CapitalRise is a UK property finance business that funds development, bridging and refurbishment loans for experienced developers, with a specialism in prime and high-end real estate. Its loans are funded by investors who lend through its platform. Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of CapitalRise; it is one of the lenders we compare for development finance. You can read more on CapitalRise's own website.
About CapitalRise
CapitalRise says it was founded in 2016 by people with a background in prime property development, and that it has provided finance to experienced developers since then. Its co-founders say they invest personally in every opportunity alongside the platform's investors.
The business has two sides. Borrowers receive development, bridging and refurbishment loans; investors, including individuals and institutions, fund those loans, each secured against property. CapitalRise Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for arranging investments. Its lending to developers is business lending, which is not itself a regulated activity.
CapitalRise describes its focus as prime property in London and the Home Counties, mainly residential development, and its development finance covers England and Wales, with most schemes in the South and South East.
What CapitalRise funds
At the time of writing (October 2026), CapitalRise's website gives a headline loan range of £1 million to £20 million, and says it can discuss projects outside that range. The range it currently works to on development loans arranged through brokers is narrower, at around £1.25 million to £15 million.
| Product | What it is for | Maximum leverage |
|---|---|---|
| Development finance | Ground-up schemes, airspace and modular developments, part-built and finish and exit projects | Up to 70% of GDV and 85% of costs, terms up to 36 months |
| Short-term (bridging) finance | Purchases and refinance of prime property | Up to 75% LTV |
| Sales period finance | Refinancing completed schemes while units are sold | Up to 75% LTV |
| Refurbishment finance | Upgrading prime residential property | Assessed case by case |
CapitalRise's site gives slightly different headline leverage on its overview and product pages, so the figures above use the more cautious development page figures. Loans are secured with a first or, in some cases, second legal charge, and personal guarantees are limited to 25% of the loan.
See our guides to finish and exit finance and development exit finance for how those stages are funded.
Who CapitalRise suits (and who it may not)
CapitalRise tends to suit:
- Experienced developers with a proven track record on similar schemes.
- Prime and high-end residential projects, particularly in London, the South and the South East.
- Schemes needing roughly £1.25 million to £15 million, or larger by discussion.
- Developers with airspace, part-built or stalled schemes that need finishing.
- Borrowers needing sales period finance once a scheme completes.
It may not suit first-time developers, loans under about £1.25 million, mainstream or lower-value regional schemes, schemes in Scotland or Northern Ireland, or homeowners needing a regulated loan.
What CapitalRise looks at
For a development loan, expect CapitalRise to look closely at:
- Your track record, particularly on prime or high-end schemes of a similar size.
- The site, planning permission and the gross development value, supported by valuation.
- Build costs, the programme, the contractor and the professional team.
- The equity you are putting in and how the loan fits within its leverage limits.
- The exit: sales evidence for the location and product, or a refinance plan.
Because loans are funded by investors, cases need to be well documented and presented clearly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Specialism in prime and high-end residential property.
- Covers ground-up, airspace, finish and exit, and sales period finance.
- Terms of up to 36 months for development.
- Founders with a property development background.
- Personal guarantees limited to 25% of the loan.
Cons
- Development loans start at around £1.25 million.
- Aimed at experienced developers only.
- Focus on prime schemes in London, the South and the South East.
- Leverage figures differ across its own pages, so terms need confirming case by case.
Going through a broker vs going direct
CapitalRise lends to developers directly and through brokers. Comparing first matters on prime schemes because bank, debt fund and platform lenders can all compete for the same deal, and leverage, fees and drawdown terms vary. A scheme that fits CapitalRise's prime focus may also attract senior or stretched senior lenders.
We search the market, set CapitalRise alongside other development lenders, present your scheme and manage the application through to completion. It is free to enquire, and any broker fee is disclosed before you proceed.
Alternatives to CapitalRise
- Atelier Finance: larger development loans, often on London schemes.
- OakNorth Bank: bank development finance for experienced developers.
- Triple Point Private Credit: senior and stretched senior development debt.
- Fiduciam: development lending across a similar size range.
- Blend Network: another investor-funded development lender.
Common questions
How much can I borrow from CapitalRise?
CapitalRise's website quotes £1 million to £20 million and says it can discuss projects outside that range. On development loans arranged through brokers it currently works to around £1.25 million to £15 million.
What leverage does CapitalRise offer on development finance?
Its development finance page states up to 70% of gross development value and up to 85% of total costs. Other pages on its site show higher headline figures, so confirm the terms for your scheme.
Does CapitalRise lend to first-time developers?
CapitalRise says its development finance is for experienced property developers with a proven track record.
Where does CapitalRise lend?
England and Wales, with a focus on prime property in London, the South and the South East.
Who funds CapitalRise loans?
Loans are funded by investors through the CapitalRise platform, with the company's founders investing alongside them.
Does CapitalRise take personal guarantees?
Yes, but CapitalRise limits personal guarantees to 25% of the loan.
This review is our independent summary of the lender's publicly stated lending, checked in October 2026. Criteria change, so confirm the current position before relying on it. Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of any lender reviewed. Finance is subject to status, valuation and lender approval.
