What is a Ground-Up Construction Loan? A Guide for Real Estate Investors and Builders in Brooklyn, Greenville, Nashville, and Beyond
Some of the best real estate opportunities aren’t found—they’re built.
A ground-up construction loan gives investors and developers the capital needed to take a project from raw land to a finished property. Whether you’re building multifamily units in Brooklyn, townhomes in Greenville, SC, infill developments in Nashville, TN, or build-to-rent homes across Texas, this type of private construction financing is designed to support fast-moving, entrepreneurial builders who are creating value from the ground up.
From Savannah, GA’s historic housing revival to Ashburn, VA’s tech-fueled expansion, ground-up construction loans are becoming a go-to tool for real estate investors looking to capitalize on growth, demand, and limited housing inventory.
What is a Ground-Up Construction Loan?
A ground-up construction loan is short-term real estate financing used to acquire land and fund new development—typically residential, mixed-use, or small commercial projects. Unlike fix-and-flip or renovation loans, ground-up loans are structured for entirely new construction and are based on the project’s costs, timeline, and future market value (ARV).
These loans are commonly used in booming regions like Brooklyn, Nashville, Texas suburbs, and Southeast metros like Savannah and Greenville, where demand is high and inventory is tight.
Who Uses Ground-Up Construction Loans?
This type of private real estate loan is ideal for:
Real estate developers launching small to mid-size new builds
Build-to-rent investors expanding rental portfolios in high-growth markets
General contractors and experienced builders breaking ground on new projects
Landowners looking to develop and monetize vacant or underused property
Key Features of Ground-Up Construction Loans
Financing for land acquisition + vertical construction
Interest-only payments during the construction phase
Draw-based disbursements tied to project milestones
12–24 month loan terms with flexible extensions
Exit strategy via resale or long-term refinance (e.g., DSCR loan)
What Lenders Look For
Private lenders like QuickLend Capital assess key deal components:
✅ Project viability – solid plans, pro forma, and market comps
✅ Borrower experience – prior construction or investor background
✅ Permit & entitlement status – ideally shovel-ready or near approval
✅ Detailed budget & scope of work – construction timeline and contractor info
✅ Skin in the game – equity, owned land, or cash contribution
Market Highlights for Ground-Up Investors
Here’s why these markets are attracting ground-up activity:
Brooklyn, NY – Tight inventory and strong demand for multifamily units
Greenville, SC – Affordable land, population growth, and rental demand
Ashburn, VA – Northern Virginia tech corridor fueling residential expansion
Savannah, GA – Historic charm and logistics-driven job growth
Texas – Investor-friendly climate with rapid suburban development
Nashville, TN – Booming job market and sustained rental demand
Why Use QuickLend Capital for Ground-Up Construction Loans?
At QuickLend Capital, we specialize in private lending for real estate investors and builders who are creating value from the ground up. Whether you're a seasoned developer or taking on your first project, our construction loan programs are built to move fast and support your success.
We offer:
✅ Fast closings and responsive draw funding
✅ Up to 85% Loan-to-Cost (LTC) / 70–75% ARV
✅ Flexible terms designed for builders and investors
✅ Support from land acquisition to final certificate of occupancy
✅ Lending coverage across Brooklyn, the Southeast, Texas, and beyond
Ready to build? Let’s talk.
QuickLend Capital is your trusted partner for ground-up construction loans—funded fast, structured right, and made for builders who move with purpose.