Ground-Up Construction Loan for NYC Developers
Building from the ground up requires a lender who understands the project, the construction plan, and the timeline.
$700M+ funded
1,400+ loans
From 9.99% interest rate
7–14 days typical closing
New York City
We Lend provides private ground-up construction loans for experienced real estate investors, developers, builders, and mortgage brokers in New York City and the surrounding metro area. Our founder-led team reviews deals directly and considers the property, construction plan, borrower experience, budget, and exit strategy.
Submit your ground-up deal. We Lend aims to provide an initial term sheet within one hour when enough information is available to evaluate the project.
The typical construction closing timeline is 7 to 14 days, depending on the property, documentation, due diligence, and project structure.
Experienced investors
Private Construction Financing for Experienced Investors
We Lend is a founder-led, friends-and-family-backed private real estate lender that has funded more than $700 million across more than 1,400 loans.
Our lending approach is built for borrowers who already understand real estate execution and need a lender who can review the full context of a project.
We are not a bank committee or an automated platform limited to standardized lending criteria. Our team evaluates the property, construction plan, budget, borrower experience, contractor, leverage, and exit strategy.
We Lend may be a fit for:
- Experienced real estate investors
- Developers and builders
- Borrowers with prior ground-up construction experience
- Mortgage brokers submitting a client deal
- Projects with a defined construction budget and exit plan
- NYC deals requiring a more flexible review than a traditional bank may provide
Prior ground-up experience is required.
This program is not designed for first-time builders. Exact experience requirements depend on the program and project.
This program is not designed for first-time builders. Exact experience requirements depend on the program and project.
Loan terms
New Construction Loan Terms
The following terms reflect the current construction program. Terms are subject to change and underwriting.
Loan featureCurrent construction terms
Interest rateFrom 9.99%
Loan amount$500,000 minimum
Maximum leverageUp to 90% loan-to-cost
Loan term12 to 18 months
Minimum FICO650
Borrower experienceRequired
Initial term sheetWe Lend aims to provide an initial term sheet within one hour when enough information is available to evaluate the project
Typical construction closing7 to 14 days
Geographic focusNew York City and the surrounding metro area
We Lend also lends nationwide across 46 states. This page focuses on borrowers and projects in the NYC market.
Underwriting
What We Lend Reviews Before Issuing Terms
A complete submission helps our team understand the opportunity and determine what information is needed next.
Property and Site Details
Submit the property address or location, acquisition details, current ownership status, zoning information, and any approvals already in place.
Construction Plans and Budget
We review the scope of work, architectural plans, hard and soft costs, contingency, construction schedule, and estimated completion date.
Contractor and Construction Team
Your contractor or construction team should have experience with the type and scale of project you plan to build. Information about similar completed projects may be requested.
Borrower Experience
Ground-up construction financing is intended for experienced investors. We will review your prior development and construction history as part of the underwriting process.
Exit Strategy
Tell us how you plan to repay the loan. Your exit may include a sale, refinance, or another defined repayment strategy.
Why We Lend
Why NYC Developers Choose We Lend
Direct, In-House Underwriting
Your project is reviewed by a lending team that can ask questions, understand context, and evaluate the full transaction.
Flexible Private Capital
Some construction projects do not fit a standard bank structure. We Lend considers the full project rather than relying only on standardized lending criteria.
New York Market Focus
We Lend is a founder-led private lender with a strong focus on New York and New Jersey real estate. The team understands that NYC construction deals can involve complex properties, tight timelines, and project-specific requirements.
Direct Borrower and Broker Access
We Lend works directly with mortgage brokers, provides clear communication, and strives to protect broker relationships and fees throughout the transaction. Submit a broker deal through the We Lend broker portal.
The process
How the Ground-Up Construction Loan Process Works
1
Submit the Project
Send the property details, requested loan amount, construction budget, project timeline, borrower experience, contractor information, and exit strategy.
2
Review the Opportunity
Our team reviews the available information and follows up with questions or requests for additional documentation.
3
Receive a Term Sheet
If the project fits the program and enough information is available for review, We Lend provides an initial term sheet based on the property, borrower, leverage, construction plan, and exit strategy.
4
Complete Underwriting and Close
The typical construction closing timeline is 7 to 14 days, depending on the completeness of the file, due diligence, title, appraisal, and project complexity.
◆ New York City & metro area
Ground-Up Construction Financing in NYC
We Lend works with experienced investors, developers, builders, and mortgage brokers seeking ground-up construction financing in New York City and the surrounding metro area.
If you have a defined project, prior construction experience, and a clear exit strategy, submit the opportunity for review.
Submit your NYC ground-up construction project for review.
Submit Your Deal →
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ground-up construction loan?
A ground-up construction loan provides financing to build a new real estate project. Depending on the structure, the loan may help fund acquisition and construction costs.
Does We Lend offer ground-up construction loans in NYC?
Yes. We Lend offers private ground-up construction financing for experienced investors and developers in New York City and the surrounding metro area.
How quickly can I receive a term sheet?
We Lend aims to provide an initial term sheet within one hour when enough information is available to evaluate the project.
How long does it typically take to close?
The typical construction closing timeline is 7 to 14 days. The exact timeline depends on the property, documentation, due diligence, title, appraisal, and project complexity.
What interest rate does We Lend offer?
Current construction rates start at 9.99%. Final pricing depends on the borrower, property, project structure, leverage, and underwriting.
What is the minimum ground-up construction loan amount?
The current minimum loan amount is $500,000.
How much leverage is available?
The program offers up to 90% loan-to-cost, subject to underwriting and project-specific requirements.
What loan term is available?
Ground-up construction loans are generally structured with 12- to 18-month terms.
What credit score is required?
The current program lists a minimum FICO score of 650. Other factors, including construction experience, property details, project economics, and exit strategy, are also reviewed.
How much construction experience do I need?
Prior ground-up experience is required. Exact experience requirements depend on the program and project.
Does We Lend work with mortgage brokers?
Yes. We Lend works directly with mortgage brokers, provides clear communication, and strives to protect broker relationships and fees throughout the transaction. Submit a broker deal here.
What documents should I submit?
Depending on the project stage, We Lend may request purchase and entity documents, title information, borrower identification, an appraisal, plans, a scope of work, the construction budget, and financial information.
Submit Your NYC Ground-Up Construction Loan Request
Have a ground-up construction project in New York City or the surrounding metro area?
We Lend provides direct private construction financing for experienced borrowers who need a lender that can review the deal and move it forward. Submit your ground-up deal. We Lend aims to provide an initial term sheet within one hour when enough information is available to evaluate the project.