Ground-Up Construction Loans

When planning a new build from the ground up, traditional financing can be slow and restrictive, requiring separate loans for land and construction. Our ground-up construction loans deliver comprehensive financing for land, materials, and labor in a single loan designed for experienced builders, developers, and investors.

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Ground-Up Construction Loan: Program Highlights & Borrower Benefits

Our Ground-Up Construction Loan is built for borrowers and investors financing the construction of a property from the ground up — whether building a custom home, investment property, or new development project.

Instead of securing separate financing for land, construction, and permanent financing, this program can streamline the process into one structured solution.

This is designed for borrowers who want to build from vision to completion — without unnecessary financing complexity.

Builders looking at home being built

Program Features

Loan Amounts: Up to $5,000,000+ (varies by project scope and leverage)

Property Types: Single-family, custom homes, eligible investment properties, and select 1–4 unit projects

Min Credit Score: 680+ (720+ preferred for stronger pricing)

Occupancy: Loans are created for Investment Purposes only but can be refinanced into a primary home post construction

Down Payment: Starting at 5–20% (varies by borrower profile and project)

Builder Requirements: Licensed builder approval typically required

Financing Structure: 12 to 18-month terms with interest-only Non-Dutch payments

Construction Funds: Disbursed through staged draw schedules based on project milestones

Land Financing: Can include lot acquisition or leverage owned land equity

Reserves: Varies by loan size and project risk

Financing may cover land acquisition, construction costs, and permanent financing.
Draws are released as milestones are completed.
No need to re-qualify once construction is complete with eligible one-time-close structures.
This program rewards borrowers and builders who want to create value from the ground up.

Program Highlights

Loan Amounts: Up to $5,000,000+ (varies by project scope and leverage)

Min Credit Score: 680+ (720+ preferred for stronger pricing)

Down Payment: Starting at 5–20% (varies by borrower profile and project)

Financing Structure: 12 to 18-month terms with interest-only Non-Dutch payments

Land Financing: Can include lot acquisition or leverage owned land equity

Property Types: Single-family, custom homes, eligible investment properties, and select 1–4 unit projects

Occupancy: Loans are created for Investment Purposes only but can be refinanced into a primary home post construction

Builder Requirements: Licensed builder approval typically required

Construction Funds: Disbursed through staged draw schedules based on project milestones

Reserves: Varies by loan size and project risk

Financing may cover land acquisition, construction costs, and permanent financing.
Draws are released as milestones are completed.
No need to re-qualify once construction is complete with eligible one-time-close structures.
This program rewards borrowers and builders who want to create value from the ground up.

How It Works

Apply Online

Our licensed loan officers are ready to help answer any questions that you have. Taking an application over the phone could be as quick as 10 minutes.

Get Approved

We will review your loan application, your property will be appraised, underwritten, and approved.

Fund

Once all items have been satisfied and we are clear to close, loan docs will be drawn. You’ll sign loan docs and your loan will fund.

Apply Online

Our licensed loan officers are ready to help answer any questions that you have. Taking an application over the phone could be as quick as 10 minutes.

Get Approved

We will review your loan application, your property will be appraised, underwritten, and approved.

Fund

Once all items have been satisfied and we are clear to close, loan docs will be drawn. You’ll sign loan docs and your loan will fund.

Equinox Makes Financing Easy for Ground-Up Projects

At Equinox, we work with borrowers and investors who need more than a standard mortgage — they need financing aligned with a construction plan.

We help structure land value, build budgets, draw schedules, and exit strategies upfront to reduce friction and improve execution.

The goal isn’t just funding the project.
The goal is getting it built with confidence.

We help you present the project clearly and strategically.

Home construction

Why Choose a Ground-Up Construction Loan?

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Borrowers building a custom home from raw land
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Investors financing new construction opportunities
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Clients seeking one financing structure for land and construction
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Borrowers looking to leverage land equity toward a down payment
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Builders wanting staged draw financing aligned with project phases
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Borrowers who want flexible financing for ground-up development
If you have the land and the vision, this program works in your favor.
You bring the blueprint. Let the financing help you build it.

We are the Alternative Mortgage Financing Experts.

At Equinox Home Financing, we've helped thousands of borrowers purchase and refinance homes using some of the industry's most innovative financing solutions. Put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation.

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Answers to Your Questions

What Are Ground-Up Construction Loans?

Ground-up construction loans are short-term financing, typically 6 to 24 months, for new builds on vacant or raw land.

  • Covers land acquisition, hard costs (materials, labor), soft costs (permits, fees), and contingency reserves
  • Typically structured with interest-only staged draw funding
  • Acts as an entry point for permanent financing once the project is finished
  • Ideal for spec home financing, rental property builds, and multifamily developments
Who Are These Loans Designed For?

These specialized programs are best suited to experienced builders, developers, and investors.

  • Builders using construction loans for vertical development
  • Investors pursuing build-to-rent financing
  • Developers seeking commercial construction financing
  • Borrowers with prior building or renovation experience
How Are Construction Funds Disbursed?

Held in an escrow account, funds are released in stages through a milestone-based draw schedule.

  • Draws typically align with the foundation, framing, and finish stages
  • A third-party inspector verifies the completion of each phase for draw approval
  • Reduces risk by ensuring funds are only released as work progresses
  • Designed to support consistent cash flow throughout construction
Can Land Be Included in the Loan?

Yes. Land acquisition can often be financed with a construction loan.

  • Initial draws typically cover land purchase and permitting
  • Eliminates the need for separate land and construction loans
  • Owned or paid-off land may be used as equity to reduce the loan amount needed
What Happens After Construction Is Complete?

Once the project is finished, developers typically transition to their pre-planned exit strategy.

  • Sell the property and repay the loan
  • Refinance into long-term permanent financing
  • Hold the asset as a rental investment
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