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Clayton's new East County Service Center project signals serious infrastructure investment across Contra Costa. Builders and custom-home buyers are moving into the area as county services expand.
Building a custom home in Clayton requires a different financing path than buying existing inventory. Construction loans bridge the gap between land purchase and permanent financing.
700 FICO
Minimum Credit Score
20% on land
Down Payment Required
$1,249,125
2026 Conforming Limit
45–60 days
Timeline to First Draw
$125,727
County Median Income
Construction Loans in Clayton
Construction loans in Clayton demand stronger qualification than standard mortgages. Lenders typically require 700+ FICO, 20% down on the land purchase, and proof of builder contracts.
Contra Costa's median household income of $125,727 supports purchases up to the conforming limit of $1,249,125. Construction budgets in Clayton often run $800,000 to $1,200,000 for custom builds.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect construction loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Clayton.
Clayton's new East County Service Center project signals serious infrastructure investment across Contra Costa. Builders and custom-home buyers are moving into the area as county services expand.
Building a custom home in Clayton requires a different financing path than buying existing inventory. Construction loans bridge the gap between land purchase and permanent financing.
Construction loans in Clayton demand stronger qualification than standard mortgages. Lenders typically require 700+ FICO, 20% down on the land purchase, and proof of builder contracts.
Construction lending in California is more selective than permanent financing. Only a handful of major lenders and regional banks actively write construction loans.
Most construction loans come with a two-phase structure: the construction phase (interest-only on draws) and the permanent phase (full amortization after completion).
Construction loans make sense in Clayton if you've found the right land and have a solid builder lined up. The county's infrastructure investment and median income of $125,727 support custom builds in the $800,000 to $1,200,000 range.
Construction loans don't work if you need to close quickly or if your builder lacks verifiable experience. The two-phase structure and lender scrutiny add 60+ days to the process.
Construction loans versus buying an existing home in Clayton comes down to control versus speed. Construction financing lets you design and build exactly what you want.
If you find the right lot and builder, construction loans offer better long-term value. You avoid bidding wars and get a brand-new home with modern systems. The trade-off is a longer process and higher qualification standards than a standard purchase mortgage.
The East County Service Center project in nearby Brentwood signals real infrastructure growth across the region. County services are expanding, which typically supports property values and attracts new residents.
Richmond's park upgrades — including soccer field repairs and modern restrooms — show the county is investing in quality-of-life amenities. These improvements benefit the entire region, including Clayton.
Yes — 20% down on the land purchase is the standard minimum. Some lenders require 25% for custom builds above $1,000,000. Your down payment protects the lender during the construction phase.
Expect 45 to 60 days from application to first draw. The timeline depends on builder experience, plan complexity, and appraisal. Permanent financing typically closes 30 days after construction completion.
Yes — you pay interest-only on the amount drawn each month. Once construction finishes, the loan converts to permanent financing and you begin principal and interest payments on the full balance.
Yes — most lenders lock your permanent rate at origination. This protects you from rate increases during the 12 to 18 months of construction. The rate applies when the loan converts after completion.
700 FICO is the typical minimum. Scores below 700 may qualify but with higher rates or stricter terms. Lenders also review your debt-to-income ratio, reserves, and builder experience.