Construction Loans in Miami, FL

New construction financing works on a schedule tied to the build itself. Instead of handing over the full loan at closing, the lender releases money in draws after each phase passes inspection. Whether you are building a custom home in Miami or working with a production builder elsewhere in Florida, this guide covers loan types, builder approval, permits and the paperwork that keeps a project moving.

Have a question about your situation?

Call to speak with a licensed loan officer about construction loans in Miami. Programs vary by borrower, property and investor.

Call (888) 912-6746 Apply Online Now

New home building around Miami

171,509,319Single-family units permitted (2025)

2,666Single-family units permitted in Miami-Dade County (2025)

19%Homes built 2010 or later

$518,100Median home value

Miami issued permits for 171,509,319 new single-family housing units in 2025, and Miami-Dade County as a whole permitted 2,666. About 19% of the homes in Miami were built in 2010 or later.

One closing or two: choosing a loan structure

The first decision is whether you want the build financing and your eventual mortgage bundled together. A single-close construction-to-permanent loan locks in the structure up front, which simplifies the process and limits paperwork once the house is done.

The two-close approach separates the short-term construction loan from the permanent mortgage. Some borrowers prefer it because it lets them requalify and compare offers after construction ends. Others find the second underwriting review and duplicated closing costs less appealing. Ask a lender to explain how each option handles changes in your finances, cost overruns and delays, since those situations are common on custom builds.

Start hereApply Online Now

Start your application in a few minutes. A licensed loan officer reviews it and follows up with your options.

Takes a few minutes
Reviewed by a licensed loan officer
No obligation to proceed

Prefer to talk first? Call (888) 912-6746. Applying is not a loan approval or commitment to lend; programs vary by borrower, property and investor. ClearPoint Mortgage Advisors, NMLS #173855. Properties in FL, NY, NJ, PA, CT and VA only.

How draws, inspections and the builder fit together

Money moves only after work is verified. The lender holds the loan funds and pays them out according to a schedule written into your loan documents. An inspector visits at each milestone and reports what has been completed, and the draw is sized to match.

This protects you as well as the lender. You are less likely to pay for work that has not been done, and the builder has a clear path to getting paid. Because the builder plays such a central role, expect the lender to check licensing, insurance and track record. Change orders that add cost mid-build usually need lender sign-off and may require you to cover the difference.

Who this tends to fit

You want to buy land and finance the build under one loan
You want to build a modular or factory-built home that is set on a permanent foundation
You are a veteran exploring VA construction financing for a new primary residence
You are interested in an FHA one-time close loan for new construction
You are working with a licensed builder who has a signed contract and detailed plans

Local offices and Florida rules to know

Building permits: City of Miami Building Department. Construction and many renovation loans require permitted work.
Deed and mortgage recording: Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, County Recorder's Office. Your mortgage is recorded here after closing.

Florida recording costs: Documentary stamp tax on deeds and other documents that transfer an interest in Florida real property; documentary stamp tax on notes and recorded mortgages (written obligations to pay money); and nonrecurring intangible tax on mortgages - collected by the county clerk when the document is recorded. Your Loan Estimate lists the taxes that apply to your loan.

Land, plans and permits for building in Miami

The land is the starting point for any construction loan. Lenders look at whether you own it outright, still owe on it or plan to buy it at closing, and each situation is handled differently.

Your plans and specifications drive the appraisal, because the appraiser estimates value based on the completed home. A realistic budget with a contingency for overruns shows the lender you have thought through surprises. Permits from your local building department, plus zoning and health department approvals where needed, are usually required before the first draw. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons construction closings slip.

Before you call

Complete plans, specifications and a line-item construction budget
A proposed draw schedule tied to construction phases
A recent survey, plus any well, septic or utility information for the site
Your builder's license, insurance certificates and references
Proof of land ownership, a purchase contract for the lot or a payoff statement for any land loan

Questions Miami borrowers ask about construction loans

How do construction draws work?

Instead of releasing the full loan at closing, the lender pays out funds in stages as construction progresses. Your builder requests a draw when a phase is complete, an inspector verifies the work, and the lender releases the money for that stage. The draw schedule is agreed on before closing and is tied to milestones such as foundation, framing, roofing, systems and finishes.

Does my builder need to be approved by the lender?

Most lenders review the builder before approving a construction loan. They commonly ask for a state or local license, general liability insurance, references and a history of completed projects. Some lenders keep a list of builders they have already reviewed. Owner-builder projects, where you act as your own general contractor, are restricted or not allowed under many programs, so ask early if you plan to manage the build yourself.

What is the difference between construction-to-permanent and construction-only loans?

A construction-to-permanent loan finances the build and then converts to a long-term mortgage after completion, all under a single closing. A construction-only loan covers just the build period and must be paid off when the home is finished, usually with a separate mortgage and a second closing. The one-close option offers simplicity, while the two-close option allows you to shop the permanent loan later.

What happens if construction runs over budget or behind schedule?

Cost overruns are usually your responsibility unless your contract says otherwise, and lenders may require you to show funds to cover them before releasing more draws. Delays can create problems if a rate lock or loan commitment expires before completion. Building a contingency into your budget, choosing an experienced builder and asking how the lender handles extensions can help you plan for surprises.

Talk to a licensed loan officer

Get answers about construction loans for a home in or around Miami. Subject to credit approval; programs vary.