Commercial Finance
From land acquisition and construction funding through to residual stock facilities, we help builders and developers in Melbourne and the surrounding growth corridor access finance structured around their project.
The Melbourne Context
Melbourne's south-east and outer growth corridors, including Casey, Cardinia and the broader Officer to Pakenham corridor, have seen sustained construction and development activity. Land releases, townhouse projects and small-to-medium residential developments continue to represent significant opportunity for builders and developers operating in these areas.
Development finance for these projects requires lenders who understand the local market, realistic gross realisation values and the timeline pressures that come with construction-phase lending. We work with both mainstream and specialist lenders to find funding that fits the project rather than forcing the project to fit a standard product.
Whether you are a volume builder, a small developer working on your first duplex, or an experienced developer managing multiple projects, we can help you understand what funding is available and how to structure it effectively.
Facility Types
Funds released in progress draw stages aligned to construction milestones. Interest is charged only on amounts drawn. Structured around the project's build program and gross realisation value.
Finance for the purchase of a development site, sometimes structured as a standalone facility before construction finance is arranged. Some lenders offer combined land and construction facilities.
Refinance completed but unsold stock within a finished project. Releases equity, removes construction facility pressure and gives you time to achieve the right sale price on remaining lots or units.
Where senior debt alone does not cover the full funding requirement, mezzanine or equity capital can bridge the gap. Access to these structures depends on the project profile and specialist lender appetite.
Project Types
Land subdivision projects ranging from small residential lots through to larger estates. Funding for bulk earthworks, infrastructure and civil works as part of the development process.
Two to twenty-plus townhouse and unit projects. A high-demand project type in Melbourne's middle and outer suburbs. We work with lenders experienced in this space, including non-bank specialists with lower pre-sale requirements.
Construction of office, industrial, retail or mixed residential-commercial projects. Assessed differently to pure residential development, with tenancy and pre-lease considerations playing a larger role.
Smaller-scale builds including single dwellings, dual occupancies and duplexes. Some specialist lenders support these projects where mainstream banks may decline. We assess what is available based on your project and experience level.
What Lenders Assess
Development lending is more complex than standard commercial or residential lending. Understanding what lenders focus on helps you prepare a stronger application and approach the right lenders from the start.
Lenders assess the end value of the project (gross realisation value), projected costs, profit margin and whether the numbers stack up. A realistic and well-prepared feasibility study is essential for most applications.
First-time developers face higher scrutiny. Lenders want to see relevant experience, particularly for larger or more complex projects. A strong builder contract and experienced project team can partially offset a limited personal track record.
Many mainstream lenders require a level of pre-sales before releasing construction funds. Specialist lenders often have lower requirements. We identify which lenders suit your pre-sale position before you apply, saving time and avoiding unnecessary credit enquiries.
Our Process
We review your project details, feasibility, site location, experience and funding requirement. The more we understand upfront, the more accurately we can identify suitable lenders and realistic terms.
We assess our panel including specialist development lenders, private credit providers and non-bank lenders to find those with genuine appetite for your project type, location and stage of development.
Development applications involve significant documentation and ongoing lender interaction through construction. We manage this process and keep the facility on track from initial approval through to final drawdown.
Common Questions
Talk to us early. The right finance structure starts with understanding the project, not filling in a form. Get in touch and we will assess what is available for your project.
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