Construction loan

We purchased a "rustico" about three years ago and paid cash for the property. Now we have building permits and are looking to finance the total reconstruction with a construction loan in a Italian bank. We have heard that people have been turned down because they submitted their financial assets (basically the bank told the people that "if you have the cash why should we lend you the money", and/or "yes we will give you a loan if you let us invest your assets") Have anyone here had any experience with a construction loan? Is it better just to show income and not your assets to the bank? How much will they lend (% on your income) is it different then a mortgage on a habitable house?