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Mezzanine Loans in South Carolina

Browse 8 lenders offering mezzanine loans in South Carolina. Compare rates, requirements, and loan programs — then connect directly.

SC Lenders
8
Typical Rate
6.75% - 11.97%
Down Payment
Often 10-25% sponsor equity
Term
5-10 years
Closing Time
30-60 days

How do mezzanine loans work in South Carolina?

Mezzanine loans are subordinate real estate loans secured by a pledge of the borrower's ownership interests rather than a mortgage lien on the property itself. Borrowers use them when the senior lender's proceeds stop short and they want to reduce the common equity check. In South Carolina, 8 lenders currently offer Mezzanine financing with loan amounts from $1M to $100M and rates typically ranging from 6.75% - 11.97%.

What does the South Carolina market look like?

South Carolina has attracted major manufacturing investments from BMW, Boeing, Volvo, and others, establishing a strong advanced manufacturing corridor. Charleston's port growth and tourism economy drive significant CRE demand along the coast.

South Carolina assesses commercial property at only 6% of fair market value, one of the lowest assessment ratios in the nation, resulting in favorable effective tax rates for CRE investors. The state's fee-in-lieu-of-taxes (FILOT) program allows negotiated property tax rates for qualifying manufacturing and commercial projects, often reducing effective rates by 50% or more. Charleston's rapid growth has created a competitive CRE market, but the city's aggressive flood mitigation requirements and the Dutch Dialogues-inspired stormwater management standards add costs that investors should factor into coastal commercial development budgets.

Who should consider mezzanine loans?

  • Large acquisitions with a capital gap
  • Recapitalizations
  • Senior-loan executions that stop short on proceeds
  • Experienced sponsors managing intercreditor terms

What are the key requirements?

  • Usually at least a $1M capital need
  • Strong sponsor track record and exit plan
  • Senior lender consent plus an intercreditor agreement
  • Debt service and leverage that still work for the full stack

What are the pros and cons?

Advantages

  • Can reduce the common equity check
  • Usually no direct property lien
  • Often structured interest-only
  • Can add proceeds above a senior mortgage

Considerations

  • Usually the priciest layer in the stack
  • Senior lender approval is typically required
  • Intercreditor terms can limit remedies
  • Often not a fit for small-balance deals

Frequently asked questions about mezzanine loans

What is a mezzanine loan in real estate?
It is subordinate capital that sits between the senior mortgage and the sponsor's common equity. Instead of taking a mortgage lien, the mezz lender usually takes a pledge of the ownership interests in the property-owning entity.
How is mezzanine debt different from preferred equity?
Mezzanine debt is a loan with a maturity date and UCC foreclosure rights against the pledged ownership interests. Preferred equity is an ownership investment with negotiated control rights and no UCC foreclosure remedy.
Do senior lenders have to approve mezzanine debt?
Usually yes. The senior lender commonly requires an intercreditor agreement that sets cure rights, notice rules, and what happens if the mezz lender tries to enforce its remedies.
How small can a mezzanine loan be?
Published market tables still show mezzanine programs starting around $1 million. Smaller deals usually end up with more equity, a bridge loan, or a different senior structure instead.

Where can I find mezzanine loans by city in South Carolina?

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