A step-by-step guide to securing funding for your development project 

Getting the right funding is often the difference between a stalled idea and a successful development. For many developers and investors, non-bank lenders and commercial loans in Australia offer faster, more flexible alternatives to traditional banks — especially for land acquisition, construction and complex refinance situations. This guide walks you through a practical, step-by-step process to secure funding for your development project, and explains how Zolve Australia actively supports you from start to finish, structuring and securing a tailored loan solution with the right non-bank and private lenders to match your loan type and requirements.

Define your project and funding needs 

Start with a clear brief: project type (residential, mixed-use, townhouses, multi-unit), timeline, total budget, anticipated costs (land, construction, professional fees, contingency), and exit strategy (sell, refinance, hold). Be specific about the loan purpose — land acquisition, construction, bridging or refinance — because lenders evaluate risk differently depending on the loan type. 

Zolve’s tip: Accurate numbers and realistic timelines improve your credibility with lenders and reduce surprises down the track. Feel free to call our team to discuss your project at this early stage if you have questions and need help with how to approach and navigate the funding side. 

Prepare thorough project documentation 

Compile key documents for your development project:

• Development feasibility 
• Site details (title, zoning, easements)
• DA/CDC approvals (or current status)
• Construction contracts, builder credentials or cost estimates
• Developer Capability Statement showing previous experience
• Evidence of deposits, equity or investor commitments

Zolve’s strength: Because we specialise in all types of property development loans, we are very experienced and knowledgeable about the specific documentation that non-bank and private lenders are looking for. Making sure that your project is presented in the right way will help lenders move faster. 

Understand lender types and why a non-bank lender may fit 

Commercial loans in Australia are available from big banks, non-bank lenders, and private lenders. Non-bank lenders typically offer:

• Faster decision times and greater flexibility
• Tailored structures for complex deals
• Willingness to consider higher LVRs and less-to-no presales

Zolve’s active role: As a commercial broker specialising in non-bank lending, Zolve Australia doesn’t just introduce options — we work with you from start to finish, actively assessing your project, identifying the lenders from our extensive network with the right appetite, and then also advocating on your behalf and negotiating terms to align with your objectives. 

Choose the right loan structure

 Common structures for development projects include:

• Land acquisition loans
• Construction loans (stage draws, progress payments)
• Bridging finance to cover gaps between purchase and refinance/sale
• Refinance loans to release equity or restructure existing debt
• Residual stock loans

Work with your broker and accountant to pick a structure that balances cost, flexibility and that best achieves your specific objectives. Non-bank lenders often provide bespoke repayment and drawdown arrangements that align with construction cashflows.

Zolve’s strategic edge: At Zolve, we understand that property development is a complex and often unpredictable industry, and we have the expertise and experience to navigate these challenges together with you. 

Submit a concise, compelling loan application

A strong application makes the lender’s job easier:

• Executive summary of the project and funding need
• Key financials and security offered
• Team capability (developer, builder, project manager)
• Risk mitigation (pre-sales, fixed-price contracts, contingency)
• Clear exit strategy and repayment plan

Zolve’s loan service: We assist by supporting your application process, highlighting strengths non-bank lenders prioritise—liquidity, track record, and feasible cashflows—and framing the deal to improve chances of preliminary approval or an Indicative Loan Offer.

Compare lender offers strategically 

When evaluating options, consider more than the headline rate. Review:

• Fees and establishment costs
• Lender responsiveness on drawdowns and site inspections
• Loan-to-cost (LTC) and loan-to-value (LVR) limits
• Covenants, reporting requirements and approval timelines
• Practical experience with similar projects

Zolve’s advantage: Zolve actively sources and shortlists lenders from our broad non-bank and private lender network, presenting realistic solutions and explaining trade-offs. We manage negotiations with multiple lenders, so you receive competitive, tailored offers without the stress and hassle. 

Navigate conditional approval and due diligence 

After preliminary approval, the lender conducts due diligence: valuation, quantity surveyor, general due diligence, , and contract reviews. Stay responsive and provide requested documents promptly to avoid delays. Expect site visits and staged approvals for progress draws.

Our experienced Zolve team keeps the process moving and resolve issues quickly, so settlement, draws and milestones aren’t delayed.

Managing draws

For construction loans, lenders release funds against progress claims. Ensure:

• Builder claims are verified by the appointed quantity surveyor
• Project milestones are met before draw requests
• Insurance and warranties remain current

Plan your exit or refinance strategy early 

Whether you plan to sell off-the-plan, refinance to a long-term investment loan or hold, include the exit strategy in your funding plan from day one. Some non-bank lenders offer short-term construction finance with pathways to longer-term lenders or structured refinance options.

How Zolve helps: We proactively support developers through their whole project lifecycle, which includes helping with refinance negotiations to ensure a smooth transition from construction finance to long-term finance.

Learn from each project and prepare for future deals 

Keep accurate records of timelines, costs, lender responsiveness and profitability. Building a relationship history with non-bank lenders increases your chances of faster approvals for future projects.

Why choose Zolve Australia for non-bank lending and commercial loans in Australia?

• Active, full-service brokerage: we don’t just introduce — we work with you from start to settlement to identify, source, structure and negotiate with non-bank and private lenders to secure terms that match your project and risk profile.
• Faster alternative to big banks: Our non-bank lender network is solutions-focused and often quicker on approvals and drawdowns.
• Flexible, tailored loans: We work with non-bank and private lenders who structure loans around project cashflows and complex scenarios.
• Capability for tricky situations: If your project is non-standard, our network includes lenders experienced in unconventional or higher-complexity deals.

Securing development funding requires planning, clear documentation and an active broker to find the right non-bank and private lenders for your project. Non-bank lenders and tailored commercial loans in Australia provide the speed and flexibility many developers need. Zolve Australia’s specialist team and wide network of independent non-bank and private lenders actively work to match your deal and fast-track the right solution — from land acquisition to construction and refinance. Contact our Zolve team to get started.