Land Sourcing & The Construction Process: How to Turn Plots into Profitable Developments – with FundMyProperty
The UK property market continues to offer exciting opportunities for developers, especially those who understand the power of land sourcing and ground-up construction. In 2025, as demand for new homes, commercial space, and mixed-use schemes remains high, the key to success lies in identifying the right land, planning effectively, and securing the finance to build.
At FundMyProperty, we work with experienced and aspiring developers across the UK, helping them secure funding for every stage of the development journey — from land acquisition to groundworks, construction, and eventual exit. Whether you’re looking to build five homes or a fifty-unit apartment scheme, this guide breaks down what you need to know about land sourcing, the construction process, and how we help get your project financed.
Step 1: Sourcing the Right Land
Great developments start with great land deals. Whether you’re buying brownfield or greenfield sites, your ability to spot opportunity, understand planning risk, and unlock value from land is what sets you apart from the crowd.
Where to Find Development Land
Land agents and specialist platforms: These often list off-market opportunities and plots with or without planning.
Direct-to-vendor marketing: Writing to landowners, farmers, or those with large gardens can reveal hidden gems.
Auctions: Ideal for developers who can move quickly with cash or bridging finance.
Local authority disposals: Councils regularly sell under-used land or buildings suitable for redevelopment.
Planning portals: Watching for lapsed or pending planning permissions can help you spot value-add sites.
Key Considerations When Buying Land
Planning status: Is it unconsented land, outline planning, or full planning permission?
Access and services: Is there road access, and are utilities nearby?
Constraints: Flood risk, contamination, conservation areas, and title issues all impact viability.
GDV potential: Understand local comparables and what you can realistically build and sell for.
Top Tip: Always carry out a thorough feasibility study and planning review before committing. At FundMyProperty, we can help you assess the funding potential of a land deal before you make an offer.
Step 2: Securing Planning Permission
Once you’ve identified land with potential, the next step is to obtain planning consent (unless you’re buying a site with permission in place). This step can make or break a project, so it’s critical to get it right.
Planning Options
Outline planning permission – gives general approval for development, but not detailed designs.
Full planning permission – gives consent for a specific scheme with drawings, materials, and layouts.
Permitted development rights (PDR) – allow conversion of certain commercial buildings to residential without full planning.
Engaging with Planning Consultants
Most successful developers work with planning consultants, architects, and surveyors to create a robust application and maximise the chances of approval. A well-presented, policy-compliant proposal can make all the difference.
Step 3: The Construction Process – From Ground to Completion
Once planning is secured, it's time to build. This phase transforms your vision into bricks and mortar — but it also brings the biggest financial risk.
Here’s how the construction phase typically unfolds:
1. Pre-Construction
Technical drawings and building regs approval
Tendering to contractors or setting up your own build team
Finalising budgets, timelines, and contracts
2. Groundworks
Site clearance and demolition (if needed)
Foundations, drainage, and utility connections
3. Superstructure
Structural build (timber frame, brick/block, or steel)
Roofing, windows, and external finishes
4. First and Second Fix
Plumbing, electrics, and internal walls
Plastering, decorating, and fitting kitchens/bathrooms
5. Snagging and Sign-Off
Final inspections, snagging lists, and building control certificates
New build warranties (e.g. NHBC, LABC) and completion certificates
Depending on the scale of your project, this process can take 6 to 24 months — and throughout this time, having the right finance structure is vital.
Step 4: Financing Your Land and Build – with FundMyProperty
Property development is capital-intensive. From the moment you source a site, you need to consider how you’ll fund both the land and the construction phase. That’s where FundMyProperty steps in.
We help developers structure and secure funding for:
✅ Land Acquisition
Up to 70% of land value with or without planning
Bridging loans or land-only development loans
Fast completions for auction or off-market sites
✅ Construction Finance
Up to 100% of build costs in staged drawdowns
Interest rolled up until sale or refinance
Suitable for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects
✅ Planning Gain Bridging
Fund the purchase while you apply for or enhance planning
Allows you to flip the land or refinance once planning is secured
✅ Exit Finance / Development Exit Loans
If you’re retaining units for rental or sale is delayed, we can refinance your development loan to give you more time or capital.
Why FundMyProperty?
Here’s how we make funding your land and construction project easier:
🧠 Smart Project Matching
We use data and experience to match your project to the right lenders — whether you’re building one house or 100 units.
📋 One Application, Multiple Offers
Our streamlined process means one application opens doors to dozens of funders, saving you time, paperwork, and money.
🏗 End-to-End Support
From your land offer to your final drawdown, our experts are by your side. We work with your solicitor, QS, architect, and contractor to keep the finance flowing.
💸 Flexible Terms
We arrange loans with:
Staged drawdowns
Rolled or retained interest
Competitive rates and minimal early exit fees
🔍 Pre-Deal Feasibility
Before you commit to land, we can review your deal and tell you:
What funding is available
What LTV and interest rate you can expect
What paperwork you’ll need
Final Thoughts
Turning raw land into valuable property is one of the most rewarding — and profitable — paths in real estate. But it requires the right land, the right team, and most importantly, the right finance at every stage.
At FundMyProperty, we specialise in helping developers like you unlock the potential of land and deliver successful builds. Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, we’re here to fund your vision.
