Many developers spend weeks preparing presentations for lenders only to discover that their projects fail basic underwriting checks when applying for Private Capital Infrastructure funding solutions.
In reality, lenders often determine whether a project is viable within minutes by reviewing a small set of core financial metrics, particularly for applications involving 90% LTC Development Finance.
Understanding these numbers before approaching lenders can save significant time and dramatically improve funding success when exploring options such as 0% Borrower Fees Development Finance.
Here are the five numbers every developer should calculate before seeking finance, including projects that may later require Development Exit Finance.
- Total Development Cost
This is the full cost required to deliver the project.
It typically includes:
• land acquisition
• construction costs
• professional fees
• finance costs
• contingency
Accurately calculating the total cost is critical because all other development metrics depend on it.
- Gross Development Value (GDV)
GDV represents the expected value of the project once completed.
It is typically based on:
• comparable sales data
• local market demand
• valuation evidence
Overestimating GDV is one of the most common mistakes developers make when presenting projects to lenders.
- Profit Margin on Cost
Profit margin indicates how much profit the project generates relative to total cost.
Formula:
(GDV – Total Cost) ÷ Total Cost
Most lenders want to see margins above 15–20% to ensure sufficient protection against cost overruns or market fluctuations.
- Loan to Cost (LTC)
LTC measures how much of the project is financed by debt.
Formula:
Loan Amount ÷ Total Cost
Typical ranges include:
• 60–70% for standard development finance
• up to 85–90% in stretch senior facilities
Higher leverage allows developers to preserve capital but requires stronger project fundamentals.
- Loan to GDV (LTGDV)
LTGDV measures the loan relative to the completed project value.
Formula:
Loan Amount ÷ GDV
Most lenders prefer this ratio to stay below 70%.
Even when LTC is high, LTGDV provides a safety margin if market conditions change.
Why These Numbers Matter
Before a lender analyses architectural plans, contractor bids or marketing strategies, they first look at these five numbers.
If the metrics fall outside acceptable ranges, the deal is unlikely to proceed regardless of other factors.
Developers who calculate these metrics early can adjust project assumptions before presenting the opportunity to lenders.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these five development metrics is one of the most effective ways developers can improve their chances of securing finance.
Projects that demonstrate strong margins, realistic valuations and sensible leverage structures are significantly more likely to receive lender support.
Preparing these numbers in advance also allows developers to present opportunities with greater confidence and professionalism.
Source – https://colspace.ai/blog/Numbers-Every-Property-Developer-Must-Know/