Business

Are you looking for Mezzanine debt finance for your property development?

Published

4 years ago

April 20, 2021

Getting funding for an upcoming project is never an easy ordeal. Property developers and builders have to work hard to secure funding for their upcoming projects, especially during these unprecedented times of Covid-19. Obtaining funding is especially hard for small developers and builders as the market is dominated by high-end developers and big-time builders. Of course, factors such as the rising cost of land and the strict lending criteria do not make it any easier for small developers and builders to secure financing. If you are looking for Mezzanine debt finance for your property development, here is everything that you need to know.

What is Mezzanine debt finance?

First, let’s talk about Mezzanine debt finance. When a builder or a development company has fully utilised their debt borrowing capacity or looking to preserve their senior debt for the future, the builder or developer will need to look for an additional source of capital. This capital could be used for growth opportunities such as starting new projects or taking over ongoing projects and distributing among shareholders, and in some cases, buying back shares from shareholders. This is when developers need to start raising finance for property development.

Equity vs Mezzanine debt finance

Now, there are two options. One option is to raise more equity, which means that the builder or developer has to further dilute their share in order to get funding. The second, and more viable option, is Mezzanine financing. Mezzanine debt is used to bridge the gap between equity financing and debt. In simpler terms, think of Mezzanine financing as a more expensive form of debt or a cheaper form of equity. Since it is a more affordable form of equity, the interest rate is higher while the overall cost of capital is lower. Mezzanine debt financing allows a developer to get the highest return on investment while putting in the least amount of capital.

Let’s say a high-end builder wants to take over an ongoing project that has £20 million in debt, but the builder does not want to put up their capital. So, the builder will look for Mezzanine financing to cover around £15 million while the builder will only have to invest £5 million from their capital. Since the builder used Mezzanine debt financing, it will be possible to convert the debt into equity only once certain criteria are met. However, this allows the builder to reduce the amount of capital required to complete the transaction and eventually allows the debt to convert into profitable equity.

Tools for Mezzanine debt finance

For builders and developers who are looking for Mezzanine debt financing, technology is a great boon! Now, there are so many online tools that have made the process of securing funding so much easier. Sqft.Capital is one such company that works as an online finance raising tool for property developers and provides mezzanine debt for property developers! Sqft.Capital is a platform that has been created for UK property developers to model their deals, raise debt and equity, secure funding and optimise profits seamlessly.

The average debt raise request for Sqft.Capital is £2,945,179, while the average mezz raise request is £1,088,745. The average equity raise request is £688,211, and the average GDV projects that this company raises funding on is £4,640,130. This platform allows builders and developers to use free tools to model a financial projection and then puts all the data together to make it look presentable for lenders. Once the model is ready, Sqft.Capital finds the best financing options for the upcoming project, which either have the highest profit or require the least amount of equity.

Why choose Mezzanine debt finance?

One important reason that developers should opt for Mezzanine debt financing is that it allows them to increase their internal rate of return. Also, since the developers do not have to give up equity, they have complete control over their projects and businesses. Usually, when developers get more equity partners on boards, things can get messy. Additionally, the main chunk of mezzanine finance is payable as an exit fee when the loan is redeemed, which means most of the cost is a charge on profits.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.