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Off the plan loans

Secure your future property today. Our specialist advice guides you through financing an off the plan purchase, giving you confidence from contract to completion.

Overview

Committing to a property yet to be built or under construction requires a tailored financial strategy. Off the plan financing involves longer settlement periods and unique risks.

 

Our salaried brokers specialise in this area, creating long-term plans to manage these risks and ensure you’re in a strong financial position when it’s time to apply for your loan closer to settlement.

Off the plan loan strategies and support

First home buyer support

Off the plan purchases are a popular choice for first home buyers. We guide you through every step, from securing your deposit and exchanging contracts to your final inspection and settlement.

Investor strategy

Off the plan properties can be a powerful addition to your investment portfolio. We offer strategic advice to structure and secure your finance, while helping you capture any tax benefits you may be eligible for.

Navigating government schemes

We assess your eligibility for government incentives early on, including the Home Guarantee Scheme, which can be applied to off the plan purchases.

Long-Term borrowing assessment

We assess your borrowing capacity not just for today, but to your projected settlement date, so you can plan your finances with confidence.

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?

Buying off the plan can feel exciting, but there’s a lot to consider before you sign. A no-obligation chat with our off the plan loan specialists can help you understand your options, plan ahead for settlement, and avoid unnecessary stress down the track. 

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Frequently
asked questions

Financing an off the plan property is a two-stage process, unlike buying an established home:

  1. Contract Exchange (Now): You pay an initial deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price) directly to the developer to secure the property. This is not your home loan; it’s the deposit to exchange the contract of sale.
  2. Formal Loan Application (Later): Your home loan application process begins much later, usually 3-6 months before the property’s construction is complete and it’s time for settlement.
  3. Valuation & Settlement: The lender will conduct a valuation of the completed property. Assuming all criteria are met, your loan is formally approved, and the funds are provided for you to complete the purchase (settle).

This is why our long-term borrowing assessment is so critical—we plan for your financial approval well in advance.

You should engage with a specialist mortgage broker before you pay your initial 5% deposit. While the formal loan application won’t be submitted until construction is nearly finished, a thorough borrowing capacity assessment must be done upfront. This ensures you have a clear and realistic strategy to secure finance when the time comes, potentially years down the track.

Standard loan pre-approvals typically expire after 90 days. Since off the plan settlement periods are much longer (often 1-3 years), a standard pre-approval is not suitable. Instead, we conduct a comprehensive long-term borrowing assessment. This provides you with a strong indication of your ability to borrow, based on both your current situation and projected future circumstances, giving you the confidence to proceed.

There are two deposits to consider:

  • Developer’s Deposit: You’ll need to pay 5% of the purchase price to the developer to secure the contract. This can sometimes be covered by a deposit bond.
  • Lender’s Deposit: When you apply for the actual home loan closer to settlement, the lender will have their own deposit requirements (e.g., 5%, 10%, or 20% of the property’s value).

We help you plan for both stages, ensuring your financial structure is sound from start to finish.

Yes, a bank can decline your formal loan application, even if you were in a strong position when you paid the initial deposit. Common reasons for this include:

  • A significant valuation shortfall.
  • A negative change in your personal financial circumstances (e.g., change of job, new debts).
  • A tightening of the bank’s lending policies since you signed the contract.

This is precisely why our long-term financial planning is so important—we work with you to keep your finances on track to meet the lender’s requirements at settlement.

It certainly can be, provided you go in with a clear strategy and expert advice. Potential benefits include:

  • Securing a property at today’s price that may be worth more upon completion.
  • Having more time to save a larger deposit during the construction period.
  • Receiving a brand-new property with potential tax depreciation benefits for investors.

However, these benefits must be weighed against the risks. A specialist broker can help you make an informed decision.