Miami Ground-Up Construction Loans: Up to 90% LTC
Miami ground-up construction loans through Clear Asset Solutions fund up to 90% of total project cost for residential 1-4 unit builds in Miami-Dade County. Rates run 8–12% depending on experience. Traditional banks take months and often decline entirely — private construction capital moves in days.
Why Build New Inventory in Miami?
Miami faces an acute shortage of modern, high-specification single-family and luxury multi-family properties against a backdrop of global wealth inflow and population growth. Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana infill zones, and pockets near the Design District command premium pricing for newly built residential product. Raw land and scrape-and-rebuild infill lots are being absorbed rapidly by investors who move with pre-committed capital.
What Are the Loan Parameters for Miami Construction Financing?
Maximum Leverage: Up to 90% LTC (acquisition + 100% of verified horizontal/vertical construction budget)
Loan Amounts: $1,000,000 minimum value, scaling to $10,000,000+
Rates: 8–9% for Tier 1 builders with documented completions; 11–12% for developers on first or second ground-up project
FICO Requirement: 720+ personal credit score
Liquidity Requirement: $400,000 minimum in verified liquid cash reserves
Co-Signer Option: Financially strong co-signers or guarantors accepted to satisfy institutional requirements
How Do Miami Developers Exit Ground-Up Projects?
Luxury single-family homes and premium townhouses in Miami's higher price brackets can experience longer days-on-market on public platforms. Experienced Miami developers use two exit strategies to protect margins:
Pre-Construction Sales: Form alliances with hyper-local realtors who maintain exclusive buyer pipelines. Architectural renderings and virtual walkthroughs frequently secure non-refundable contracts before vertical construction begins, eliminating holding cost risk.
DSCR Hold Strategy: Build, stabilize as a short-term rental (especially in zones permitting STR operations), then cash out construction equity via a DSCR loan based on the vacation rental income. Miami's STR markets generate significantly higher gross revenue than conventional leases.
How Does Construction Capital Get Disbursed in Miami?
Construction draws are tied to verified milestones: site prep/demolition, foundation, framing, rough mechanical, drywall/exterior, finish work, and certificate of occupancy. Clear Asset Solutions aligns your draw schedule with real-world Miami building timelines, accounting for Miami-Dade permit review periods and inspection queues.
Want us to fund your next deal?
Bring us the numbers and the timeline. Our originations team will tell you what it can be financed at — and what it would take to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ground-up construction cost in Miami?
Total project costs in Miami-Dade vary widely by location and spec, but luxury 1-4 unit residential builds in premier neighborhoods often run $200 to $700 per square foot all-in.
Can I get a ground-up construction loan if this is my first build?
Yes, but rates will be in the 11–12% tier. Partnering with an experienced general contractor with documented ground-up completions significantly strengthens your application.
Do Miami construction loans require a co-signer?
Not always, but if your balance sheet metrics need strengthening, a financially qualified co-signer or guarantor can help satisfy institutional requirements and unlock higher leverage.
What neighborhoods in Miami have the best ground-up construction returns?
Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana infill zones, South of Fifth (SoFi), and select pockets in Brickell and the Design District area consistently generate strong developer margins.
