Interest on what’s drawn
Drawn $100,000 of a $500,000 loan? You pay interest on $100,000.
CONSTRUCTION LOAN BROKER
Construction loans in Brisbane & Sunshine Coast.
Build with confidence.
Finance explained in plain English.
Building lets you design a home around your life, but a standard home loan won’t cover most builds. Construction loans release funds in stages as your build progresses. We help first home builders, families and small developers find the right lender, then coordinate progress payments through to handover. Personal guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group in Caloundra.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews
From slab to keys.We stay involved the whole way.
PAYinterest on
what’s drawn.
what’s drawn.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s broking experience
$0Broker fee for home loans
Local careBrisbane & Sunshine Coast
WHAT MAKES A CONSTRUCTION LOAN DIFFERENT
Funds released in stages,
not a lump sum.
A construction loan pays your builder as the build reaches key milestones. It keeps interest lower while you build, but adds paperwork and approvals at each stage.
Progress payments
Paid at base, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion, usually after an inspection or invoice.
Final conversion
Once complete, the loan converts to principal and interest like a standard mortgage.
Building your first home? Queensland’s $30,000 grant and stamp duty relief may apply. We’ll check what you qualify for.
See first home supportBUILD TYPES WE HELP WITH
Matched to lenders
who know your build.
Not every build is the same, and lenders know that. We match your project to lenders experienced in your build type.
House and land packages
Finance coordinated across land and build in new estates.
Custom homes and knockdowns
A build on your vacant land, or demolition plus a new home.
Duplexes and granny flats
Live in one and rent the other, or house extended family.
Small developments
Townhouses or multiple dwellings, structured around the timeline.
A QUICK COMPARISON
Home loan or construction loan?
| What you compare | Home loan | Construction loan |
|---|---|---|
| Funds released | All at settlement | In stages |
| Repayments | From day one | Interest on drawn amount |
| Documents | Contract of sale | Build contract, plans, insurance |
| Inspections | One valuation | At each stage |
Drawdown terms and requirements vary by lender.
Compare my optionsKNOW YOUR NUMBERS
What will the build
cost in interest?
During the build you pay interest only on what’s drawn, so costs rise as each stage is paid. Once complete, repayments switch to principal and interest.
We map the cash flow before you sign, so there are no surprises.
- Your land loan or land cost
- The fixed-price build contract
- The build timeline
- Repayments after completion
YOUR BUILD, AT A GLANCE
How much interest while you build?
$100k$1.5m
Illustrative interest during build$37,375
Interest-only at completion$4,333/mth
P&I after conversion$5,057/mth
Illustration only. Assumes the land loan is fully drawn and build funds are drawn evenly over the build. P&I over 30 years. Excludes fees and variations.
Check my actual optionsFIRST HOME BUILDERS IN QUEENSLAND
Grants, duty relief
and lower deposits.
If you’re building your first home in Queensland, several incentives could save you thousands.
QUEENSLAND SUPPORT
$30,000 grant, no transfer duty.
The First Home Owner Grant is $30,000 for eligible new homes valued under $750,000, continued in the 2026–27 State Budget.
Eligible first home buyers building a new home, or buying vacant land to build on, may pay no transfer duty. From 1 August 2026, duty concessions require Australian citizenship, permanent residency or specified retiree status.
The 5% Deposit Scheme
Eligible first home buyers may build with a 5% deposit and no LMI through a participating lender.
For certain professions
Some lenders reduce or waive LMI for eligible professionals.
See LMI waived loansChecked October 2026. Grant and duty rules are set by the Queensland Revenue Office and can change.
Let’s check what you qualify for. We’ll help you check eligibility and lodge the paperwork correctly.
Check my next stepsWHAT LENDERS NEED
Banks prefer a licensed
builder and a fixed price.
Owner-builder loans are possible with some lenders, often needing a 30–40% deposit and stronger documents.
Fixed-price build contract
With a licensed builder, setting scope, cost and stages.
Council-approved plans
Plans and specifications approved to proceed.
Builder’s insurance
Home warranty and builder’s insurance in place.
Full-doc or low-doc
Payslips and returns, or BAS and an accountant’s letter.
COMMON FIRST-BUILD MISTAKES
Pitfalls we help
you avoid.
Most can be avoided with the right preparation.
Underestimating costs
Site works, fees, landscaping, upgrades and a contingency buffer.
Changing plans mid-build
Lock decisions in before signing to avoid fees and delays.
Skipping it
Know your limit before committing to land or a contract.
Assuming the builder handles it
Insurance, approvals and payment claims often fall to you.
Self-employed or a tradie? Low-doc construction options may suit.
Explore self-employed loansFROM APPROVAL TO KEY HANDOVER
Your finance
project manager.
We stay involved the entire way, not just during approval.
ASSESS
Initial chat
Your goals, timeline and borrowing capacity for a realistic budget.
PRE-APPROVAL
Know your limit
We compare lenders and secure pre-approval.
CONTRACT
Finalise the build
Fixed-price contract, approved plans and insurance.
APPROVAL
Formal approval
We walk through the structure, rate and drawdown terms.
BUILD
Progress payments
We help manage claims and inspections at each stage.
HANDOVER
Move in
Final payment, loan conversion and your new keys.
Richard LukeFounder · Ausfirst Lending Group
HOW WE MAKE IT EASIER
Your build is personal.
Your broker should be, too.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
Richard brings more than 30 years of broking experience. We take the time to understand your goals, income and timeline, prepare the extra paperwork and compare lenders’ construction policies.
We coordinate with your builder on progress payments, invoices and inspections, so you’re not stuck in admin while you build.
Progress payments coordinatedFull-doc and low-doc2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
Have a chat with our teamMore about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
Google review
“Debbie made the process of buying a new house frictionless, by providing excellent support throughout”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
Construction loans.
Real questions.
The questions first-time builders ask us most. Every build is different, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my buildHow do progress payments work?
The lender pays your builder at set stages, such as base, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion, usually after an invoice or inspection.
Do I make repayments during the build?
Usually interest-only on the amount drawn. Repayments rise as each stage is paid, then switch to principal and interest at completion.
Can I use the First Home Owner Grant on a build?
Yes. In Queensland, eligible first home buyers building a new home valued under $750,000 may receive $30,000.
Can I get a construction loan as an owner-builder?
Some lenders allow it, usually with a 30–40% deposit, detailed plans and stronger documents. Most prefer a licensed builder.
Can I get a construction loan if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Full-doc lenders use tax returns; low-doc lenders may accept BAS or an accountant’s declaration.
Can you finance a knockdown rebuild?
Yes. We structure finance to cover demolition and the new build, often using equity in your existing land.
LET’S MAKE YOUR BUILD HAPPEN
Build with confidence,
fully supported.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or mid-way through planning, we’ll help with the right loan and hands-on support at every stage.
Construction lenders compared
Grants and duty relief checked
Progress payments coordinated
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
YOUR FREE BUILD CHAT
Tell us about your build.
Land, builder and timeline, wherever you’re at.
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