Construction Lending - Completion and Carry Guaranty Vs. Personal Guaranty

Trying to discern the difference here, as I am hearing from bridge lenders (non recourse construction lending programs) that having a completion and carry guaranty in many ways is the same level of protection as requiring "full recourse".

Using a real world example, if lender was non recourse but had completion and carry, borrower would be on the hook to deliver the property with cert of occupancy.  But beyond that point, there would be no recourse to borrower?

At that point, lender's exposure is let's say $50M loan with $30M cash from borrower so $80M total cost basis.  Market tanks, value of property drops to $40M.  Lender can take back keys via deed in lieu or foreclosure, but can't go after borrower for the $10M deficiency.  Is that correct?  If loan had been 100% recourse, then lender would have right to pursue the deficiency.

I guess the above scenario where asset value plummets below lender's basis isn't as likely all things considered, especially if we are talking about a multifamily development.  

What are the other main factors why a construction lender would require full recourse as opposed to simply completion and carry?

2 Comments
 

I would imagine it depends on the collateral risk. Condos for example, may not benefit a lender if you simply complete them as you have to sell them too. Repayment guaranty here protects lender from loss of capital, which is bound to occur if the condo units don’t sell and borrower defaults. Office is another product type I could see going this way in the near term, when lenders are willing to touch office again. Completing the asset simply isn’t enough—you have to lease it. 

 
Most Helpful

Occaecati commodi dolores doloribus est. Veritatis inventore quo perspiciatis. Magnam aut labore ipsa aperiam beatae et architecto. Ipsa sed quod praesentium accusantium perspiciatis ea sed. Similique quidem sit aut eveniet nisi vero dolore. Dolor et maiores aut incidunt dolorum.

Ducimus accusantium dicta sit qui et rerum a. Occaecati quis amet eius totam et ut vitae libero.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”