First Time Developer Finance
Access to a nationwide network of 200+ private lenders and specialist funding partners.
Helping developers connect with suitable private lenders for first time developer finance, first development projects and new developer funding across Australia.
Is this your situation?
First time developer finance is often needed when a borrower has a strong project but limited completed development history or no prior developer track record.
This is your first development
You may be building your first duplex, townhouse, unit project or subdivision.
The bank wants experience
Banks may require a completed development track record before approving the loan.
You have a strong project team
Private lenders may look at the builder, consultants, quantity surveyor and project controls.
You have equity in the project
A strong borrower contribution can help support a first-time developer scenario.
You have approval or a clear pathway
DA approval, planning progress or a simple project type can improve lender appetite.
You need a clear exit strategy
Sale, refinance, completion or staged sell-down needs to be clear from the start.
What is first time developer finance?
First time developer finance is private funding for borrowers completing their first property development project, often where standard banks require more developer experience.
Why first-time developers can struggle with banks
Banks may be cautious where the borrower has limited completed development history, even if the project, security and exit strategy are strong.
Where private lenders can help
Some private lenders can assess first-time developer scenarios by looking at the security, project team, builder, contribution, feasibility, project controls and exit strategy.
Why banks often decline first time developer finance.
Banks can be conservative where a borrower lacks development experience or does not meet standard developer policy requirements.
Banks commonly decline because of:
- No completed development track record
- Developer experience concerns
- Servicing does not fit bank policy
- Presales are insufficient or unavailable
- Construction budget or feasibility concerns
- Project controls are not clear
- The scenario does not fit standard bank policy
Private lenders approve based on:
- Security value and completed value
- Borrower contribution and equity
- Builder and consultant team
- Project size and complexity
- Approval status and feasibility
- Loan-to-value position
- Clear sale or refinance exit strategy
Common first time developer finance scenarios.
These scenarios often require fast private lender assessment rather than a full bank-style application process.
First Duplex Project
Funding for a first duplex or dual occupancy project.
First Townhouse Project
Funding for a first small townhouse development.
First Development Site Purchase
Funding to acquire a first development site.
DA Approved First Project
Funding where the first project has DA approval in place.
First Construction Funding
Private construction funding for a first development project.
Pre-Construction Funding
Funding for planning, consultants, permits or site preparation.
Refinance for New Developer
Refinance of an existing site, land or private facility.
First Project Cost Overruns
Additional funding where costs increase during a first project.
Exit Funding for First Project
Funding to complete, sell, refinance or exit the first development.
First development projects private lenders can consider.
Every lender has different appetite. The goal is to match the new developer scenario with lenders that understand the project size, risk controls and exit strategy.
Duplexes
Common first development project type.
Small Townhouse Projects
Two to four townhouse projects may suit some lenders.
Unit Developments
Selected small unit projects with clear feasibility.
Subdivision Projects
Small land subdivisions or title projects.
Development Sites
Acquisition or refinance of a first development site.
DA Approved Projects
Approved projects with clearer development pathway.
Partially Completed Projects
Selected scenarios where the borrower needs completion funding.
Residual Stock
Completed stock from a first project needing refinance or exit.
What information helps private lenders assess the scenario?
You do not need a full bank-style application to make an initial enquiry, but first time developer scenarios need enough detail for lenders to understand the project, team and exit pathway.
Property Address
The site address and property details help lenders understand the security.
Project Type
Duplex, townhouse, units, subdivision, land acquisition or another development type.
Project Team
Builder, architect, engineer, planner, surveyor, QS or other consultants involved.
Borrower Contribution
Deposit, equity, cash contribution or other funds already committed.
Feasibility and GRV
Construction budget, gross realisation value, feasibility and cost-to-complete.
Exit Strategy
Sale, refinance, stock sell-down, bank refinance or another repayment pathway.
Case study: first duplex development funded privately.
A borrower had a strong duplex project but no completed development history.
The bank was uncomfortable because the borrower was a first-time developer.
The scenario was introduced to a private lender that assessed the site value, builder, borrower contribution, GRV and sale/refinance exit.
The borrower obtained funding for the first project and structured the exit around completion and sale or refinance.
Case study: first townhouse project supported by strong team.
A new developer had approval for a small townhouse project and had engaged an experienced builder and consultants.
The borrower did not have a prior development track record, which made bank approval difficult.
The scenario was matched with a private lender that gave weight to the project team, feasibility, equity contribution and exit strategy.
The private facility allowed the borrower to proceed with the first development project.
A simple process designed for fast scenario assessment.
The goal is to get your first time developer finance scenario in front of suitable private lenders quickly and receive indicative funding options within 24 hours.
- Submit your scenario
- We match your deal with suitable private lenders
- A private lender will make contact
- Receive indicative funding options within 24 hours
Frequently asked questions about first time developer finance.
Common questions from new developers considering private funding for a first property development project.
What is First time developer finance?
First time developer finance is private funding used to assist with a borrower completing their first property development project.
Can private lenders help with first time developer finance?
Yes. Private lenders can consider first time developer finance where the security value, loan-to-value position, borrower contribution and exit strategy are acceptable.
Why would a bank decline this scenario?
Banks may decline where servicing does not fit policy, the project is too early, approvals are incomplete, presales are unavailable or the borrower does not meet standard bank criteria.
Can this funding be used before construction starts?
Yes. Some private lenders can consider funding before construction starts where the site, value, planning status and exit strategy support the loan.
Can this funding be used for consultant or planning costs?
Yes. Depending on the scenario, funding may assist with consultants, planning, permits, design, engineering, holding costs or other pre-development expenses.
Can this funding be used to buy land?
Yes. Some private lenders can consider acquisition or refinance funding secured against suitable land or development sites.
Do I need full financials or tax returns?
Not always. Many private lenders focus on the asset, valuation, project stage, LVR and exit strategy rather than requiring a full bank-style application upfront.
How quickly can the scenario be assessed?
Indicative responses can be obtained within 24hrs where the borrower provides the address, loan amount, project stage, value estimate and exit strategy.
What information is needed for an initial assessment?
Useful information includes the property address, planning status, loan amount required, current value, estimated GRV, current debt and proposed exit strategy.
Can this help a borrower with limited development experience?
Yes. Some private lenders can consider less experienced developers where the project, equity position, consultants, builder, security and exit strategy are strong enough.
What is the usual exit strategy?
The exit may be sale, refinance, construction finance, DA approval, site sale, subdivision, bank refinance or another clear repayment pathway.
Who contacts me after I submit the scenario?
Once the scenario is reviewed and matched with suitable lending partners, a private lender or their representative can contact you directly to confirm requirements, structure and next steps.
Related development finance scenarios.
Every development project is different. Explore other private development finance scenarios that may also match your situation.
Funding Problems
Construction & Development
Land, Planning & Civil Works
Need finance for your first development project?
Submit the key details of the site, project type, experience, team, loan amount and exit strategy so the scenario can be matched with suitable private lenders.
Submit your first time developer finance scenario.
Send through the key details of the site, project type, experience, team, loan amount and exit strategy.