Last updated: January 2026
Quick answer
Speed-to-close construction financing in Fort Lauderdale allows real estate developers to secure funds quickly, and may occur in as few as 5 – 10 business days for residential or commercial projects, subject to complete documentation, clear title, and lender underwriting approval. Actual timelines vary. These loans are offered by private lenders who prioritize project viability and property value over borrower income or personal credit score, making them ideal for fast-moving development projects.
What is speed-to-close construction financing?
Speed-to-close construction financing is a short-term funding solution designed for developers who need to begin building immediately.
These loans prioritize fast underwriting and closing, often within 5 to 10 business days, compared to the 30 to 60+ days typical of traditional bank financing.
In Fort Lauderdale, where the real estate market is highly competitive and demand for new housing is strong, speed-to-close loans help developers seize opportunities before conditions shift or properties are lost to competitors.
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Why fast construction loans matter in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is one of South Florida’s most dynamic development markets, attracting both local and out-of-state investors. Developers face intense competition for lots, permits, and materials, which makes financing speed critical.
Fast closings allow developers:
- Secure lots before other builders
- Start construction on tight timelines
- Meet contract or permitting deadlines
- Lock in materials pricing before costs rise
- Minimize carrying costs and opportunity loss
With speed-to-close financing, developers can move from deal to funding more quickly than some traditional financing options, depending on documentation and lender review.
Common projects funded with fast-close loans
Private lenders in Fort Lauderdale use speed-to-close construction loans to fund:
- Multifamily or duplex developments in transitional areas
- Spec home builds in neighborhoods like Victoria Park, Tarpon River, and Coral Ridge
- Infill townhomes replacing older single-family structures
- Mixed-use projects in up-zoned corridors
- Coastal homes in flood-prone or restricted zones where time-sensitive approvals apply
Whether you’re a small-scale investor or seasoned builder, having access to quick capital may provide a competitive advantage depending on timing and market conditions.
How private construction loans accelerate closing
Private construction lenders are generally not bound by the same underwriting frameworks as traditional banks. They can close quickly by focusing on:
- Property value (current and future)
- Project documentation
- Borrower experience
- Exit strategy (sale or refinance)
- Equity position (land value, down payment, or both)
With fewer layers of approval, private lenders like Marquee Funding Group may be able to issue term sheets in as few as 24–48 hours and fund projects in as few as 5–10 business days, subject to documentation, title, and underwriting approval. Actual timelines vary.
Key loan terms and structures for Fort Lauderdale developers
| Loan Feature | Description |
| Loan amount | $750,000 to $5 million+ for ground-up development |
| Term length | 12-24 months, often interest-only |
| Disbursement method | Funds issued in draws based on construction milestones |
| Interest reserve | Often built into the loan to cover monthly interest payments |
| Exit strategy | Sale of completed unit(s) or refinance into DSCR or long-term loan |
| Loan-to-cost (LTC) | Typically up to 80% of total project cost, depending on project type, borrower experience, and lender underwriting |
| Appraisal timeline | Often expedited for quick close loans |
These terms are designed to support fast project starts and short construction windows.
What documents do you need to close fast?
To close your Fort Lauderdale construction loan quickly, prepare the following:
- Site address and zoning confirmation
- Preliminary or approved plans
- Budget and scope of work
- General contractor license and resume
- Land ownership or purchase agreement
- Exit strategy (sale comps or rental plan)
The more complete your package, the more efficiently your loan can be approved and funded.
Keep your team coordinated
Delays often occur when developers, contractors, or title companies are not aligned.
Make sure your builder, legal advisor, and project partners are prepared to respond quickly during the underwriting process.
Private lenders move efficiently, but timely cooperation from your team is essential.
Clear communication helps accelerate approvals, reduces errors, and ensures your construction loan closes on schedule.
Advantages of speed-to-close private construction loans
Private construction loans offer several advantages over bank loans:
- Rapid approval: Term sheets issued within 1–2 business days of complete submission
- Streamlined documentation: Traditional W-2s or tax returns may not be required in many cases, depending on the lender and project structure.
- Flexible criteria: Asset-based underwriting
- No extended seasoning required: Ability to close soon after land acquisition
- Creative deal structures: Ideal for unique or nonconforming properties
This approach is tailored to the needs of real estate investors and builders operating under compressed timelines.
When should you use speed-to-close financing?
Speed-to-close construction loans are ideal when:
- You’re under contract and need to close fast
- You’re building on land you already own and want to avoid delays
- You’re replacing bridge financing with ground-up funds
- You’ve secured the necessary Florida permits and want to begin construction more quickly, depending on project readiness
- You’re bidding on land with multiple competitive offers
In Fort Lauderdale’s fast-moving real estate environment, timing can significantly impact project outcomes. Private financing helps developers avoid bottlenecks and maintain control over their timelines.
Don’t let financing delays hold your project back
Fort Lauderdale’s development market rewards speed. With the right lender, you can secure funding fast, remain competitive in time-sensitive markets, and start building without delay.
Speed-to-close construction loans are the key to staying agile in a market where timing is everything.
Marquee Funding Group construction loans are designed for experienced developers operating as LLCs or corporations, with 3+ completed projects and loan needs ranging from $750K to $5M.
Looking to fund a $750K+ project in Fort Lauderdale? Marquee Funding Group can discuss financing structures designed around your project timeline, subject to underwriting and lender approval.
Reach out to Marquee Funding Group today to explore available financing options. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee loan approval. All loans are subject to underwriting and lender approval.
Frequently asked questions: Speed-to-close construction financing
Private lenders may occur in as few as 5–10 business days, subject to complete documentation, clear title, and lender underwriting approval.
No. Speed-to-close construction loans are often asset-based, and income documentation may not be required in all cases, depending on the lender and project.
Yes. If you own the land, its value can count toward your equity contribution, reducing your cash requirement.
Absolutely. Private lenders fund both spec homes and infill development in high-demand neighborhoods.
You typically repay the loan by selling the property or seeking refinance options, subject to qualification at that time. The Exit strategy is established as part of the original loan plan.