Financing and Investments

Financing is the engine that powers waterfront real estate development—and getting it right can make or break a project. At Coastal Systems, we help clients navigate complex capital stacks, secure investment, and structure financing strategies that support long-term success. Our team works across private equity, institutional funding, construction lending, and public-private partnerships to build capital solutions tailored to the realities of waterfront development. From early-stage feasibility to final ROI projections, we deliver financial clarity, investment confidence, and practical execution support.

Understanding the Capital Stack

Waterfront and destination developments often come with higher costs and greater risk than inland projects. That’s why the capital structure must be carefully aligned with the project’s size, timeline, phasing, and risk profile. We work with clients to develop custom capital stacks that might include a mix of:

  • Equity from individual investors or development firms
  • Debt financing through banks or private lenders
  • Bridge loans for land acquisition or pre-construction costs
  • Mezzanine financing to fill funding gaps
  • Public funding sources tied to infrastructure or tourism development

Our team prepares the financial models and documentation needed to pursue each layer, helping clients understand how debt-service coverage ratios, return hurdles, and equity dilution affect long-term performance.

Investment Strategy and Feasibility

Investors want more than a great location—they want proof the project will succeed. We develop detailed investment packages that include market analysis, development program summaries, phased revenue forecasts, construction budgets, and ROI models. These reports give investors a clear sense of risk and reward, while also guiding internal decision-making on scope, scale, and pricing.

We also help clients evaluate scenarios for different product mixes—hospitality vs. residential, rental vs. ownership, high-end vs. moderate pricing—and how those choices impact funding requirements and investor interest. Our goal is to identify the strategy that fits both the site’s potential and the financial realities of the market.

Securing Financing

With a clear investment case in hand, we assist clients in identifying and pursuing the right funding sources. This includes traditional financing through banks, development loans, institutional capital, and private investor networks. For larger or multi-phase developments, we also explore family offices, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and international capital markets.

Coastal Systems has a strong network of financial professionals, lenders, and advisors who understand the nuances of coastal real estate. We make introductions, prepare due diligence materials, and represent clients in negotiations to help secure favorable terms. Our involvement reduces risk and improves credibility with capital partners.

Public-Private Partnerships and Incentives

Many waterfront developments can benefit from public support—especially when projects improve infrastructure, boost tourism, or support local employment. We help clients identify grant programs, tax increment financing (TIF), opportunity zones, and public-private partnership (P3) models that unlock new funding opportunities.

We’ve helped clients work with municipal governments, utility providers, tourism boards, and economic development agencies to gain access to land, entitlements, and public funds. In many cases, this financial support can reduce upfront capital needs, de-risk projects, or enhance long-term returns through reduced operating costs or tax liabilities.

Delivering Long-Term Value

At the end of the day, successful financing isn’t just about getting the deal done—it’s about setting the stage for long-term profitability. We help clients think beyond construction to consider operating costs, exit strategies, and asset management needs. Whether you’re planning to lease, sell, or operate, we make sure the financing structure supports your goals at every stage of the lifecycle.

Realizing Visions for over 30 years