Private Lending Market Update: What Mid-2026 Data Tells Real Estate Investors

By Andrew J. Liersch III | August 14, 2026 |
Private lending market update graphic showing the national median bridge loan rate at 9.75% in June 2026, with a declining rate trend. Slingshot Investments, San Diego.

By Andrew J. Liersch III — Founder & CIO, Slingshot Investments. 10+ years in private lending, $500M+ funded. Former Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking, Bear Stearns, and Deloitte Consulting. Halfway through 2026, the private lending market update is unambiguous: money is getting cheaper, volume is accelerating, and construction lending is the breakout story of the…

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What Does a Ground-Up Construction Loan Cost?

By Andrew J. Liersch III | August 10, 2026
Chart showing a construction loan balance stepping up from $210,000 at closing to $850,000 at completion, compared to paying interest on the full loan amount from day one — as-drawn interest costs about $54,000 versus $89,000, saving roughly $35,000 over a 12-month build. Slingshot Investments.

By Andrew J. Liersch III — Founder & CIO, Slingshot Investments. 10+ years in private lending, $500M+ funded. Former Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking, Bear Stearns, and Deloitte Consulting. Short answer: In mid-2026, a private money ground-up construction loan typically prices at 9.5–11.5% interest and 1.5–3 points, plus a fee stack (documents, underwriting, appraisal, draw inspections, title)…

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How Do Ground-Up Construction Loans Work?

By Andrew J. Liersch III | August 3, 2026
Diagram showing how a ground-up construction loan is structured — land advance funded at closing, construction holdback released in draws as work completes, and an interest reserve carrying payments during the build. Slingshot Investments.

By Andrew J. Liersch III — Founder & CIO, Slingshot Investments. 10+ years in private lending, $500M+ funded. Former Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking, Bear Stearns, and Deloitte Consulting. Short answer: A ground-up construction loan funds a new build in two pieces. At closing, the lender advances against the land — the purchase price if you’re…

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