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Antioch sits in eastern Contra Costa County where vacant lots and teardown opportunities still exist. Construction loans let you finance raw land plus the build itself, or gut and rebuild an existing property.
Most borrowers here use construction-to-permanent loans that roll into a conventional mortgage when the house is done. You avoid double closings and double closing costs, which matters when you're already managing a general contractor and permit timelines.
Construction Loans in Antioch
Lenders want 20% down minimum, detailed construction plans, and a licensed contractor with a solid track record. Your credit score needs to hit 680 or higher for competitive rates.
You'll draw funds in stages as construction progresses, with an appraiser inspecting before each disbursement. Budget an extra six months of reserves beyond your construction timeline because delays happen and lenders will verify you can cover them.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect construction loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Antioch.
Antioch sits in eastern Contra Costa County where vacant lots and teardown opportunities still exist. Construction loans let you finance raw land plus the build itself, or gut and rebuild an existing property.
Most borrowers here use construction-to-permanent loans that roll into a conventional mortgage when the house is done. You avoid double closings and double closing costs, which matters when you're already managing a general contractor and permit timelines.
Lenders want 20% down minimum, detailed construction plans, and a licensed contractor with a solid track record. Your credit score needs to hit 680 or higher for competitive rates.
Most big banks offer construction loans but their approval process takes 45 to 60 days and requires mountains of documentation. Regional lenders and credit unions move faster and understand local contractors and permit workflows in Antioch.
We work with construction lenders who specialize in California builds and know how Contra Costa County permitting works. They price based on your builder's experience as much as your credit score, which can save you points on the front end.
The biggest mistake we see is underestimating construction costs by 15% or more. Lenders fund based on approved budgets, and if you run over, you're covering overages out of pocket or scrambling for gap financing mid-build.
Pick your contractor before you apply. Lenders reject deals when the builder has liens, gaps in their license history, or no comparable projects. A strong contractor makes your loan file stronger and gets you better terms.
Hard money loans fund construction faster but cost 9% to 12% with points. Use them only if you need to close in two weeks or your credit won't qualify for traditional construction financing.
Bridge loans work when you need to buy land now and start construction later, but you'll pay interest on the full land value while you're still in the permit phase. A construction loan starts interest only when you draw funds for actual work.
Antioch permits can take three to six months depending on project complexity and whether you're in city limits or unincorporated county areas. Lenders build that timeline into their approval but won't extend your rate lock beyond 180 days without a fee.
Infill lots near downtown move through city review faster than hillside builds or properties near wetlands. Know your parcel's constraints before you commit to a construction budget, because environmental mitigations can add $50K to $100K you didn't plan for.
An appraiser inspects work at each construction phase and approves the next draw. Funds go directly to your contractor or you, depending on the lender's disbursement policy.
Some lenders allow owner-builder construction loans if you have prior building experience and detailed plans. Rates run half a point higher because the risk increases.
You'll pay interest-only payments during the extended timeline. Most lenders allow one extension but charge a fee and may reprice your rate if market conditions changed.
No. Construction loans can include land purchase in the total loan amount. You close on land and construction financing simultaneously.
Most lenders set a $150K minimum for construction costs alone. Smaller renovation projects work better with a home equity line or cash-out refinance.