Austin, Texas, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Easy Street Capital, an Austin-based private lender, has increased leverage on its EasyBuild construction product to offer up to 90% Loan-to-Cost (LTC) and 75% Loan-to-Value (LTV) for borrowers who have completed at least three construction projects. The change raises previous caps of 85% LTC and 70% LTV and aims to reduce required upfront equity, accelerate funding, and enable larger single-family and multifamily developments. Access is limited to experienced sponsors and tied to standard underwriting safeguards — documented budgets, schedules and past performance — to balance faster deployment of capital with risk controls.
Private lender boosts construction leverage to help experienced builders move faster
A national private lending firm based in Austin has increased the leverage available to experienced builders for new residential projects. Effective immediately, qualified borrowers with a track record of at least three completed construction deals can access up to 90% Loan-to-Cost (LTC) and up to 75% Loan-to-Value (LTV) under the lender’s refreshed new-construction program. The change raises the previous caps of 85% LTC and 70% LTV.
Who qualifies and what this means now
The updated program is aimed at builders and real estate investors who have completed three or more projects. For those borrowers, the higher leverage reduces the amount of upfront equity required, making it easier to start larger single-family or multifamily projects. The lender also says the program keeps a focus on faster funding, competitive pricing, and loan terms tailored to the needs of each job.
Why the change is coming now
The lender pointed to growing demand for flexible construction finance and a serious national housing shortfall as the backdrop for the update. A recent July housing analysis estimated a gap of about 4.7 million homes across the country, and the program is positioned to allow experienced builders to accelerate delivery of new units that could help close that gap.
Program uses and project types
The refreshed product is intended to cover construction of single-family homes and multifamily developments. The lender noted the program supports projects of different scales and can be structured to fit the timelines and risks of each build. The emphasis is on enabling faster starts with less equity on hand, while keeping underwriting and monitoring practices that reflect construction risk.
How the market is moving
The change to higher leverage comes as activity across construction and project finance remains robust. Separately, developers in other parts of the market have closed large project financings for energy storage and affordable housing in recent months, showing continued capital flow into construction and development:
- A developer of utility-scale battery storage secured roughly $286 million in financing to build two standalone battery energy storage projects totaling 300 MW / 800 MWh, with construction financing, tax-equity bridge loans, and a letter of credit facility backing the work.
- A regional affordable housing development secured a syndicated construction loan of about $60.4 million for a 324-unit project that will deliver three-story buildings with two-, three- and four-bedroom units targeted at households below 60% of area median income. That development is scheduled for completion in early 2027.
Program process and lender priorities
The lender says it will continue to move loans through streamlined approval paths for qualified borrowers, with an eye toward competitive rates and customized structures. Borrower experience, project budgets, and marketability of the finished product remain central to underwriting decisions. The program is part of a wider set of financing products that the lender offers to real estate investors nationwide.
Practical considerations for builders
Builders and investors considering higher leverage should evaluate cash flow needs, contingency plans for cost overruns, and exit strategies. Higher LTC and LTV can lower equity requirements up front, but construction remains a high-touch business: lenders will expect clear budgets, experienced teams, and plans for sale or long-term hold that align with loan terms.
Where to learn more
Additional program details and application instructions are available through the lender’s website at www.easystreetcap.com.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new maximum leverage levels?
Qualified builders can now access up to 90% LTC and 75% LTV on eligible new-construction loans.
Who is eligible for these terms?
Builders or investors with a proven track record of at least three completed construction projects are eligible to apply for the enhanced terms.
What types of projects qualify?
The program covers single-family and multifamily new construction. Each project is reviewed for budget accuracy, timeline, and marketability.
Will higher leverage increase lender oversight?
Yes. While the program aims to accelerate funding, lenders will maintain construction monitoring, require detailed budgets and contingency plans, and assess borrower experience as part of underwriting.
How does higher LTC differ from higher LTV?
LTC (Loan-to-Cost) measures the loan as a percentage of total project costs. LTV (Loan-to-Value) measures the loan as a percentage of the finished property’s market value. Both affect required equity and risk sharing.
Key program features at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Loan-to-Cost (LTC) | 90% for qualified borrowers with 3+ completed deals |
| Max Loan-to-Value (LTV) | 75% for qualified borrowers with 3+ completed deals |
| Previous caps | 85% LTC and 70% LTV |
| Eligible project types | New single-family and multifamily construction |
| Primary borrower requirement | Track record of at least three completed construction projects |
| Geographic reach | Nationwide lending footprint, home office in Austin |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Morningstar/GlobeNewswire: Easy Street Capital increases leverage for new construction financing
- Wikipedia: Construction loan
- PR Newswire: Jupiter Power secures $286M construction financing for utility-scale battery projects
- Google Search: Jupiter Power construction financing battery energy storage
- REBusinessOnline: Associated Bank provides $60.4M construction loan for Metro Austin affordable housing
- Google Scholar: Associated Bank construction loan affordable housing Austin
- JLL: Construction financing secured for industrial development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: industrial development
- Multi-Housing News: Buying borrowers some extra time — condo inventory lending
- Google News: condo inventory lending
Author: Construction CA News
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