[ Industry Insights ]

The financial risks developers need to watch in 2026

Debt cost, feasibility discipline, funding mix and project timing — the four risks shaping development in 2026.

21 February 2026· 7 min read

[ The decision this helps you make ]

Which next project to greenlight — and which to walk away from.

[ Key takeaways ]

  • 01Debt cost has rebased. Feasibilities need to reflect that.
  • 02Funding mix is a strategic decision, not a financing one.
  • 03One bad project can erase three good ones — say no early.

The new baseline

Funding is more expensive than it was. End values are slower to rise. Construction cost remains sticky. Feasibilities that worked in 2022 don't work in 2026.

What to stress-test

12-month delay scenario. 5% cost overrun. 10% sales price reduction. If the project doesn't survive any one of those, it's not the right project.

Funding mix

Senior debt only is fragile. A mix of senior, mezzanine, equity and pre-sales gives the project room to breathe.

[ Field notes — direct ]

See the numbers before they bite.

One short note, when there's something worth sending. Visibility, cadence, structure — the decisions that quietly compound.

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