Specialist Finance

Development Exit Finance

Refinancing solutions for completed developments, replacing construction finance while units are sold or let, with lower rates than development loans.

75%
Max LTV
30-50%
Rate Saving
6-24m
Terms
Fast
Completion
Lower Rates
Unit Releases
Retention Options

The Complete Guide to Development Exit Finance in the UK

Development exit finance bridges the gap between completing construction and selling or letting the finished units. It replaces your development loan at practical completion, typically at significantly lower interest rates, giving you time to achieve optimal sales prices rather than accepting reduced offers under funding pressure.

This product is essential for developers who have completed their build but haven't yet sold all units. Rather than extending expensive development finance or facing pressure to sell quickly at reduced prices, exit finance provides breathing room with more competitive rates suited to a completed, income-generating asset.

Development exit solutions include both single facilities covering all units and individual unit releases as sales complete. Deals can be structured to match your sales timeline, whether selling immediately or holding some units as rental investments.

UK Market Overview (2024-2025)

Typical rates:0.5% - 0.75% monthly
Rate saving vs dev:30-50% reduction
Maximum LTV:70-75%
Typical terms:6-24 months
Minimum loan:£250,000
Unit releases:Available

How Development Exit Finance Works

1

Practical Completion

Exit finance available once construction complete and units ready for occupation. PC certificate from architect or contract administrator required.

2

Rate Reduction

Rates drop significantly (typically 30-50%) as risk profile improves with completed asset. Lenders comfortable with finished stock vs construction risk.

3

Unit Release Mechanism

As units sell, lender releases their charge for agreed repayment amount. Reduce loan progressively while retaining flexibility on remaining units.

When to Use Development Exit Finance

Understanding the right scenarios ensures you're using this finance type strategically.

Sales Period Funding

Completed scheme awaiting sales. Exit finance provides time to achieve optimal prices without development loan pressure.

  • Competitive rates
  • Sales period flexibility
  • No rushed sales
  • Price optimisation

Development Loan Refinancing

Replace expensive development finance with lower-cost exit facility at practical completion.

  • 30-50% rate reduction
  • Lower monthly cost
  • Same lender possible
  • Smooth transition

Mixed Strategy

Sell some units immediately, hold others as rentals. Exit finance accommodates mixed exit strategies.

  • Partial sales
  • Partial retention
  • BTL refinance for retained
  • Flexible approach

Market Timing

When market conditions suggest waiting for better prices, exit finance provides holding capacity.

  • Market timing flexibility
  • Price appreciation
  • Seasonal optimisation
  • Strategic sales

Development Exit Finance Costs Explained

Cost ComponentTypical RangeNotes
Monthly Interest Rate0.5% - 0.75%30-50% below dev finance
Arrangement Fee1% - 1.5%Lower than development
Exit Fee0% - 1%Many don't charge
Valuation£1,000 - £3,000Completed units valuation
Legal£2,000 - £4,000Refinance legal costs
Unit Release Fee£250 - £500 eachPer unit released on sale

Our Development Exit Finance Process

1

Practical Completion

Reach practical completion with PC certificate from architect/CA.

2

Exit Finance Application

Apply for exit finance with completed scheme details and sales strategy.

3

Valuation

Valuation of completed units at current market value.

4

Refinance Completion

Replace development loan with exit facility at lower rate.

5

Sales & Releases

Sell units progressively, releasing charges as sales complete.

Key Features of Development Exit Finance

Lower rates than development finance
Refinancing available at practical completion
Individual unit releases as sales complete
Terms from 6-24 months
Interest-only payments during sales period
Options to retain units as investments

Who Is Development Exit Finance Ideal For?

Developers with completed but unsold units
Projects reaching practical completion
Developers seeking to avoid rushed sales
Schemes with mixed sale and retention strategy
Developers refinancing from construction loans

Development Exit Finance vs Traditional Options

AspectDevelopment Exit FinanceAlternative
Interest Rate0.5-0.75% monthlyDev finance: 0.9-1.2%
Risk ProfileCompleted assetConstruction risk
Sales PressureTime for optimal pricesPressure to sell fast
FlexibilityUnit-by-unit releasesFull repayment required

Frequently Asked Questions About Development Exit Finance

When can I move to development exit finance?

Exit finance is typically available at practical completion, when the building is finished and units are ready for occupation. Some lenders will consider exit finance slightly earlier if the remaining works are minor. You'll need the practical completion certificate from your architect or contract administrator.

How much cheaper is exit finance than development finance?

Development exit rates are typically 30-50% lower than development finance rates. Where development finance might be 0.9-1.2% per month, exit finance is often 0.5-0.75% per month. The exact saving depends on the completed scheme quality, location, and sales evidence.

Can I release individual units as they sell?

Yes, most exit finance facilities allow individual unit releases. As each unit sells, the lender releases their charge on that unit in exchange for an agreed repayment amount. This allows you to reduce the loan progressively while retaining some units for longer if needed.

What if I want to keep some units as rentals?

Exit finance can accommodate mixed strategies. You can sell most units to repay the exit loan while refinancing retained units onto buy-to-let mortgages. Some lenders will even structure the exit facility to convert automatically to term lending on units you wish to retain.

When can I move to development exit finance?

Available at practical completion when building finished and units ready for occupation. PC certificate from architect or contract administrator required. Some lenders consider slightly earlier if remaining works are minor.

How much cheaper is exit finance than development finance?

Typically 30-50% lower rates. Development finance: 0.9-1.2% monthly. Exit finance: 0.5-0.75% monthly. Exact saving depends on completed scheme quality, location, and sales evidence.

Can I release individual units as they sell?

Yes, most facilities allow individual unit releases. As each unit sells, lender releases their charge for agreed repayment. Reduce loan progressively while retaining some units longer if needed.

What if I want to keep some units as rentals?

Exit finance accommodates mixed strategies. Sell most units to repay exit loan, refinance retained units onto BTL mortgages. Some lenders structure facilities to convert automatically to term lending on retained units.

Why Choose CMB for Development Exit Finance?

Specialist Expertise

Dedicated development exit finance specialists with deep market knowledge.

100+ Lenders

Access to an extensive panel of specialist lenders.

NACFB Member

Adhering to strict professional and ethical standards.

£1BN+ Arranged

Proven track record in property finance.

Ready to discuss your development exit finance needs?

Speak with our specialist team today and get a decision in principle within 48 hours.