Document at-a-glance — Quick checklist

Fast overview: below are the most common documents you’ll be asked to provide when applying for construction finance via UK Business Loans.

• Company registration printout (Companies House)
• Photo ID & proof of address for directors
• Last 2–3 years statutory accounts + latest management accounts
• 3–6 months business (and sometimes personal) bank statements
• Cashflow forecast and project cost schedule (QS report if available)
• Planning permission, building regs and construction contracts
• Land Registry/title deeds and property valuation
• Insurance certificates and evidence of deposits/supplier quotes

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Why lenders ask for documents

Lenders and brokers need documentation to assess three main things: the borrower’s creditworthiness, the viability of the development or build, and the security available. Different products require different depth of evidence — development finance needs detailed cost-to-complete and exit plans; short-term bridging focuses on clear exit evidence; asset finance concentrates on equipment specs and invoices.

We act as an introducer and help match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in construction finance — providing a quick eligibility check without automatically affecting your credit file. Lenders may carry out checks if you proceed with an application.

Company & legal documents

• Certificate of Incorporation and a Companies House printout (company profile showing officers and filings).
• Memorandum & Articles of Association (if requested).
• Shareholder register and details of ultimate beneficial owners.
• Company structure chart — essential where multiple entities or SPVs are involved.
• VAT registration certificate (if applicable) and VAT history for developments that will be VATable.
• Partnership agreements or LLP deeds where applicable.

Note: lenders will want clarity on who signs security and who is responsible for covenants; an organised legal pack speeds review.

Director / owner personal documents

• Photo ID (passport or UK driving licence) for each director/guarantor.
• Proof of address — recent utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months.
• Director CV or short biography showing construction sector experience (helps underwriters assess track record).
• Personal tax returns or SA302s where relevant (self-employed directors).
• If recently resident abroad — residence history and evidence of time in UK.

Financial records (vital)

Financial documentation is usually the most scrutinised area. Typical requirements include:

• Statutory accounts for the last 2–3 years (audited or filed accounts).
• Latest month-end management accounts with profit & loss and balance sheet.
• Business bank statements — commonly 3–6 months (some lenders request longer for complex cases).
• Personal bank statements for directors where personal guarantees are considered.
• Cashflow forecast for the company and a project-specific cashflow showing timing of costs, drawdowns and receipts.
• Business plan or project executive summary explaining assumptions, sales timetable and exit strategy.
• Debtor & creditor ageing, existing facilities, overdrafts and any monthly repayment obligations.
• VAT returns and recent corporation tax computations (where available).

Practical note: reconciled accounts and consistent bank activity reduce questions from underwriters. If accounts are lagging, supply explanatory cover notes and a reconciled trial balance.

Project & construction-specific documents

• Detailed project plan and timeline (preferably a simple Gantt chart showing key milestones).
• Detailed cost plan / schedule of works — ideally prepared or reviewed by a Quantity Surveyor (QS).
• Construction contracts (JCT, NEC or sub-contractor agreements) and the main contractor’s credentials.
• Planning permission, drawings, listed building consents (if applicable) and any conditions.
• Building Regulations approvals or confirmation of submission where applicable.
• Site purchase contract, Land Registry title documents and any option agreements.
• Environmental, ground and flood risk reports if the site has potential issues.
• Insurance: contractors’ all-risk, employer’s liability and public liability cover certificates.
• CDM arrangements and principal contractor details.

Most lenders will want a QS cost-to-complete and a staged draw schedule tied to practical milestones — this is essential for development finance and phased drawdowns.

Security & valuation documents

• Valuation or survey of the property (recent RICS or lender-approved valuation where available).
• Land Registry title documents and a red-line site plan.
• Details and statements for any existing charges or mortgages (lender name, outstanding balance).
• If offering other assets: valuations for plant, equipment, vehicles and details of any retention of title agreements.

Legal & compliance documents

• Solicitor details and confirmation of legal advisors if already instructed.
• Any warranties, guarantees, or performance bonds relevant to the works.
• Licences or permits required for the works (e.g., environmental permits).
• Details of any ongoing litigation or disputes affecting the company or project.

Other supporting evidence

• Customer contracts or pre-sale agreements (helpful for build-to-sell developments).
• Letters of intent, supplier quotes and supplier or subcontractor schedules.
• Evidence of deposits or if land has already been purchased, proof of funds used and receipts.
• References or testimonials from previous clients or professional contacts (useful where trading history is short).

Documents specific to different finance types

• Development finance: full QS report, staged draw schedule, sales evidence (plots sold/ reservations), detailed build programme and robust exit strategy.
• Bridging loans: proof of exit (sales contract or refinancing intention), title documents and short-term income evidence.
• Asset finance: supplier invoices, equipment specs, photos and asset valuation details.
• Invoice finance: debtor ledger, aged invoices and customer contract copies (3–6 months).
• Green / sustainability finance: energy performance evidence, installer certifications (MCS for solar), and estimated CO2/energy savings.

Want to read more about how construction finance works in practice? See our industry page on construction business loans.

Practical tips to prepare documents and speed approval

• Organise files as labelled PDFs (e.g., Company_Accounts_2024.pdf). Combine smaller files into a single ZIP when possible.
• Include a one-page executive summary that highlights the loan amount required, project overview, key dates and exit plan.
• Reconcile accounts and ensure bank statements match management accounts to avoid queries.
• Be transparent about disputes or delays — disclosure avoids surprises later in underwriting.
• Offer a short video or a call to walk a matched broker through complex points; it can accelerate decisions.

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Typical timeline & what happens after you submit documents

While every case differs, a typical flow looks like:

1. Enquiry submitted & initial call (often within hours).
2. Document submission and initial underwriting review (days).
3. Valuation/survey and lender queries (days to weeks depending on complexity).
4. Formal offer or term sheet (once underwriting satisfied).
5. Legal completion and drawdown according to agreed milestones.

Smaller or straightforward facilities can progress quickly; larger development financings take longer because of site due diligence and approvals.

Common reasons lenders ask for extra paperwork

• Incomplete costings or missing QS confirmation.
• Unclear exit strategy — lenders want to know how debt will be repaid.
• Complex company structure or multi-entity ownership.
• Recent director changes, inconsistent bank activity or unexplained large transactions.

Downloadable checklist

For a simple, printable version of the above grouped checklist, request our Construction Loan Documents Checklist (PDF) when you start your enquiry.

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FAQs

Will applying via UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry with UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks only if you proceed with an actual application through them.

Do I need full planning permission before I apply?

Not always. Some lenders will consider strong planning in principle or a clear consent path, especially for smaller refurbishment projects. For larger development finance, many lenders prefer full planning or clear evidence that planning consent is achievable.

What if I don’t have three years of accounts?

Young companies can still access finance — provide management accounts, cashflow forecasts, director/owner personal financials and client contracts to demonstrate viability. Specialist lenders and brokers deal with shorter trading histories.

How long before I can expect a decision?

Initial contact is often within hours. A debtor/underwriting decision varies — simple facilities can get term sheets within days; complex development finance can take several weeks.

Can start-ups get construction finance?

Yes, some lenders specialise in lending to early-stage businesses, provided there’s a convincing project plan, experienced management team, and adequate security or exit strategy.

Each answer above can be followed by a quick check: Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Next steps — submit your documents for a free eligibility check

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