Lending partnership launches to fund SME developers

Homes England and development finance platform, Invest & Fund, have announced a new seven-year partnership to support SME developers grow and deliver new homes.

The £25 million revolving fund will support schemes of two homes and upwards, providing up to 80% Loan-To-Cost construction loans of £400,000 to £2.5 million.

Gordon More, Chief Investment Officer, Homes England said:

“We are delighted to announce this partnership today which underlines our commitment to supporting the growth of small builders to allow them to continue to diversify the market and become the large builders of tomorrow.”

“In Invest & Fund, we have found a partner with a shared purpose to support the market and the desire and capability to scale their lending activity. The deal demonstrates our ability to Make Homes Happen in different ways in support of our mission. We are particularly pleased to be working with a specialist finance provider, recognising the crucial role that the Non-Bank lending market continues to play in supporting smaller builders in these challenging times.”

David Turner, Chief Executive, Invest & Fund said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with Homes England to help fund the development of the new homes the country needs.”?

“Our approach of employing a best in class credit underwriting model, backed by a strong focus on operational excellence and our culture of good governance has been recognised in this partnership and we are focused on lending to creditworthy borrowers via this venture.”

Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said:

“Building the homes the country needs is key to our economic recovery and is a top priority for this Government. We are determined to support as many as possible within the house-building industry, in particular, smaller builders – to get Britain building.

“I welcome the announcement of the partnership between Homes England and Invest & Fund – which will not only support our commitment to build more homes, but also give smaller developers easier access to finance, helping them to flourish.”

Applications for funding have opened for SME developers looking to access borrowing by contacting Invest & Fund.