Data Centre Finance
Digital infrastructure funding
We arrange finance within our £2m to £100m+ transaction range for data centre sites, powered land and related UK digital infrastructure. Funding is matched to the project's power, planning, delivery and contracted revenue position.
Typical use cases
- Powered land acquisition Site purchase where grid capacity, connection rights and planning strategy underpin value.
- Pre-development funding Capital for planning, technical design, grid work and enabling activity before construction debt.
- Construction finance Facilities for shell, power, cooling and technical fit-out, released against monitored delivery.
- Operational refinance Longer-term debt once the asset is commissioned and supported by contracted or demonstrable income.
How we structure the deal
- We separate land, grid connection, shell construction and technical fit-out risks so capital is matched to each stage.
- The funding model reflects connection payments, construction milestones, contingency, tenant or operator commitments and stabilisation timing.
- Specialist infrastructure lenders, real estate lenders and private capital are compared according to the project's maturity.
- Conditions are aligned with planning, power and delivery evidence rather than assuming a conventional property development timetable.
What lenders look for
- Power Confirmed capacity, connection dates, rights, costs and the status of agreements with the relevant network parties.
- Planning and site A deliverable planning route, suitable title, access, environmental position and physical site characteristics.
- Technical delivery An experienced design, construction, power and operating team with a credible cost plan.
- Demand and revenue Tenant, operator or customer evidence appropriate to the stage, alongside a realistic stabilisation case.
Frequently asked questions
Can powered land be financed before construction?
Yes, where the site, power rights, planning route and sponsor support create a credible path to development or sale.
Do lenders require a pre-let or operator agreement?
Requirements vary by stage and leverage. Contracted demand usually strengthens the case, while speculative projects require more equity and stronger supporting evidence.
Can grid connection costs be funded?
Potentially. The lender will assess the payment schedule, contractual rights, delivery risk and how those costs contribute to site value.
Is data centre finance property or infrastructure debt?
It can involve both. The appropriate capital depends on whether value is driven mainly by land and buildings, power infrastructure, construction or operating cash flow.
What should a data centre funding pack include?
It should cover title, planning, power, technical design, costs, programme, project team, demand evidence, financial model and the proposed repayment route.
Offices
Registered and North of England office: Ayrshire Lodge, Brass Castle Lane, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS8 9EB.
London office: 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF.
Telephone +44 7746 212528. Email som@unicorn-commercial.co.uk
Unicorn Capital Advisory is a trading name of Unicorn Capital Advisory LLP (LLP No. OC459692). Finance is arranged for business purposes only and is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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