Loading
Los Altos Hills is one of the most land-rich towns in Santa Clara County. Large lots and strict single-family zoning make custom builds common here.
Building here means serious money. Construction loans in this area routinely run into jumbo territory before the first wall goes up.
680+
Min Credit Score
20–25%
Typical Down Payment
12–18 months
Loan Term (Build Phase)
Once (C-to-P)
Closes
Varies by profile
Rate Type
Lenders want a 680+ credit score for most construction loans. Some programs go higher — expect 720+ if your loan exceeds $2 million.
You need 20-25% down on the total project cost. That covers land, labor, and materials — not just the finished home value.
Not every lender does construction loans. Most banks and retail lenders skip them entirely — the draw schedules and inspections are too complex.
At SRK CAPITAL, we work with 200+ wholesale lenders. A handful specialize in high-value construction deals in markets like Los Altos Hills.
The biggest mistake builders make: not locking in financing before permits. Permit delays in Santa Clara County can stretch 6-12 months.
Construction-to-permanent loans save you two closings. You close once, build, then convert. That alone cuts thousands in closing costs.
A hard money loan builds faster but costs more. Rates run significantly higher and terms are short — usually 12-18 months.
A conventional construction loan takes longer to close but saves you real money over the build period. For a $3M project, that difference adds up fast.
Los Altos Hills requires architectural review for new construction. That adds time. Your lender needs to know this before setting draw milestones.
The town limits density tightly. Most parcels allow one home. That single-family focus actually helps appraisals — strong comps with fewer variables.
You draw funds in stages as building progresses. Lenders send inspectors to verify each phase before releasing the next draw.
Yes. Many construction loans fold in land acquisition. Lenders size the loan against the finished home's projected value.
Most lenders start at 680. Loans above $2M often require 720 or higher. Reserves matter just as much as your score here.
Typically 12-18 months. Los Altos Hills permit timelines mean you should budget for the longer end of that range.
Yes — but only on funds drawn, not the full loan amount. Payments stay lower in the early build stages.
It's one loan that covers the build, then converts to a regular mortgage at completion. You only close once and pay one set of closing costs.
Construction Loans in Los Altos Hills