Empowering property developers in 2025: how experienced brokers are driving smarter development finance

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By Jonathan Rubins, Director & Chief Commercial Officer at Alternative Bridging Corporation

Empowering property developers in 2025: how experienced brokers are driving smarter development finance

 

Empowering Property Developers in 2025 with Smart Property Development Finance from experienced brokers illustrated by a new build housing map with boundaries of houses highlighted.

In 2025, property developers are working against a challenging backdrop. Government housing targets continue to push for faster delivery, but progress is often slowed by planning frameworks, tighter local authority controls and rising build costs across materials and labour. At the same time, opportunities are emerging in areas like permitted development, brownfield regeneration and repurposing unused commercial buildings. For property developers, the pressure to act quickly, manage risk and maintain financial headroom has never been greater.

But with that pressure comes opportunity. Brokers are stepping up to play a far more strategic role. It is no longer just about sourcing funding. Developers need expert partners who understand the shape of a deal and who can work through complex timelines. In today’s market, that level of development finance insight is essential.

 

What is shaping the market this year?

There is a strong push on affordable and social housing. Planning frameworks are shifting to support it. Changes to permitted development rights are opening up new ways to bring empty commercial spaces back to life. These trends are creating new opportunities but also making development funding more complex.

 

Developers need capital that works with them

Cashflow is a consistent concern. Delays, planning setbacks or longer build programmes can all lock up working capital. This can be frustrating, especially when the next site is already lined up.

Many developers still turn to high street lenders, but the offers on the table are limited. Funding is often capped at no more than 50 percent of the GDV – that is, the Gross Development Value, or the projected market value of the completed development. For developers needing more flexibility, that just does not cut it. Lower leverage means more of their own capital is tied up in the project, which can slow progress or limit the number of sites they can take on.

Alternative Bridging Corporation’s Development Loan is designed with this in mind. It offers up to 70 percent GDV or 90 percent of the total cost, giving developers more room to move. Loan terms range from 3 to 24 months, with flexibility built in for things like extended sales periods or top-up advances once practical completion is reached.

 

Why experienced brokers are key

With costs rising and projects taking longer, the broker’s role is more important than ever. Developers are leaning on brokers to help navigate tighter lending criteria, work out the right deal structure and find lenders who actually understand how a site works, not just how the spreadsheet looks.

It is about experience. Knowing who to speak to. Spotting where the risks might crop up later down the line. At Alternative Bridging Corporation, our team works closely with brokers who take that kind of hands-on approach because it makes all the difference to the outcome.

Finance that fits the way developers work Alternative Bridging’s development loan is aimed at giving brokers the tools they need to support clients properly. It works well for:

  • Site purchases
  • Refinancing
  • Construction costs
  • Professional fees
  • Other costs across the development cycle

It is quick to arrange, flexible in structure and tailored for how property development works today, not how it worked five years ago. For projects where capital may be needed in stages or as unexpected costs arise, our Alternative Overdraft also offers a revolving facility that gives developers greater control over drawdowns and interest costs.

And for smaller or shorter-term funding needs, whether to cover an urgent contractor invoice or keep progress moving while waiting on planning, our Short-Term Loans provide fast access to finance when timing is everything.

 

 

Support that goes beyond the numbers

Empowering Property Developers in 2025 - Development finance

The right finance partner should offer more than just funds. Developers need certainty. They need speed. And they need a structure that matches their plans.

That is what you get with Alternative Bridging. Our approach is simple. We build loans around your client’s goals, not just the asset. For brokers, that means being able to offer more than capital. It means offering clarity, confidence and proper support. Our development loan product is built for the realities of 2025. A reliable, adaptable facility that helps developers move forward and get things done.

 

Need something specific? Want to talk through a deal?

Get in touch with our team today. You can apply online, contact us, or speak to one of our experienced advisers to find out how we can help move your next project forward on 0208 349 5190.

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