Construction Loans in 2025: Turning Dirt Into Doors (and ROI)
- David Marsh
- Jun 13
- 2 min read

Let’s say you’ve got a plot of land, a Pinterest board of architectural fantasies, and an itch to build something uniquely yours — or maybe a few somethings you plan to rent out. In 2025, construction loans are the bridge between blueprints and breaking ground.
And guess what? At Grand Funding, we don’t just hand out funds — we help you build a future. One foundation at a time.
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What’s a Construction Loan, Really?
It’s a short-term loan that covers the cost of building a home or real estate project — from pouring the slab to placing the last tile. Unlike traditional mortgages, construction loans are paid out in draws — chunks released at project milestones like:
• Framing
• Plumbing
• Roofing
• Final inspection
Most construction loans:
• Run 6–24 months
• Require interest-only payments until completion
• Can convert into a mortgage (aka construction-to-permanent loans)
Think of it as “pay-as-you-go” homebuilding, but with more paperwork and fewer IKEA arguments.
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Why Construction Loans Are Big in 2025
• Zoning flexibilities in Arizona and California mean more ADUs, multi-family builds, and mixed-use opportunities
• Housing shortages = high demand for custom homes and infill projects
• Eco-conscious building materials and smart tech make new builds more appealing to buyers and renters
• Land is still affordable in certain counties (Maricopa, Pinal, Riverside)
If you can’t find the right house, build it — and if you can’t build it, call us. We’ll show you how to finance it like a pro.
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What Do You Need to Qualify?
Let’s break it down. You’ll need:
• Licensed builder or contractor
• Detailed construction budget (don’t forget soft costs!)
• Blueprints or plans approved by local zoning
• Decent credit (680+ is the sweet spot)
• 20–25% down payment (unless you already own the land — then that counts)
And yes, we can help you get that package together in a way that makes lenders say “yes” instead of “hmm.”
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Construction-to-Perm = One Loan to Rule Them All
Instead of getting a construction loan and then refinancing into a mortgage when it’s done, why not combine the two? With a construction-to-permanent loan, you:
• Only close once
• Lock in rates upfront
• Skip the hassle of re-qualifying
It’s like turning a blueprint into a W-2-generating reality — with way less paperwork.
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Pro Tips from Grand Funding
• Pad your budget by 10–15% for delays or change orders
• Build in stages — lenders release funds based on progress
• Don’t DIY the loan — unless you enjoy zoning nightmares. Let us quarterback your financing plan.
We’re in this for the long haul (well, 24 months max). And with our lender network and local experience, you’ll get more than funding — you’ll get a team that actually answers your calls.
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Sources:
• National Association of Home Builders – 2025 Market Data
• HUD – Construction Loan Guidelines
• Arizona Department of Housing