Building a new home is one of the most significant financial commitments you will ever make. Whether you are planning a custom design, purchasing a house and land package, or undertaking a major house renovation, having the right construction finance in place from the start makes a meaningful difference to how your project unfolds. At Summit Finance Group, we work with clients across Melbourne and Australia wide to access Construction Loan options from banks and lenders across Australia, helping you find a structure that suits your build and your financial position.
What Is a Construction Loan?
A construction loan is a specialised type of building loan designed to fund the cost of constructing a new home or completing a significant renovation. Unlike a standard home loan where the full loan amount is released at settlement, a construction loan works on a progressive drawdown basis. This means funds are released in stages, known as progress payments, as each phase of the build is completed. Lenders typically require a progress inspection before releasing each instalment, giving them confidence that the work has been completed to the required standard before the next stage of construction funding is approved.
One of the key advantages of this structure is that you only charge interest on the amount drawn down at any given time, rather than on the full loan amount from day one. This interest-only repayment option during the construction phase can help manage your cash flow while the build is underway, particularly if you are also paying rent or an existing mortgage.
How the Progressive Payment Schedule Works
Most lenders structure construction loans around a Progressive Payment Schedule, which aligns with the standard stages of a residential build. These stages typically include the slab, frame, lock-up, fit-out, and practical completion. At each stage, your builder submits a progress payment claim, and the lender releases the next instalment after a progress inspection confirms the work is complete. This process, sometimes referred to as a construction draw schedule, protects both you and the lender by ensuring funds are only released as genuine milestones are reached.
It is important to understand that most lenders require a fixed price building contract from a registered builder before approving a construction loan application. Fixed price contracts give lenders certainty about the total cost of the build and reduce the risk of cost overruns affecting your loan amount. Some lenders will consider a cost plus contract in certain circumstances, though these are assessed differently and may have additional requirements.
The Types of Construction Finance We Can Help With
At Summit Finance Group, we assist clients with a broad range of construction finance needs. This includes new home construction finance for those building on vacant land, land and construction packages where the land purchase and build are funded together as a land and build loan, project home loans for clients working with volume builders, and owner builder finance for those who hold the appropriate licences and wish to manage their own build. We also assist with off the plan finance, spec home finance, and custom home finance for those working with architects on a fully custom design.
For those looking to improve an existing property rather than build from scratch, we can also discuss options such as a home improvement loan or house renovation loan, depending on the scope of work and the lender's requirements. Our role is to help you understand which type of construction loan is appropriate for your situation and to present options from lenders who are active in this space.
What Lenders Look For
Lenders assess construction loan applications carefully. In addition to your standard borrowing criteria, they will typically want to see council plans and building approvals, a development application or council approval where required, a signed fixed price building contract, and confirmation that you will commence building within a set period from the Disclosure Date. Lenders may also want confirmation that your builder is a registered builder with the appropriate licences, and that key trades such as plumbers and electricians are engaged appropriately. Understanding these requirements before you apply can save significant time and reduce the chance of delays.
The construction loan interest rate during the build phase is often variable, and once the build is complete, the loan typically converts to a standard home loan. This is sometimes referred to as a construction to permanent loan, and it is worth considering the long-term rate and product features when comparing options, not just the rate during the construction phase.
At Summit Finance Group, we take a considered, long-term view when helping clients with their construction finance. We look beyond the immediate build to make sure the loan structure suits your broader financial goals. If you are planning to build your dream home or invest in a new property, we are here to help you understand your options and connect you with lenders who are well suited to your project. You can also learn more about our home loans and investment loans services if your needs extend beyond the construction phase.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We start with a no-obligation conversation to understand your goals. Whether you are looking to buy a home, invest in property, or secure business finance, this is your chance to tell us what you need. We listen carefully so we can point you in the right direction from day one.
Step 2: Fact-Finding and Assessment
Next, we take a closer look at your financial position. We review your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities to get a clear picture of where you stand. This helps us understand your borrowing capacity and identify the most suitable options for your situation.
Step 3: Research and Strategy
With your details in hand, we research the market on your behalf. We compare products from a wide panel of lenders to find solutions that match your needs and goals. We do the legwork so you do not have to.
Step 4: Presenting Your Options
We present you with clear, easy-to-understand loan options. We walk you through the features, costs, and benefits of each so you can make a confident, informed decision. There is no jargon, just straight talk.
Step 5: Application Preparation
Once you have chosen the right product, we prepare your application with care. We help you gather the required documents and make sure everything is accurate and complete before it goes to the lender. A well-prepared application gives you the best chance of a smooth approval.
Step 6: Lodgement and Approval
We lodge your application and manage the process with the lender on your behalf. We stay in regular contact with all parties and keep you updated every step of the way. If the lender needs anything further, we handle it promptly.
Step 7: Settlement and Beyond
Once your loan is approved and settled, our job is not done. We stay in touch to make sure your finance continues to work for you. As your circumstances change, we are here to review your position and help you take the next step forward.
We recently refinanced our Mortgage through Summit Finance Group and we were very impressed with their professionalism, knowledge within the industry and most of all their willingness to find the best outcome possible to suit our needs. The management and staff kept us up to date with the progress of our submission and explained each stage to us in clear and easy to understand terms right up until settlement. We'd highly recommend Summit Finance to anyone who is considering refinancing their existing Mortgage loan we only wish we'd come to you sooner!
A S
Recently refinanced my Mortgage through summit, Tom was a no fuss broker who made the process of dealing with the banks as painless and efficient as possible, was thorough and informative every step of the way. Highly recommend
Zac Osborne
Recently bought an investment property with the help of Summit Finance Group. Working with Tom was a breeze, appreciated the promptness, professionalism and knowledge of the industry and guidance on getting a loan down for the property. Would definitely recommend, easy to work with.
Stephan Shun
In most cases, Summit Finance Group receives a commission from the lender when a loan is successfully settled. This means that in many lending scenarios, there is no direct fee charged to you as the client for our broking services. However, in some circumstances, such as certain commercial or specialised lending arrangements, a fee may apply. We are committed to full transparency, and we will always explain how we are remunerated before you proceed with any application. As a licensed finance broker operating under Australian credit laws, we are required to act in your best interests and to disclose any commissions or fees that apply to your situation.
Yes, absolutely. While Summit Finance Group is based in Melbourne, we work with clients right across Australia. Thanks to modern communication tools, we are well-equipped to assist clients remotely through phone, email, and video conferencing. Whether you are in regional Victoria, interstate, or anywhere else in the country, our team can provide the same level of professional service and support. We understand that not everyone has the time or ability to meet in person, so we have built our processes to accommodate clients wherever they are located. If you would prefer a face-to-face meeting and are in Melbourne, we are also happy to arrange that.
A fixed rate loan locks in your interest rate for a set period, which means your repayments remain the same during that time regardless of any changes in the broader market. This can provide a level of certainty when it comes to budgeting. A variable rate loan, on the other hand, has an interest rate that can move up or down in line with market conditions and lender decisions. Variable loans often come with more flexibility, such as the ability to make extra repayments or access a redraw facility. Some borrowers also choose a split loan, which combines elements of both. The right structure for you will depend on your personal circumstances and financial goals, and our team can help you understand the differences in more detail.
Getting started with Summit Finance Group is straightforward. You can reach out to us by phone, email, or through the contact form on our website to arrange an initial consultation. During this first conversation, we will take the time to understand your goals, your current financial situation, and what you are hoping to achieve. There is no obligation involved in having an initial discussion with us. From there, if you decide to proceed, we will outline the next steps, explain what documentation will be required, and begin working on your behalf. We are here to support you throughout the entire process and to make sure you feel informed and confident at every stage.
Summit Finance Group assists clients across a broad range of finance types. This includes home loans for owner-occupiers and investors, refinancing of existing loans, commercial property finance, business lending, equipment and asset finance, and vehicle finance. Whether you are purchasing your first home, looking to grow a property portfolio, or need funding to support your business operations, our team can work with you to explore what options may be available. We work with a wide panel of lenders, which means we are not limited to the products of a single institution and can consider a broader range of solutions on your behalf.
When you approach your bank directly, you are only seeing the products that one institution offers. A finance broker like Summit Finance Group has access to a panel of multiple lenders, which means we can compare a wider range of options on your behalf. Beyond product access, we also bring expertise in how different lenders assess applications, what documentation is required, and how to present your financial position in the most accurate and complete way. This knowledge can be particularly valuable if your situation is complex, such as if you are self-employed, have variable income, or are purchasing a non-standard property. We are here to guide you through the process from start to finish.
The documentation required will depend on the type of finance you are applying for and your individual circumstances. For most residential loan applications, lenders will typically require proof of identity, recent payslips or evidence of income, tax returns, bank statements, and details of any existing debts or liabilities. If you are self-employed, you may also need to provide business financial statements and tax returns for the past two years. For commercial or business lending, additional documents such as a business plan, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets may be required. Our team at Summit Finance Group will provide you with a clear checklist of what is needed based on your specific situation.
Having a history of credit issues does not automatically mean you are unable to access finance. There are lenders in the market who specialise in working with borrowers who have had defaults, late payments, or other credit challenges. At Summit Finance Group, we take the time to understand your full financial picture, including any past difficulties, so we can identify which lenders may be willing to consider your application. We will always be honest with you about your options and what to expect throughout the process. It is important to note that we cannot guarantee any outcome, and approval is always subject to the lender's own assessment criteria and policies.
The timeframe for a finance application can vary depending on the type of loan, the lender involved, and how quickly all required documentation is provided. For a standard residential home loan, the process from initial enquiry to formal approval can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Commercial and business lending applications may take longer due to the additional complexity involved. At Summit Finance Group, we work to keep the process moving as efficiently as possible by communicating clearly with both you and the lender throughout. Providing complete and accurate documentation from the outset is one of the most effective ways to avoid unnecessary delays in your application.
A finance broker is a professional who acts as an intermediary between you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and non-bank financial institutions. Rather than approaching lenders directly on your own, a finance broker works on your behalf to identify lending options that may suit your financial situation and goals. At Summit Finance Group, we take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options clearly, and manage much of the paperwork and communication involved in the application process. This can save you considerable time and effort, particularly when you are unfamiliar with how lending products work or what lenders are looking for.
Our experienced team helps Melbourne clients access construction loan options from lenders across Australia. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward building your new home with confidence.
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