Built to spec.
Structured for the build.
Construction loans in Canberra and the ACT need a lender who understands build contracts, progress draws, and how local projects actually run. We structure facilities that match your actual build — not a standard product forced onto a non-standard situation.
You pay interest on the drawn balance. Nothing more.
A construction loan is not a mortgage with extra steps. Funds release in stages as the build progresses, and interest is charged only on what's drawn — not the full facility. That changes how the loan is structured and who should write it.
We structure the drawdown schedule around your build contract, manage the lender through construction, and plan the transition to a permanent loan at practical completion. Construction lending needs active management from application to handover — not just settlement.
Understand your build
Land ownership, builder selection, contract status, timeline. Construction lending needs different information from a standard mortgage. We map it early.
Structure the facility
Facility size, drawdown schedule, and interest-only period built around your contract and progress payments — designed to match your build.
Match the lender
Owner-occupier, spec investor, owner-builder, or commercial — not every lender suits every build. We go to the ones whose criteria fit.
Coordinate progress draws
Each stage needs certification. We keep payments moving so your builder isn't left waiting on paperwork.
Construction loan types we structure.
Residential and commercial construction. Deal sizes range from standard owner-occupier builds through to larger spec and commercial projects.
Residential construction — new builds, knockdown-rebuilds, and large-scale renovations.
Spec builds — investor-owned construction on titled land, no owner-occupier requirement.
Dual occupancy and dual key builds.
Owner-builder construction — specialist lenders for licensed owner-builders.
Commercial construction — office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use builds.
Small residential developments that don't need full development finance.
The parameters that shape your facility.
The metrics that determine your borrowing capacity and how the facility is structured.
From first call to practical completion.
Construction loan applications are document-intensive. We do the heavy lifting — assembling the valuation package, council approvals, and managing lender queries through assessment.
We won't push a build that doesn't stack. If the numbers are marginal or the contract isn't ready, we'll tell you — and tell you what to fix before any lender sees it.
Understand your build
Land ownership, builder, contract status, and timeline mapped out early.
Structure the facility
Facility size, drawdown schedule, and interest-only period matched to your contract.
Select the right lender
We identify lenders whose criteria fit — standard build, spec, owner-builder, or commercial.
Manage the application
Valuation package, council approvals, and lender queries — handled end to end.
Coordinate progress draws
Each stage drawdown needs certification. We keep the process moving so your builder isn't stalled.
Plan the transition
At completion the loan converts to a mortgage or investment loan. We review, refinance if better, and lock in the right long-term product.
Progress drawdowns, certified in five stages.
Construction funds release in five certified stages. Your lender engages a valuer to inspect and certify each milestone before releasing the next draw. We coordinate this so payments reach your builder on time.
Slab down (base stage)
Frame complete
Lock-up (external walls and roof)
Fixing stage (internal fit-out)
Practical completion
50+ lenders. The right one for your build.
The construction market splits into three broad tiers. The right lender depends on your build type, contract structure, owner-builder status, and whether you need LMI. We know which lenders will write your deal — and which won't.
Lowest rates. Require full council approval and a fixed-price contract before drawdown.
More flexible on contract type, owner-builder situations, and loan structure.
Short-term construction bridges for time-sensitive situations or non-standard builds.
What you need in place.
Most construction loan applications fail because the documentation isn't ready at the time of application. We help you prepare before we approach any lender.
Fixed-price building contract from a licensed builder (most lenders require this).
Council-approved plans and building permits.
Land titled, or titling imminently, for construction to proceed.
Adequate equity in land — typically 20–30% combined LVR including construction cost.
Builder's all-risk insurance and public liability cover.
For owner-builders: a valid owner-builder permit — specialist lenders cap at 60–70% LVR.
Construction loan FAQs.
Questions we hear regularly from Canberra and ACT clients before they engage us.
Related services.
Development Finance
Construction loans for property developers, with presale and capital-stack structuring.
Learn moreCommercial Property
Investment loans, portfolio facilities, and owner-occupier funding across asset classes.
Learn moreSMSF Lending
Limited recourse borrowing for residential and commercial property within super.
Learn moreConstruction Loans NSW
Draw-down construction finance across NSW and regional markets — Wagga, Orange, Albury, Queanbeyan.
Learn moreDevelopment Finance Canberra
Construction, land, and residual stock funding for ACT and regional NSW projects.
Learn moreCommercial Finance Canberra
Commercial property loans, mortgages, and debt advisory across Canberra's market.
Learn moreReady to discuss your build?
Land titled, builder under contract, or still at the planning stage — we'll review your situation and tell you where you stand.
Start the Conversation
Start a Conversation
Whether you've got a building contract ready or are still planning your construction — we'll help you understand your options.
Contact Details
Phone
02 6188 9849
info@blackmountainfinancial.com.au
Office
Level 1, 33 Allara Street
Canberra ACT 2601
Hours
Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm
What to Expect
- Honest assessment of your options
- Response within 24 hours
- Strategic insight, not a sales pitch
- No obligation discussion