Build or renovate

Building a new home or undertaking a renovation involves different lending considerations compared to purchasing an established property. Construction lending is typically staged, time-based and subject to additional lender requirements.

We provide credit assistance to help you understand how construction loans work, what to expect at each stage, and how different lenders approach building and renovation scenarios.

Our role is to explain lender requirements clearly, compare lending structures, and guide you through the application and drawdown process from start to completion.

How construction and renovation lending works

Construction and renovation loans are usually structured differently to standard home loans.

  • Funds are generally released in stages as construction progresses 
  • Interest is typically charged only on the amount drawn down at each stage 
  • Lenders may require fixed-price building contracts and progress inspections 
  • Timeframes to commence and complete works are often specified

These requirements can vary between lenders depending on the type of build or renovation and your overall circumstances.

How we support you

We help clients building or renovating by:

  • Explaining how lenders assess construction and renovation applications 
  • Reviewing building contracts and costings from a lending perspective 
  • Comparing loan structures and drawdown processes 
  • Coordinating approvals, progress payments and settlement 
  • Supporting you if timelines or costs change during the build

Where land is being purchased separately, we also help explain how land and construction components are treated within the lending structure.

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Working alongside your advice team

Where building or renovating forms part of a holistic financial plan, lending considerations are implemented alongside your plan. Decisions around financial and tax advice will be considered within your Ironbark Advice - Financial Advice team as part of your great advice framework.

Page last updated: 17 March 2026

Not sure where to start?

We can also help if any of the following apply to you:

Important information

This content has been prepared by Cornerstone Financial Group Pty Ltd trading as Ironbark Advice, a Corporate Authorised Representative of LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd (ACN 632 405 504) Australian Credit Licence no. 517192. It contains general information only and does not consider your personal financial circumstances or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider obtaining professional advice. Any opinions expressed are the opinions of the authors at the time of posting, and do not constitute a recommendation to act. These opinions may change after an item is posted and no warranty of currency is provided. All information referenced is believed to be accurate at the time of compilation and is provided by Ironbark Advice in good faith. This content may contain information contributed by third parties. Ironbark Advice does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information contributed by a third party. No representation or warranty as to the quality, accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of this material is made by Ironbark or its representatives. To the extent permitted by law, Ironbark Advice is not liable for any loss or damage arising because of a reliance placed on the contents of this page.