Secure Trust Bank lends to property developers through its Real Estate Finance division. At the time of writing (October 2026), it offers development loans from £2m to £45m on residential, purpose-built student accommodation, pre-let commercial and build-to-rent schemes, at up to 65% of gross development value (GDV) and 80% of cost on residential schemes (85% of cost on pre-let commercial). Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of Secure Trust Bank, so we can set its terms against other bank and specialist development lenders. You can read more on Secure Trust Bank's own website.
About Secure Trust Bank
Secure Trust Bank PLC says it has been doing what it does since 1952. It is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the PRA, with its registered office in Solihull and offices in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, London, Reading and Cardiff.
It describes itself as a specialist UK lender serving more than a million customers. Alongside Real Estate Finance, which covers development and landlord finance, the group offers savings, business finance, retail finance through V12 Retail Finance and vehicle finance.
Secure Trust Bank is one of the lenders we compare for development finance on mid-sized and larger schemes.
What Secure Trust Bank funds
Secure Trust Bank's development lending covers four scheme types, each with its own limits.
| Scheme | Loan size | Maximum term | Maximum loan to cost | Maximum loan to GDV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential development | £2m to £45m | 36 months | 80% | 65% |
| Student accommodation (PBSA) | £2m to £45m | 36 months | 75% | 60% |
| Commercial pre-let development | £2m to £45m | 36 months | 85% | 65% |
| Build-to-rent | £2m to £45m | 60 months | 75% | 60% |
On residential, student and pre-let commercial schemes, the bank says it can advance up to 60% of the land value on day one. Residential schemes can include a small commercial element. Commercial development needs a pre-let to a reputable occupier.
Build-to-rent loans are released against monitoring surveyor reports, with interest rolled up and repaid in one sum at exit. The bank lends across mainland UK on ground-up and conversion schemes. Developers need at least 10% of total costs in cash, and at least one ultimate owner must be UK resident and a UK taxpayer. On commercial schemes the development loan can move onto a term loan agreed at the outset, typically an 18-month build and six-month letting period followed by a three-year commercial mortgage.
Who Secure Trust Bank suits (and who it may not)
Secure Trust Bank tends to suit:
- Experienced residential developers with schemes needing £2m or more.
- Developers who need up to 80% of cost (85% on pre-let commercial) from a bank rather than a non-bank lender.
- Student accommodation developers and builders of pre-let commercial space.
- Build-to-rent developers who want a longer term of up to 60 months.
- Schemes anywhere on mainland UK.
It is not suitable for first-time developers, as it requires relevant experience, nor for schemes needing less than £2m. It does not offer short-term bridging, so purchases, auctions and chain breaks need a bridging lender. Speculative commercial development without a pre-let is also outside its stated criteria.
What Secure Trust Bank looks at
Secure Trust Bank says applicants must have relevant development experience and that it assesses track record as part of the application. Appropriate planning is also required. For a scheme of this size, expect the bank to review:
- The developer's completed schemes and the strength of the professional team.
- Planning consent and any conditions or obligations.
- The cost plan, building contract and contractor.
- The GDV, supported by valuation and sales or letting evidence.
- For commercial schemes, the pre-let and the occupier's covenant.
- For build-to-rent, projected rents and the refinance or sale exit.
Funds are released in stages after a monitoring surveyor reports on progress. Arrangement and professional fees apply, and build-to-rent loans also carry an exit-related fee.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Bank lender with loans from £2m to £45m.
- Up to 80% of cost on residential and 85% on pre-let commercial schemes.
- Day-one land advance of up to 60% of land value.
- Covers student accommodation and build-to-rent as well as residential for sale.
- Lends across mainland UK.
Cons
- Relevant development experience required.
- £2m minimum rules out smaller schemes.
- Commercial schemes need a pre-let.
- At least 10% of total costs must be cash.
- No bridging or regulated lending.
Going through a broker vs going direct
Secure Trust Bank works with intermediaries as well as directly with developers. Comparing first matters because development lenders differ on how they treat land value, contingency, professional fees and exit fees, and bank and non-bank lenders often take different views on the same scheme.
We search the market, put your appraisal in front of suitable lenders and manage the process through to completion. It is free to enquire, and any broker fee is disclosed before you proceed.
Alternatives to Secure Trust Bank
- Aldermore: a specialist bank offering development finance from £1m to £50m.
- Shawbrook Bank: a specialist bank with development and investment lending.
- Close Brothers: a bank lender to housebuilders and developers.
- Hampshire Trust Bank: development and bridging lending from a specialist bank.
- United Trust Bank: a bank lender with development and bridging products.
Common questions
How much can Secure Trust Bank lend for a development?
At the time of writing (October 2026), Secure Trust Bank lends from £2m to £45m on development schemes.
What leverage does Secure Trust Bank offer on residential schemes?
It offers up to 65% of GDV and up to 80% of cost on residential development, with up to 60% of land value advanced on day one.
Does Secure Trust Bank lend to first-time developers?
No. Secure Trust Bank says applicants need relevant development experience and it assesses track record as part of the application.
Does Secure Trust Bank fund build-to-rent?
Yes. Its build-to-rent loans run up to 60 months, at up to 75% of cost and 60% of GDV, with interest rolled up and repaid at exit.
Does Secure Trust Bank offer bridging loans?
Its Real Estate Finance division does not market short-term bridging. A bridging lender is the usual route for purchases, auctions and chain breaks.
Can a Secure Trust Bank development loan move onto a term loan?
On commercial schemes, yes. The end product and the terms for both stages can be agreed at the outset, with the loan moving onto a commercial mortgage once the property is let.
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.
