LTGDV vs LTC Explained

LTGDV (loan to GDV) and LTC (loan to cost) both cap senior debt. Q2-2026 senior caps run 60 to 65 percent LTGDV and 75 to 80 percent LTC. On a high-GDV / low-cost scheme LTC binds first. On a low-GDV / high-cost scheme LTGDV binds first.

Worked example

GDV 2.5m, total costs (excl land) 1.6m, target profit 0.32m, land bid 0.4m. Total project cost 2.0m.

  • Senior at 65 percent LTGDV: 1.625m max draw.
  • Senior at 80 percent LTC: 1.6m max draw.
  • LTC binds first; senior facility sizes to 1.6m.

Equity gap

Equity gap = total project cost minus senior debt. In the worked example: 2.0m minus 1.6m equals 0.4m. That has to come from developer equity, mezzanine or pref-equity.

UK Finance data and research· Q1 2026Appraisal model reviewed by Oliver Wakefield-Smith (data integrity) with chartered-surveyor (MRICS) and CTA tax review. No affiliate links.