan.

How are construction loan funds disbursed?

Through a pre-agreed draw schedule. After completing a phase (e.g., framing), you submit a draw request. The lender typically sends an inspector to verify the work, then releases funds for that phase.

What's the difference between Loan-to-Cost (LTC) and Loan-to-Value (LTV)?

LTC is the loan amount divided by the total project cost (land + construction). LTV is the loan amount divided by the appraised value (often the "as-completed" value for construction). Lenders consider both metrics.

Ready to Build Your Vision from the Ground Up?

Secure the financing you need for your next construction project. Khojie connects experienced builders and developers with flexible, fast construction loans.

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