New Construction Loans for Builders & Developers
Finance land and vertical construction in one facility, draw funds by stage as you build, and close fast. Asset-based lending for builders who need a lender that moves at their pace.
What is a ground-up construction loan?
A ground-up construction loan finances the building of a new structure from the dirt up — covering land and vertical construction costs. Rather than releasing all the money at closing, the loan funds the project in stages (draws) as construction milestones are completed. When the build is finished, the loan is repaid by selling the property or refinancing into permanent financing.
ECM's construction financing is asset-based — underwritten on the project, the budget, and the plan rather than personal income — so builders and developers can fund projects without the paperwork and delays of conventional bank construction lending.
Who construction financing is for
Our construction loans serve builders and developers taking on new construction and ground-up projects — single-family spec homes, small multifamily, and other investment real estate. Whether you're putting up one house or a small subdivision, ECM structures financing around the scope of the build.
How ECM's construction loans work
- Land & vertical construction — finance the site and the build in one facility.
- Stage-based draws — funds released as milestones are completed, verified by inspection.
- Fast, common-sense underwriting — clear terms within one business day.
- Asset-based — underwritten on the project, not your personal income.
- Built for builders — a lender that keeps pace with your construction schedule.
- Nationwide — $200,000 minimum loan size, no maximum.
How construction draws work
Construction funds are disbursed through a draw schedule — money released at set stages of the build such as foundation, framing, mechanicals, and finishes. Each draw is released after the completed work is verified, which protects both the builder and the lender and keeps the project moving. A clear budget and draw schedule up front makes the whole process faster.
From ground-up to exit
Many builders pair a construction loan with a longer-term exit. Once the project is complete, you can sell, or refinance into a DSCR rental loan to hold and rent it out. Doing a lighter renovation instead of a full build? See our fix and flip loans.
Our simple process
Submit the basics on your project and scenario, receive clear and competitive terms within one business day, and move to closing quickly — nationwide. As active real estate investors ourselves, we underwrite with common sense and close with no surprises. See our full process.
Construction loan FAQs
What is a ground-up construction loan?
A ground-up construction loan finances the building of a new structure from the ground up — covering land and vertical construction costs. Funds are released in stages (draws) as construction milestones are completed, and the loan is repaid when the project is sold or refinanced into permanent financing.
What can a construction loan be used for?
ECM's construction loans fund new construction and ground-up development projects for builders and developers, including single-family, multifamily, and other investment real estate. Financing can cover land and vertical construction costs, released by stage.
How are construction loan funds disbursed?
Construction loans are disbursed through draws — funds released at set stages of the build (such as foundation, framing, mechanicals, and finishes) after the completed work is verified. This protects both the builder and the lender and keeps the project on schedule.
Do I need income verification for a construction loan?
No. ECM's construction financing is asset-based and underwritten on the project, the budget, and the plan rather than personal income. There is no income verification required.
Is ECM's construction loan available nationwide?
Yes. ECM Real Estate Services provides construction financing to builders and developers nationwide, with a minimum loan size of $200,000 and no maximum loan amount.
Planning your next build?
Send us your project and get competitive construction financing terms within one business day.