Why the right funding structure is essential from day one. London is one of the world’s most dynamic property markets, offering significant opportunities across residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors. But turning those opportunities into deliverable projects requires more than vision. Developers face persistent pressures around cash flow, regulation, and increasingly strict lending criteria. Without well-structured finance, even strong schemes can stall or fail. Working with a specialist debt adviser could make all the difference. We understand the market, know how lenders assess risk, and can structure facilities that match the project’s needs. By securing the right funding, speeding up approvals, and negotiating viable terms, we help ensure projects move from concept to completion in good time.
What We Provide
Access to a Wider Lender Network
- Many developers still rely on a single high-street bank, which often means limited choice and terms that do not reflect the realities of their unique circumstances. We provide access to a broad network of lenders that includes alternative banks, private lenders, family offices and specialist funds.
Tailored Structures
- Developments in London often involve higher land values, tight site constraints and complex planning considerations. We design finance structures that reflect these conditions and match the project’s timeline, budget and exit strategy. The aim is to create a funding package that supports progress on site while keeping cash flow manageable throughout the programme.
Faster Loan Approvals
- In a market as competitive as London, timing is critical. Advisers work directly with lenders to fast-track applications, ensuring projects move forward without the long delays associated with traditional banks. From VAT considerations to planning and compliance, London’s regulatory environment is complex. We maintain close communication with lenders and credit teams to help speed up approvals and reduce delays during diligence and documentation. We also guide developers through issues such as VAT, planning obligations and compliance requirements, providing clarity in a regulatory environment that can be difficult to navigate.
Managing Project Risk
- Development in London involves financial and operational risks that can impact both feasibility and delivery. We help identify these early, structure facilities so that pressure points are reduced and secure funding in situations where traditional lenders may take a cautious approach. If a project requires short-term support, we can arrange bridging and other interim solutions quickly so work on site is not disrupted.
Strategic Growth Advice
- Alongside individual transactions, we help developers plan for future projects and long-term expansion. This includes assessing funding capacity, reviewing how current debt structures impact future opportunities and advising on strategies for entering new sub-markets within London.
Current Market Insight
- Lender appetite, pricing and risk tolerance change frequently in the London market. Because we engage with lenders daily, we can provide accurate and current insight that informs decision-making. This helps developers act with greater confidence when negotiating, acquiring or repositioning schemes.
Improved Negotiating Position
- Our experience and relationships within the London lending market help us negotiate terms that are aligned with the needs of the project. This often includes improvements to pricing, fees and repayment structures as well as clearer conditions and more practical covenants.
Why EGF?
Empire Global Finance is an established adviser within the London development sector. Our team has extensive experience securing development finance, bridging facilities and structured debt for residential, commercial and mixed-use projects across the capital. We understand how London’s planning system, construction environment and market dynamics shape the financial requirements of each scheme. Our role is to provide clarity, streamline the funding process and ensure that the financial structure is appropriate for both the project and your wider strategy.
Conclusion
Developing in London offers significant opportunity but also presents financial and regulatory challenges that can affect delivery. With the right advice and a clear understanding of the lending landscape, these challenges become far easier to navigate. Working with Empire Global Finance gives developers the confidence that their funding is well structured, realistic and suited to the demands of the London market, allowing them to focus on successful design, construction and long-term growth.