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Construction loans

Understand how construction loans work. Our expert guidance gives you clear answers to everything you need to know before starting your construction journey.

Overview

Building a home requires a different kind of financing than a standard mortgage. Construction loans release funds in stages, called progress payments, as your builder reaches key milestones.

 

This process needs careful management and coordination. As your trusted Canberra mortgage broker, we handle everything from land purchase to handing over the keys, making your financial journey smooth and stress-free.

Support for every stage of your build

Construction loan guidance

Building a home is exciting, but construction finance can feel confusing. We’ll explain how construction loans work, answer your questions, and guide you through each stage so you know what to expect before the build begins.

Land + construction pre-approval

Get clear on your budget before you commit. We’ll help arrange pre-approval that considers both your land purchase and building contract, so you can move forward with more certainty.

Navigating grant eligibility

We'll help you understand and apply for government incentives that can be used when building a new home, including the Home Guarantee Scheme.

Building budget assessment:

A realistic build budget needs to cover more than the contract price. We’ll review your total project costs, including allowances for variations or unexpected expenses, to help you understand your borrowing needs and reduce the risk of budget surprises.

Hear what makes Clarity different

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Clarity is a dedicated team of financial professionals committed to providing tailored solutions for your financial needs. With a focus on clarity and transparency, we guide our clients through the complexities of financial planning, investment strategies, and wealth management. Our experienced advisors work closely with you to ensure your financial goals are met with confidence and clarity.

Backed by proven results

Not sure where to start?

The process of financing a new build can seem complex, but our specialists are here to make it simple. A no-obligation chat is the best way to understand your options and get your questions answered.

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Frequently
asked questions

A construction loan is a specialised type of home loan used to fund the building of a new home. Rather than receiving the full loan amount upfront, your lender releases funds in stages, known as progress payments, as each phase of the build is completed.

This staged approach ensures your builder is paid throughout the construction process, and you’re only charged interest on the funds that have been used, not the total loan amount approved. That means your repayments start smaller and gradually increase as the build progresses.

At Clarity, we’ll walk you through each stage and help you find a lender that supports your timeline, budget, and building plans.

There are two key differences:

  • How the loan is paid out

A standard home loan provides a lump sum to purchase an existing property. A construction loan releases funds gradually, aligned with key building milestones (such as slab down, frame, lock-up, and so on).

  • How you repay it

During construction, your loan is typically interest-only, and you’re only paying interest on the amount that’s been drawn down, not the full loan. Once the build is complete, the loan usually converts into a standard principal-and-interest home loan.

This structure can help keep repayments manageable while you’re still covering rent or other costs during the build.

A building loan is just another name for a construction loan, and it’s available to a wide range of borrowers, from first-home builders to seasoned investors developing their next project.

To apply, you’ll need:

– A signed fixed-price building contract with a licensed builder

– Council-approved plans for the build

– A breakdown of costs and build specifications

Not sure where to start? Your Clarity broker will guide you through every step, including what documentation your chosen lender will expect.

Construction loans are released in progress payments, directly to your builder. These payments are made after each major stage of construction is complete. While different lenders may have slightly different stages, the most common are:

  • Slab Stage – Foundation is poured
  • Frame Stage – Framing of walls and roof completed
  • Lock-Up Stage – External windows and doors installed
  • Fixing Stage – Internal fittings like cabinetry and plastering
  • Completion Stage – Final touches done and home ready for handover

Before each payment is released, the lender usually requires an inspection or valuation to ensure that the stage is complete and that everything meets expectations.

Most construction loans today offer interest rates that are in line with standard variable home loans, meaning you’re not necessarily paying a premium just because you’re building. In many cases, the fees are comparable too, though there may still be some costs to be aware of.

These can include:

– Valuation fees at each stage of construction

– Progress payment handling or administration fees

– Loan conversion fees when switching to a standard home loan at completion (though not all lenders charge this)

Your Clarity broker will help you compare the true cost of each option, not just the interest rate, so you know exactly what to expect and can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Yes, and this happens automatically at the end of the build.

Once your final progress payment is made and construction is complete, your loan is converted into a standard home loan. This new loan will usually have principal and interest repayments, and you can then start building equity in your home.

We’ll ensure you’re clear on how your loan will transition and help you choose a product that works for both the construction phase and long-term ownership.