Development
Finance.
Construction loans, land acquisition, and residual stock finance for developers in the ACT and regional NSW. We work with lenders who actually understand development risk.
Development finance that moves at deal speed.
Development funding is one of the most relationship-dependent areas of commercial finance. The lender's appetite changes with the market, the asset class, the suburb, and the borrower's track record. We know which lenders are genuinely active on development in Canberra right now — and which ones will waste your time.
We structure and present deals to maximise approval probability, not just lodge applications. That means a proper credit narrative before anything goes to a lender.
Feasibility review
We look at your numbers before any lender does. If the feasibility is marginal, better to know now than after three weeks in credit.
Lender selection
Not all lenders will do Canberra development, and not all who say they will can actually move. We only go to lenders with a realistic appetite for your deal.
Credit packaging
A development IM that addresses the questions lenders will ask before they ask them. Valuation, presales, builder capacity, exit strategy.
Manage to first drawdown
Conditions, quantity surveyor reports, valuation instructions, legal requirements. We run the process to the point where funds are moving.
What we actually fund.
Construction Loans
Senior debt for residential and mixed-use developments. Drawn in stages against QS progress certificates. We work with both bank and non-bank lenders depending on project size, pre-sales, and timeline.
Land Acquisition
Funding to secure a site ahead of DA approval or presales. Higher risk for lenders, so pricing reflects it — but the right lender, presented correctly, will move. Often used as a bridge to a construction facility.
Residual Stock
Refinancing completed stock that hasn't sold. Keeps your construction facility clean and gives you time to sell at the right price instead of discounting to clear. Available through a small number of non-bank lenders.
Mezzanine / Preferred Equity
Second-ranking debt to fill the gap between senior LVR and your equity. Increases leverage on larger projects. Pricing is higher but the cost of capital can still stack when modelled correctly into the feasibility.
What happens from first call to funded.
Development loans take longer than commercial property — expect 6–10 weeks from lodgement to first drawdown if the deal is clean. We compress that where we can, but we won't rush a submission that isn't ready.
The honest answer on timing: if you're calling us three weeks before you need to settle, we'll tell you that upfront. Development lenders don't move faster because you need them to.
Initial call (30 min)
Deal overview, feasibility sense-check, timeline, and equity position. We establish whether the deal is fundable before anything else.
Credit memo preparation
We draft an investment memorandum covering the project, the borrower, the numbers, and the exit. This drives lender conversations.
Lender approach (1–3 lenders)
We go to the right two or three lenders, not twelve. Each one knows we've been selective. That affects how they respond.
Manage to drawdown
Indicative → formal approval → conditions → legal → QS → first drawdown. We track every item and push when things stall.
100+ lenders. The right ones
Not all of our 100+ lenders are active on development. The ones who are change appetite constantly. We know who's open, at what LVR, for what project type, right now — not six months ago.
For larger projects with strong presales and experienced borrowers. Slower but cheapest rate.
More flexible on policy, reasonable pricing. Active in Canberra development market.
Faster credit, higher LVR, more flexible presale requirements. Higher rate, worth it when timing matters.
Second-ranking debt and preferred equity for deals that need more leverage. Specialist relationships.
FAQs
How much can I borrow for a property development project?
While percentages of TDC and GRV are often quoted, the actual amount depends on property type, location, and overall risk profile. A residential development in a metro area might secure up to 90% TDC, but regional locations can drop to 50–55%.
Do I need pre-sales for development finance in Australia?
Whether you require pre-sales depends on the project's size and risk. Financing options will be more limited and expensive without pre-sales, though it's still possible. Securing pre-sales is good practice to gauge market interest.
How much equity is required for development finance approval?
It can vary significantly. While 100% funding is possible for exceptional opportunities, the absolute minimum is generally the equity needed to settle on the land — typically a 10% to 50% deposit.
Is development finance available for first-time developers?
Yes, it is certainly possible. Approval will largely depend on your industry experience, overall asset position, and the key partners involved in the project.
— Related Services
Commercial Property Finance
Commercial Property Finance — Investment loans, portfolio facilities and owner-occupier funding.
Private Lending
Private Lending — Short-term capital and residual stock finance for time-sensitive situations.
M&A & Acquisition Finance
M&A & Acquisition Finance — Structured funding for business acquisitions and management buyouts.
Development Finance Canberra
Development Finance Canberra — Local expertise in construction loans and presales for ACT and NSW projects.
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Our team is ready to discuss your finance needs.
Contact Details
What to Expect
- Honest assessment of your options
- Response within 24 hours
- Strategic insight, not a sales pitch
- No obligation discussion
Start a Conversation
If you've got a site under contract, DA approval in progress, or a project that needs funding, we'd welcome the opportunity to review it.
No obligation, no sales pitch. We reply within 24 hours.