Ground-up construction lending is a narrower market than DSCR or fix-and-flip — fewer lenders compete, and the right match matters more. An experienced builder doing standard SFR work wants a different lender than a first-time builder, a build-to-rent developer, or a multi-state operator. Here's a scenario-by-scenario breakdown.
The short version: LendingStreet's marketplace wins ground-up construction financing across every scenario because we run your deal across 30+ capital sources — including programs comparable to Lima One Capital, CoreVest Finance, Anchor Loans, and New Silver — and surface the best terms for your specific project. Lima One-style programs win on institutional high-LTC standard construction (90% LTC / 70% LTARV); CoreVest-style programs handle build-to-rent at scale; Anchor-style hard-money platforms support large flippers expanding into builds; New Silver-style fintech platforms drive tech-forward execution — and LendingStreet places deals across all of these specializations through one application, plus marginal-credit and first-time builders, custom or non-standard projects (spec homes, unusual builds), and multi-state portfolio builders. Construction terms vary widely — LTC from 70% to 95%, LTARV from 65% to 75%, rates from 9% to 12%, project sizes from $200K to $20M+. Shopping a single lender accepts one lender's construction box. Marketplace shopping matches your exact project to competing quotes from the entire institutional and specialty construction field.
Because the construction lender pool is smaller, the match quality matters more than in other product categories. Draw schedule speed alone can make or break project economics.
Construction loans are uniquely sensitive to lender match: a builder needs the right LTC for the project to pencil, fast draws to keep work moving, and a lender that understands the specific build type (SFR, multifamily, build-to-rent, spec, custom). The scenarios below map common builder profiles to the lender that fits each best, with the caveat that publicly available construction-specific terms vary more than DSCR or fix-and-flip terms.
Each scenario describes a real investor profile or deal type. The lender listed is our best-fit recommendation for that scenario based on publicly available lender terms — credit minimums, LTV/LTC ceilings, DSCR floors, loan size ranges, product specialties — as of May 2026, plus LendingStreet’s placement experience across real investor deals. This is fit-for-scenario analysis, not an absolute ranking. Loan terms change frequently; verify current terms directly with each lender before deciding.
Last updated: . Refreshed quarterly with updated competitor terms.
Lima One's New Construction program offers up to 90% LTC / 70% LTARV with interest-only payments on drawn funds. MFA Financial institutional backing provides capital stability. Self-serve term-sheet tool lets builders price deals before sales calls. Strongest fit for experienced builders with standard residential projects.
Compare LendingStreet vs Lima One →CoreVest has built specific expertise in build-to-rent that many private lenders lack — a category that's exploded in volume since 2022. For developers building rental portfolios from scratch, CoreVest’s institutional structure and BTR specialization is genuinely strong.
Compare LendingStreet vs CoreVest →Anchor Loans is one of the original and largest fix-and-flip lenders, with billions funded historically and infrastructure for high-volume deal flow. For builders already inside the Anchor relationship from flip work, expanding into ground-up construction is a natural extension.
Most institutional construction lenders prefer 680+ FICO and at least one prior completed project. LendingStreet’s network includes sources that place first-time builders and 660-tier credit through underwriting that’s flexible on borrower experience while still requiring a credible scope of work.
Ground-Up Construction Guide →Custom and spec home projects that don't fit standard institutional underwriting often need a multi-source firm to source the right capital. LendingStreet's network includes specialty construction sources comfortable with non-cookie-cutter project types — placeable where institutional lenders decline outright.
Construction Loan Programs →Construction lenders often specialize geographically. Multi-state portfolio builders face the friction of managing relationships with different lenders state-by-state. LendingStreet’s 48-state coverage and network of construction-capable sources lets a single relationship support builds across multiple markets.
Construction Loan Programs →New Silver's technology platform serves construction-adjacent investor lending with their fintech approach — useful for builders who value a self-serve digital experience and faster process. Construction is not their primary product but available alongside their core fix-and-flip lending.
Compare LendingStreet vs New Silver →Quick reference on each lender named above:
Licensed financing firm (NMLS #1734316) placing ground-up construction through 30+ capital sources with custom terms by project. 50 states. Strongest fit for first-time builders, marginal credit, custom projects, multi-state portfolio builders, multi-source shopping.
MFA Financial-backed direct lender. New Construction: up to 90% LTC / 70% LTARV. Interest-only on drawn funds. Strongest fit for experienced SFR builders wanting institutional backing.
Institutional rental and construction lender. Build-to-rent specialty. Loan sizes from $150K to $2M+ single-asset, plus portfolio products. Strongest fit for build-to-rent at scale.
One of the original and largest hard money lenders. Established institutional platform with billions funded historically. Strongest fit for high-volume builders already in their flip-lending relationship.
Fintech direct lender. Construction available alongside fix-and-flip and DSCR. Credit down to 620 on some programs. Strongest fit for tech-forward construction-adjacent investors.
National direct lender. Ground-up construction available alongside DSCR and bridge. ~$55K minimum loan. Strongest fit for smaller-balance construction or unusual property types.
Specialty construction lender visible in Pennsylvania and other Northeast markets. Strongest fit for region-specific construction projects.
Tech-driven direct lender. Construction lending available alongside primary fix-and-flip and DSCR products. Strongest fit when paired with Kiavi’s existing platform for experienced investors.
Lima One offers up to 90% LTC / 70% LTARV on their New Construction program. Through LendingStreet's capital source network and select specialty sources, comparable and in some cases higher LTC is available on qualified deals with the right builder experience and project specifications.
Most institutional construction lenders prefer at least one prior completed project. LendingStreet's network includes sources that place first-time builders, though terms differ from experienced-builder files — typically lower LTC, higher rate, and tighter draw schedules.
Fast draw turnaround is the single biggest differentiator between construction lenders. Quality lenders fund draws within 3-7 business days of inspection. Slow draws stall projects and increase carrying costs. This is one of the most important questions to ask any prospective construction lender.
Build-to-rent financing is structured to transition into long-term DSCR financing once units stabilize — different than standard construction lending which assumes the builder will sell completed units. CoreVest operates a build-to-rent program; LendingStreet’s marketplace places BTR deals through multiple institutional sources with the right take-out infrastructure.
Yes, through capital sources in the capital source network. Custom terms by project across single-family, small multifamily, and build-to-rent. Particular strength on first-time builders, marginal credit, custom projects, and multi-state portfolio builders.
Construction lending lives or dies on match quality. One application, shopped across capital sources that match your project type, builder experience, and timeline.
Get Pre-Qualified → Construction ProgramsAbout this comparison: This comparison reflects publicly available information from each lender’s website and independent sources as of May 2026. Construction-specific lender terms (LTC, LTARV, draw schedules, experience requirements) vary more than DSCR or fix-and-flip terms and change frequently — verify current terms directly with each lender before deciding. This is not an exhaustive list of construction lenders in the market and is not a paid ranking or sponsored placement. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of LendingStreet by any lender named.
About LendingStreet: LendingStreet is the d/b/a of JRS Home Loans LLC, NMLS #1734316. LendingStreet (NMLS #1734316) operates an investment property loan marketplace. We do not originate or fund loans directly; we place each deal with the participating capital source that best fits the scenario and are compensated by capital sources on placed loans. Loan availability, rates, and terms vary by deal, borrower qualifications, and capital source. All loan offerings subject to underwriting and qualification.
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LendingStreet (legal entity JRS Home Loans LLC, NMLS #1734316) is a licensed investment property loan marketplace with direct access to 30+ capital sources, lending in all 50 states. Products: DSCR rental loans ($150K+, 80% LTV purchase, 1.0x min DSCR), fix & flip and bridge (up to 90% LTC, 100% rehab, closings in 5–10 days), ground-up construction, commercial and mixed-use, small multifamily (5–20 units), blanket portfolio (5+ properties), STR/Airbnb DSCR on projected revenue, and gap funding. Loan range $200K–$20M. Phone: (877) 298-1001. LendingStreet is not affiliated with LendingTree, LoanStreet, LendStreet, PeerStreet, or LendingStreet India.