01
Deposit or Base
Deposit or base, to get the slab down
Construction Loans for Builders and Tradies on the Sunshine Coast
CONSTRUCTION FINANCE
Construction Finance That Follows the Build
A build rarely needs all the money on day one. It needs the right amount at slab, frame, lockup and so on, released as each stage is done and signed off. That is how construction finance works.
For builders, tradies and self-employed borrowers on the Sunshine Coast, the tricky part is that costs and progress claims do not line up. Ausfirst Lending Group works as a specialist construction finance adviser, matching construction finance to the contract, valuation and drawdown schedule.
01
Match the Contract
Structure the loan around the agreed building stages.
02
Release by Stage
Draw funds as each stage is completed and approved.
03
Control Holding Costs
Pay interest only on the amount drawn so far.
01
The Stage Payment Trap
A build can stall between stages. Materials, trades and variations often fall due before the next drawdown clears, and the lender will not release funds until the stage is complete and inspected. The answer is structuring the finance around the stages before the first sod is turned, so the cash is there when each bill lands rather than after it.
02
How Construction Drawdowns Work
Instead of one lump sum, a construction loan is released in progress payments as the build hits agreed stages. A typical build draws down across:
02
Frame
Frame, once the structure is up
03
Lockup
Lockup, when windows, doors and roofing are on
04
Fixing
Fixing, for the internal fit out
05
Completion
Completion, at the final stage and handover
Interest is usually charged only on the funds drawn so far, which keeps holding costs lower during the build.
As a general guide only. Stage names, order and terms vary by lender and contract.
03
Projects Construction Finance Can Fund
Construction finance is not only for a standard new home:
New Home Builds
A single dwelling built under a fixed-price or cost-plus contract is the most common use. Funds are released in stages as the build progresses.
Renovations and Extensions
Larger renovations and extensions can be funded where the scope, contract and valuation stack up. Lender appetite varies with the size of the work.
Small Developments
Duplexes and small multi-dwelling projects are possible with the right lender, though they are assessed more closely. Feasibility can come into it.
Custom and Sloping Blocks
Builds on difficult or sloping sites carry extra cost and risk that a lender factors in. Clear costings help keep the funding on track.
04
How Your Building Contract Shapes the Loan
The building contract you sign changes how a lender assesses the file:
MOST STRAIGHTFORWARD
Fixed-Price Contracts
A fixed-price contract sets the full cost up front, so the lender can see exactly what the build will cost. It is the most straightforward type to finance and suits most standard construction lending.
VARIABLE FINAL COST
Cost-Plus Contracts
A cost-plus contract charges the actual cost of the work plus a margin, so the final figure can move. Some lenders treat these more cautiously and may ask for a larger contingency or tighter conditions.
SPECIALIST ASSESSMENT
Owner-Builder Arrangements
Without a licensed builder carrying a fixed-price contract, fewer lenders take these on and they assess them closely. Matching the contract to the right lender early avoids a knockback after you have committed.
For a self-managed build, owner-builder finance applies instead.
05
What Lenders Check Before Each Release
Because the lender is funding something not built yet, the file gets more scrutiny than a standard home loan. Before each drawdown, expect them to look at:
- Land value and the value on completion from a registered valuation
- Fixed-price contract or detailed costings from a licensed builder
- Council approvals, plans and permits
- Builder details, licences and insurance
- Progress inspection at each stage before the next drawdown is released
06
What Affects Your Rate and Repayments
A few things shape the rate and terms on a construction loan:
The building contract type and how firmly the price is fixed
The valuation on completion against the total project cost
The deposit or equity you bring and your serviceability
The lender chosen and its appetite for the build
07
Common Construction Loan Delays
Most delays trace back to paperwork and valuation, not the building itself. Variations that change the budget after approval can slow a release, and a valuation that comes in under the project cost can reduce what the lender will advance. Incomplete plans, permits or contracts hold things up, owner-builder or non-standard projects narrow the field of lenders, and a build that runs long lifts the interest cost along the way.
CONSTRUCTION FINANCE
Set Up Construction Finance Early
The right time to line up construction finance is before you sign the build contract or order materials, while the structure can still be shaped around the stages. Ausfirst Lending Group can review the project, contract and drawdown schedule so you know how funding works at each stage.
CONSTRUCTION LOANS FOR BUILDERS AND TRADIES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A standard home loan usually settles as one amount on an existing property. A construction loan releases funds in stages as the build progresses, based on the contract, valuation and lender requirements.
Usually interest is charged only on the funds drawn at each stage, not the full approved limit. The exact structure depends on the lender and the loan terms.
It may, depending on the project, security and lender policy. Major renovations, fit-outs and small developments sit more comfortably with some lenders than others.
Possibly. Lenders still assess income, documents, credit history, security and repayment capacity. Business activity statements (BAS), bank statements or accountant information can help where full financials are not ready.
Before signing the build contract where possible. Checking the structure and valuation early can surface deposit, drawdown or contract issues before they become expensive.
This page provides general information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Lending is subject to lender criteria, terms, conditions and eligibility. Speak with a qualified accountant, solicitor or finance professional before making tax, legal or business decisions.
What Our Clients Say
You Are Looked After By Someone Who Treats As His Own.
What Makes Ausfirst Lending Group Different?
Managing cash flow is essential for running a successful trade business. At Ausfirst Lending Group, we take the time to understand your business operations, income cycle, and financial goals to help you compare suitable cash flow lending solutions from our panel of lenders.
Whether you need additional working capital to cover day-to-day expenses, purchase materials, pay staff, manage seasonal fluctuations, or take on new projects, we provide personalised guidance throughout the lending process. We'll help you explore flexible finance options that can support your business while maintaining healthy cash flow.
Our goal is to make accessing business finance simple and efficient by providing clear advice, regular communication, and dedicated support from application through to settlement. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, we focus on helping you secure a cash flow lending option that aligns with your business needs and supports your long-term growth.
Whether you need additional working capital to cover day-to-day expenses, purchase materials, pay staff, manage seasonal fluctuations, or take on new projects, we provide personalised guidance throughout the lending process. We'll help you explore flexible finance options that can support your business while maintaining healthy cash flow.
Our goal is to make accessing business finance simple and efficient by providing clear advice, regular communication, and dedicated support from application through to settlement. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, we focus on helping you secure a cash flow lending option that aligns with your business needs and supports your long-term growth.
Visit Your Local Mortgage Broker on the Sunshine Coast
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring loan options through a trust or SMSF, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As your trusted Mortgage Broker on the Sunshine Coast, we offer personalised advice tailored to your needs.
Office Hours
Monday
9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday
9 AM - 5 PM
Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
Location: Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Explore Other Loan Solutions We Offer
We provide a wide range of lending options designed to suit different property goals, financial situations, and investment strategies. Whatever your needs, our team is here to guide you to the right loan solution.
Home Ownership Loans
For buyers and homeowners managing their own property needs.
First Home Loans
Get started on your homeownership journey with our first home loan options, crafted to help you secure your dream home.
Second Home Loans
Finance your next property with ease using our second home loan options.
Home Equity Loan
Leverage the equity in your home to unlock funds for renovation, investment, or other financial needs.
Refinancing
Review and enhance your current mortgage terms with our refinancing options, designed to save you money.
Changing Home Loans
Adapt your mortgage to suit your changing life circumstances with ease.
Bridging Loans
Bridge the gap between buying and selling with short-term loan solutions.
Investment Loans
Investment Loans
Explore our investment loan solutions designed to help you build and grow your property portfolio.
SMSF Loans
Utilise your self-managed super fund to invest in property with our specialised SMSF loan options.
Trust Loans
Secure funding for your trust's investment needs with our trust loan solutions, tailored for optimal outcomes.
Sophisticated Investor
Unlock exclusive lending opportunities tailored for sophisticated investors ready to scale.
Rentvesting
Live where you love and invest where it counts with our rentvesting strategies.
Holiday Home Loans
Own your dream holiday retreat with our tailored holiday home loan solutions.
Commercial & Construction Loans
Commercial Loans
Secure finance for your business property needs with our commercial loan options.
Construction Loans
Access funds in stages as construction progresses.
Property Improvement
Green Home Loans
Finance eco-friendly homes or upgrades with our green loan products.
Renovation Loans
Transform your property with renovation loans tailored for projects of any size.
Tailored Loan Solutions for Professionals Across All Industries
We provide tailored lending options for healthcare workers, educators, tradespeople, legal professionals, and business owners—designed to suit the way you earn and work.
LMI Waived Loans For Medical & Healthcare Professionals
At Ausfirst Lending Group, we understand that medical and healthcare professionals need more than just a loan—they need a lending partner who appreciates their unique journey. Whether you're a doctor, nurse, dentist, or allied health specialist, we provide tailored home loan solutions with personal guidance, LMI waivers, and flexible options that fit your career and lifestyle. With Richard’s 30+ years of hands-on broking experience, we ensure your loan process is managed with care, transparency, and expertise from start to finish
Home Loans for Doctors
Designed to accommodate complex income structures like private practice, hospital rosters, and ABNs.
Home Loans for Nurses
Flexible loan terms aligned with shift work schedules and frontline service benefits.
Home Loans For Chiropractor
Mortgage options that recognise the cash flow patterns of clinic-based professionals.
Home Loans For Dentists
Lending solutions tailored for high-earning professionals with private practice considerations.
Home Loans For Optometrists
Customised loans for optometrists balancing practice ownership and salaried roles.
Home Loans For Pharmacists
Designed to support pharmacists navigating retail, hospital, or business ownership income structures.
Home Loans For Physiotherapists
Tailored lending for physiotherapists in private clinics or mobile practices.
Home Loans For Psychologists
Loan programs suited to private practice psychologists and those in multidisciplinary clinics.
Education Professionals
Educators play a vital role in shaping future generations, and we’re here to ensure their home loan journey is just as rewarding. Whether you're a school teacher, early childhood educator, university lecturer, or support staff member, we offer home loan solutions designed to recognise your dedication to the community. From exclusive lending benefits to flexible loan structures, we simplify the process so you can focus on what you do best—teaching and supporting others.
Home Loans for Teachers
Mortgage solutions that support educators with steady incomes and eligibility for LMI waivers.
Law Enforcement & Legal Professionals
For those who serve and protect—whether in law enforcement, emergency services, legal professions, or defence—navigating the home loan process should be as straightforward as possible. We offer tailored mortgage solutions that acknowledge the unique demands of your profession, providing structured lending benefits, flexible options, and personalised support.
From police officers and firefighters to lawyers and defence personnel, we’re here to simplify your path to homeownership with solutions designed around your service.
Home Loans for Lawyers
Structured home loans for legal professionals with scalable borrowing capacity as careers progress.
Home Loans for Police Officers
Reliable mortgage options designed for law enforcement with steady service incomes and allowances.
Specialised Loan Solutions
LMI Waived Loans
Save thousands by avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance with our waived options and find out about our unique loan strategies.
Low-Deposit Home Loans
Tailored for self-employed professionals and business owners who may not have traditional income verification.
100% Offset Home Loans
Take advantage of a 100% Offset Home Loan to minimise the interest you pay by linking your savings directly to your mortgage.
Family Guarantee Home Loans
With a Family Guarantee Home Loan, your parents or close family members can help you enter the property market by using their home equity as security.
Our Service Process
Understand
We begin by understanding your unique goals and needs through an initial consultation (via phone, Zoom, or in person).
Gather
We gather key information to validate your financial situation and lay the foundation for the right loan strategy.
Analyse & Plan
We carefully review your options and craft a lending strategy tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
Apply
We prepare and submit your application to the lender, ensuring everything is in order.
Finalise
We manage the settlement process, keeping you informed every step of the way and making sure everything proceeds seamlessly.
Support
We provide continuous support and review, offering updated loan options as your needs evolve over time.
