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.
Easy Street Capital expands leverage for experienced builders, boosting EasyBuild to 90% LTC and 75% LTV
Dateline: Austin, Texas — Sept. 03, 2025
Easy Street Capital has raised the maximum leverage available through its EasyBuild new-construction program, making larger projects possible with less upfront equity for qualified builders. Effective immediately, experienced borrowers with at least three completed construction deals can access up to 90% loan-to-cost (LTC) and up to 75% loan-to-value (LTV). These limits replace prior caps of 85% LTC and 70% LTV.
What changed and who qualifies
The change raises both LTC and LTV limits for a specific borrower segment: developers and investor-builders who can demonstrate a track record of three or more finished construction projects. The revised terms apply to loans intended to finance construction of single-family homes and multifamily units and are aimed at borrowers who need higher leverage to scale up activity quickly.
Why the move now
The lender cites a broad shortfall of housing supply as a driving factor behind the update. Recent industry analysis points to a substantial nationwide deficit of homes, which makes accelerating residential construction a priority for many markets. By increasing allowable leverage, the EasyBuild program is structured to reduce initial equity requirements and to speed capital deployment on ground-up builds.
Program focus and process
Easy Street Capital describes the EasyBuild product as part of a broader suite of financing tools tailored for real estate investors. The lender emphasizes streamlined underwriting, faster funding timelines, and flexible loan structures aligned with the needs of construction projects. The updated parameters are intended to support both small-scale infill single-family projects and larger multifamily developments that require rapid draws during construction.
Financial mechanics in plain terms
Loan-to-cost (LTC) measures the loan amount against total project cost, while loan-to-value (LTV) measures the loan against the appraised value of the completed project or property. Increasing LTC to 90% allows borrowers to finance a larger share of construction expenses, reducing the equity they must contribute during development. A 75% LTV cap means lenders still retain a significant cushion relative to finished value, which helps manage lender risk.
Eligibility and underwriting highlights
- Eligible borrowers: Those with a minimum of three completed construction deals.
- Uses covered: New construction of single-family homes and multifamily units.
- Availability: Terms effective immediately for qualified applicants across the lender’s nationwide footprint.
- Credit approach: Emphasis on project-level underwriting, streamlined processes, and loan structures tailored to each deal.
Market context
Higher leverage from nonbank construction lenders has become one of several responses to constrained housing supply and tighter bank lending standards in some markets. The new EasyBuild limits follow similar moves by specialized lenders to offer more flexible capital as developers seek to scale production and respond to strong demand for housing. Local and regional construction financing activity in recent months has included a mix of traditional bank loans, syndicated construction facilities, and specialized project financing for residential and energy projects.
Risks and considerations
While higher LTC and LTV can lower upfront equity needs for builders, greater leverage also increases sensitivity to construction cost overruns, delays, and changes in market values. Borrowers should evaluate contingency plans, realistic cost estimates, and exit strategies. Lenders typically assess sponsor experience, project budgets, timelines, contractor arrangements, and local market absorption when underwriting higher-leverage construction deals.
Where to find more details
Further program details and qualification guidance are available from the lender’s published product information on its official website. Interested borrowers should contact the company directly to confirm eligibility, current rates, fees, and documentation requirements.
FAQ — EasyBuild enhanced leverage
Who can access the new 90% LTC and 75% LTV limits?
Borrowers with a proven track record of three or more completed construction projects are eligible to apply for the enhanced EasyBuild leverage limits. Approval still depends on project underwriting, budgets, contractors, and local market conditions.
Does the program cover single-family and multifamily construction?
Yes. The EasyBuild program is structured to fund both single-family home builds and multifamily units, with loan structures tailored to the scope and scale of each project.
What are the main benefits of higher LTC and LTV?
Higher LTC reduces the amount of cash equity needed at the start of construction, enabling developers to take on more or larger projects. Higher LTV can help bridge financing gaps tied to value upon completion. Both moves are aimed at accelerating starts and scaling production.
What risks should builders consider with higher leverage?
Key risks include exposure to cost overruns, construction delays, and market value shifts. Builders should maintain realistic contingencies, secure reliable contractors, and have clear exit strategies to mitigate these risks.
How can borrowers get program specifics and apply?
Borrowers should consult the lender’s official product pages or contact the lender directly for current rate information, fee schedules, and the application process. Program availability and terms may vary by market and project.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program name | EasyBuild new-construction loan program |
| Maximum LTC | 90% for qualified borrowers with ≥3 completed construction deals |
| Maximum LTV | 75% for qualified borrowers with ≥3 completed construction deals |
| Previous limits | 85% LTC and 70% LTV |
| Eligible uses | Single-family homes and multifamily units (ground-up construction) |
| Geographic reach | Nationwide availability through the lender’s footprint; headquartered in Austin, Texas |
| Primary benefits | Lower equity requirements, faster capital deployment, tailored loan structures |
| Main cautions | Higher leverage increases exposure to cost overruns, delays, and value fluctuations |
Note: Program terms, eligibility criteria, rates, and fees are subject to change and require direct confirmation with the lender. This article provides a factual summary of announced program changes and general market context.
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
