Ground-up financing for San Francisco builders
New Construction Loans in San Francisco
Tell us about your lot and your plans, and we help you find the right loan program for the build.
Get a Free Quote for New Construction Loans
New Construction Loans San Francisco Builders Can Plan Around
New Construction Loans in San Francisco pay for ground-up projects that banks often move slowly on. That can mean a single-family home, a small multifamily building or a mixed-use property. We review your deal and help you find the right loan program from lenders who finance new builds in the city and around the Bay.
Construction financing works differently from a standard purchase loan. Funds are usually released in stages as work is finished, and lenders look closely at your budget, plans and experience. We look at your lot, your numbers and your timeline, then help you find financing options that fit the project. Share a few details to get your free quote. Get a free quote →
How Ground-Up Construction Financing Works in San Francisco
Construction loans differ from other short-term loans because the property does not yet exist in its final form. Lenders usually fund a share of the land cost and a share of the build budget. The rest comes from your own cash. Many programs release building funds in draws after an inspection confirms that work is complete.
San Francisco adds its own challenges to a ground-up project. Lots are scarce and expensive, and many are steep, narrow or sit on hillsides in areas like Bernal Heights, Twin Peaks and Glen Park. Soil and foundation work can change a budget quickly. Lenders tend to want to see that you planned for it.
Permits are a major factor in your schedule. The San Francisco Planning Department and the Department of Building Inspection review projects, and approval times can vary widely. Neighborhood notification, design review and conditions on the lot can all affect when you can start. Many lenders ask for approved plans or a clear path to them before they release build funds.
Lenders also look at your experience and your exit. Builders with finished projects often have more options. First-time builders can still find programs, though terms may be tighter or require more cash in. Your exit is usually a sale or a refinance into longer-term financing once the building is complete. A clear plan for that exit helps a lender feel confident in the project.
Typical programs use short terms, often under three years, with interest-only payments and points at closing. Rates, leverage and fees vary by lender, project and borrower. We help you compare these side by side so you know what the build will really cost.
Single-Family and Small Infill Builds
Ground-up homes on infill lots, including teardown and rebuild projects, are a common use. Lenders will want to see plans, a detailed budget and a realistic timeline for permits.
Multifamily and ADU Projects
Small apartment buildings and accessory dwelling units add housing on lots that already exist. We help you find lenders who understand rental-focused builds and the planning steps that come with them.
Mixed-Use New Builds
Projects with ground-floor retail and housing above need a lender comfortable with both uses. We look for programs that review commercial and residential plans together.
Land and Entitlement Costs
Some programs can include the lot purchase along with the build, while others fund only the construction. We help you sort out which structure suits your cash and your schedule.
Typical Costs for New Construction Loans
| Cost item | Typical range | What affects it |
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate | Often starts near 10% and goes up from there | Experience, leverage, project size and lender |
| Origination points | Commonly around 1.5 points and up | Loan size, risk and program type |
| Loan to cost | Often up to about 70% to 85% of costs, varies widely | Builder track record, plans and cash in the deal |
| Draw and inspection fees | Charged per draw or as a set fee | Number of draws and project complexity |
These are typical market ranges, not quotes, and actual terms depend on the lender and your project.
Why Choose Us for New Construction Loans?
We start with your project
We review your lot, plans, budget and timeline before suggesting any loan program.
Built around San Francisco projects
We understand hillside lots, tight sites and permit timelines, and we look for lenders who do too.
Clear comparison of options
You see financing options side by side, including costs, draws and exit, so you can choose with confidence.
How We Help You Get Your Build Funded
Share your project
Send us the address or lot, your plans, your budget and your timeline.
We review your deal
We look at costs, your cash in the project, permit status and your exit plan.
Find the right loan program
We help you find lenders whose construction programs suit your project and experience.
Compare your options
You review terms, draw schedules and costs and decide which direction to take.
Move toward closing
You work with the lender on documents, appraisal and inspections to get your project started.
Ready to Get Started?
Have a lot or a set of plans ready? Tell us about your build and get a free quote.