Affordable Housing Loans | LIHTC, Bond & Tax-Exempt Financing

Ground-up construction financing for affordable and workforce housing in Los Angeles. LIHTC-compatible capital stacks. CDFI, bank, and debt fund lenders. $2M to $100M+.

No upfront fees. Response within 24 hours.
6.25-9.50%Construction Rate Range
Up to 95%LTC (with LIHTC bridge)
24-36 MoConstruction Term
1,000+Lender Network

Construction Financing for Affordable Housing Developers

Affordable housing construction requires specialized lenders who understand layered capital stacks, tax credit equity bridge requirements, and the regulatory complexity of LIHTC, tax-exempt bond, and publicly funded projects. Commercial Lending Solutions connects developers with the right construction lenders for affordable and workforce housing in Los Angeles and throughout California.

As a commercial mortgage broker with access to over 1,000 lenders, including CDFIs, community banks, regional banks with CRA mandates, and debt funds, we structure construction financing that integrates with your tax credit equity, bond proceeds, and public subsidies.

Affordable Housing Construction Programs

ProgramRateLTCTerm
CDFI Construction Loan6.25%, 7.75%Up to 90%24-36 mo
Bank Construction (CRA)7.00%, 8.50%Up to 80%24-36 mo
Tax-Exempt Bond Construction6.25%, 7.50%Up to 95%24-36 mo
Debt Fund Construction8.50%, 10.50%Up to 85%18-30 mo
Construction-to-Perm (FHA 221(d)(4))5.75%, 6.50%Up to 87%40-yr perm

Rates shown are approximate ranges as of Q1 2026 and vary by project type, capital stack, borrower experience, and market conditions. LIHTC and bond-financed projects typically achieve the lowest rates.

Project Types We Finance

4% LIHTC Bond Deals

Construction financing that coordinates with tax-exempt bond issuance and 4% tax credit equity. We structure the construction loan to bridge equity pay-ins and support the full capital stack.

9% LIHTC Projects

Competitive credit projects requiring construction lenders experienced with CTCAC timelines, investor equity schedules, and public funder requirements in the Los Angeles market.

Ground-Up Multifamily

New construction apartment development from 20 to 500+ units. Type V wood-frame, Type III-A mid-rise, and Type I high-rise construction across all LA submarkets.

Permanent Supportive Housing

PSH development serving homeless and formerly homeless populations, including projects funded by Proposition HHH, No Place Like Home, and Measure H sources.

Adaptive Reuse

Conversion of office buildings, hotels, and commercial properties to affordable housing under the LA Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, often at lower per-unit costs than ground-up.

Mixed-Income Development

Market-rate projects incorporating affordable units through density bonus and TOC incentives. Construction financing that accounts for the blended rent structure and entitlement benefits.

Capital Stack Expertise

Affordable housing projects in Los Angeles typically require five to seven capital sources. Commercial Lending Solutions structures the senior debt component, construction loans, permanent financing, and bridge capital, to work within your broader capital stack:

  • LIHTC equity (4% and 9% federal and state credits)
  • Tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds
  • FHA permanent financing (221(d)(4), 223(f))
  • Freddie Mac Tax-Exempt Loan (TEL) program
  • State gap financing (HCD MHP, AHSC, NPLH, IIG)
  • City/County funds (LAHD AHTF, LACDA HOME, Prop HHH)
  • AHP grants and CDFI soft debt

Why Work with a Broker for Affordable Housing Financing?

Affordable housing construction lending requires lenders with specific expertise in LIHTC transactions, tax-exempt bonds, and public funding compliance. Many banks and conventional lenders do not participate in this market. Working with Commercial Lending Solutions ensures your deal is presented to the specialized lenders who actively finance affordable housing:

  • Access to CDFIs, mission-driven lenders, and CRA-motivated banks that prioritize affordable housing
  • One application presented to multiple competing construction lenders
  • We coordinate with your tax credit syndicator, bond counsel, and public funders to ensure the debt structure works within the full capital stack
  • Experience structuring equity bridge loans within construction facilities
  • No upfront fees, we only get paid when your loan closes
Prefer to talk? Call the broker directly.
310.708.0690
Trevor Damyan · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm PT

Get Your Construction Loan Quote

Fill out the form below. We respond within 24 hours.

Or use our full application · Call 310.708.0690
No Upfront Fees
$1B+ Loans Closed
24-Hour Response
LIHTC & Bond Expertise
DRE #02244836

Affordable Housing Construction Loan Questions

Affordable housing construction loan rates in Los Angeles typically range from 6.25% to 8.50% as of 2026. Tax-exempt bond-enhanced deals with strong capital stacks and experienced developers achieve the lowest rates. CDFI lenders and community banks with CRA mandates are the most active construction lenders for affordable housing projects in the LA market.
Affordable housing construction loans can reach 80-95% of total development cost when structured with tax credit equity bridge components. The construction lender bridges the gap between when costs are incurred and when LIHTC investor equity installments are received, effectively providing very high leverage during the construction period. The permanent loan at stabilization typically represents 50-70% of total development cost.
For 9% LIHTC projects, most construction lenders require a tax credit reservation or allocation before issuing a firm commitment. For 4% bond deals, lenders typically want to see a bond allocation or inducement resolution from the issuing agency. However, predevelopment bridge financing may be available to cover soft costs while you pursue tax credit and bond allocations.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven lenders certified by the U.S. Treasury that specifically serve underserved communities. CDFIs are often the most willing and experienced construction lenders for affordable housing projects, offering competitive rates, flexible structures, and deep expertise in navigating the complex capital stacks typical of LIHTC and bond-financed transactions.
Most construction lenders for affordable housing require the development team to demonstrate experience with similar LIHTC or bond-financed projects. First-time affordable housing developers should consider partnering with an experienced co-developer or hiring a development consultant with a track record. Some CDFIs have emerging developer programs with more flexible experience requirements.
Affordable housing construction loan closings typically take 60-120 days from application, depending on the complexity of the capital stack and whether all other funding sources are committed. FHA construction-to-permanent loans (221(d)(4)) can take 6-12 months. The overall project timeline from initial funding applications to construction loan closing is typically 18-36 months.

Important Loan Disclosures

Representative Example: A $30,000,000 affordable housing construction loan at 7.25% annual interest rate with a 30-month term, interest-only payments during construction, and 1.0% origination fee would have estimated peak monthly interest payments of approximately $181,250 (assuming full draw) with a balloon payment at maturity. Total estimated cost of the loan including origination: $35,737,500. Actual costs depend on the draw schedule, as interest accrues only on disbursed funds.

Rate Range: Affordable housing construction loan rates typically range from 6.25% to 10.50% annually, depending on lender type, capital stack complexity, borrower experience, and project risk profile. Tax-exempt bond-enhanced deals and CDFI loans are at the lower end. Rates shown are estimates and not guaranteed.

Fees: Origination fees typically range from 0.50% to 2.0% of the loan amount. Additional costs may include appraisal ($5,000-$15,000), legal fees ($15,000-$50,000), title insurance, environmental reports, construction cost review, and third-party inspections. All fees will be disclosed in writing before loan commitment.

Loan Terms: Construction loans are short-term (18-36 months), typically interest-only with funds disbursed in draws. Affordable housing construction loans are sized based on the total capital stack including LIHTC equity, bond proceeds, and public subsidies. Loans may be recourse or non-recourse depending on the lender and structure.

Risks: Commercial construction loans carry inherent risks including but not limited to: construction delays, cost overruns, inability to achieve stabilized occupancy, tax credit recapture, changes in public funding availability, and interest rate changes. Borrowers should consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax advisors before committing to any loan.

Broker Disclosure: Commercial Lending Solutions (Commercial Lending Solutions) is a commercial mortgage brokerage, California DRE License #02244836. Commercial Lending Solutions does not make loans directly. All loans are originated and funded by third-party lenders. Commercial Lending Solutions receives compensation from the borrower, the lender, or both upon successful loan closing. Commercial Lending Solutions is not affiliated with or endorsed by any specific lender.

Ready to Finance Your Affordable Housing Project?

Get a construction loan quote in 24 hours. Call us at 310.708.0690 or fill out the form above.

Call Now → Get a Quote → Schedule a Meeting →