What this means for a Chicago construction loan
Chicago permitted 3,916 new homes in 2025, 45.0% below the 2022 peak of 7,124.
Small multifamily is growing: permits for 2–4 unit homes went from 317 in 2020 to 646 in 2025, a project size well suited to private construction financing.
That is 1.4 new homes per 1,000 residents, the 27th least active of the 141 cities B-Line Capital covers by this measure.
Construction Loans program details
| Loan purpose | New construction: build-ready infill, teardowns, and spec homes; not tract homes or subdivisions of 10+ homes |
|---|---|
| Interest rate | As low as 9.99%1 |
| Loan amount | $300K to $10MM |
| Term | 12 or 18 months; mid-construction options available17 |
| Borrower | Individual or entity |
| Experience | Based on the prior 36 months |
| Maximum loan-to-value | 65% to 70%7 |
| Maximum loan-to-cost | 80% to 85%8 |
| LTV vs. LTC | Whichever calculation works best for your project |
| Construction financing | Up to 100% of construction costs |
| Land | Land acquisition assistance available10 |
| Property types | Single-family, detached ADUs (DADUs), 2–4 units, 5–20 unit multifamily, mixed-use, townhouses, condos15 |
How it works
- Request a quote. Tell us about the Chicago property, your plan, and the loan amount you need. It takes a few minutes.
- Compare offers. We shop the deal across private lenders, family offices, and commercial capital sources and bring you up to three offers.
- Close and fund. We coordinate documents, valuation, and title with the lender you choose through closing.
Questions about construction loans in Chicago
How many new homes are being built in Chicago?
Chicago permitted 3,916 new housing units in 2025, according to the Census Bureau's Building Permits Survey; 2,899 were in buildings with five or more units.
What kinds of construction projects qualify?
Build-ready infill lots, teardowns, and spec homes, including single-family homes with detached ADUs, townhouses, condos, 2–4 unit and 5–20 unit multifamily, and mixed-use. Tract homes and subdivisions of 10 or more homes are not eligible.
How much of the project can be financed?
Up to 80–85% of total cost or 65–70% of completed value, whichever works better for your project, with up to 100% of construction costs funded.
How are construction loan funds disbursed?
Construction funds are released in draws as work is completed and inspected, so you pay interest only on what has been drawn.
Can I get financing partway through construction?
Yes. Mid-construction options are available for projects that have already started.
What experience do I need?
Eligibility is based on your construction activity over the prior 36 months.
Does B-Line Capital lend directly?
No. B-Line Capital is a private money broker. It compares offers from multiple private lenders, family offices, and commercial capital sources so you can choose the best rate and terms.
What fees are involved?
B-Line Capital's broker fee typically ranges from 0.5 to 2 points depending on deal size and complexity. Fees are disclosed on your closing statement and are not charged until your loan funds.
How long does it take to close in Chicago?
Timelines depend on the lender, the deal's complexity, and how quickly documents come together. Private financing generally moves faster than a bank loan; ask your B-Line Capital contact for a timeline specific to your Chicago project.
How do I get started with a construction loan in Chicago?
Request a quote to compare offers from up to three lenders, or call (206) 949-3416 to talk with the team.
