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Development finance across the capital stack.

Developers need more than a bank. Senior debt, mezzanine, preferred equity and residual stock finance all have a place. The question is how the stack is layered and what each layer costs.

How the capital stack is layered.

A well-structured development is funded in layers. Senior debt, typically from a bank or major non-bank, is the cheapest layer and sits at the lowest LVR. Mezzanine debt fills the gap between senior debt and the developer's equity contribution, at a higher rate and often with an exit fee or equity kicker. Preferred equity and pure equity sit at the top of the stack, with the highest risk and the highest return.

Hypercube works across the whole stack rather than with a single lender. We can bring a senior lender and a mezzanine provider to the same deal, negotiate the intercreditor arrangement, and structure the project so the developer keeps as much control and equity as possible.

Four categories we see often.

Small-scale development
Townhouse and apartment projects of 2 to 8 units. Bank senior debt plus developer equity, sometimes with mezzanine.
Larger residential projects
20+ unit developments, usually with non-bank senior debt and a structured capital stack.
Land banking
Finance against raw or zoned land held for future development.
Residual stock finance
Refinancing completed but unsold stock into a cheaper facility while the units sell down.

Development FAQs

What LVR do banks offer on development?
Typically 65% of the 'as if complete' gross realisation value or 70 to 75% of total development cost, whichever is lower. Larger projects also have pre-sale requirements. Non-bank lenders can go higher, at a higher cost.
Do I need pre-sales?
For bank senior debt on larger developments, yes. Banks typically want pre-sales covering 60 to 100% of the debt. Smaller projects and non-bank deals have more flexibility.
How do developer profits get released?
Profit is typically released as units settle. Senior debt is paid down first, then mezzanine, then equity returns. The release waterfall is negotiated upfront.

Related pages

General advice disclaimer. The information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it, and seek professional advice where relevant.

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