Can I get a construction loan if I'm self-employed?

Yes. Some lenders are more flexible with self-employed borrowers than others. We work with specialist lenders who assess applications based on a broader view of your finances, including your business performance, rather than relying solely on payslips.

How much deposit do I need for a construction loan?

Most lenders require a minimum of 10–20% of the total project cost (land plus build). The exact amount will depend on the lender, your financial position, and whether you're using Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). We'll give you a clear picture of what's required before you apply.

What happens if my build goes over the original cost estimate?

Cost overruns are more common than people expect. If your build costs increase beyond your approved loan amount, you'll need to cover the difference from your own funds or apply for additional finance. Having a contingency buffer built into your budget from the start is strongly recommended. We can help you think through this when structuring your loan.

Can I use a construction loan for a knock-down rebuild?

Yes. Knock-down rebuilds are a common use for construction loans, particularly in established suburbs where land is scarce but existing homes are dated. The process is similar to building on vacant land, though there may be additional costs involved in the demolition that need to be factored into your budget.

How long does it take to get a construction loan approved?

Approval times vary depending on the lender and the complexity of your application. Generally, you should allow two to four weeks for conditional approval once all documentation is in order. Having your building contract, plans and permits ready before you apply can speed up the process considerably.

Can I live in a property my SMSF buys?

No. A property purchased by your SMSF must satisfy the sole purpose test, which means it must be held solely to provide retirement benefits. Fund members and their relatives cannot live in a residential property owned by the fund.

How much deposit do I need for an SMSF loan?

Most lenders require at least 20% for residential property and 25–35% for commercial property. On top of the deposit, your SMSF will also need sufficient funds to cover stamp duty, legal fees, ongoing maintenance and cash flow requirements.

Can my SMSF borrow to buy any type of property?

Not quite. There are restrictions, for example, you can't buy a property that requires significant improvements before settlement, as LRBAs must relate to a single "acquirable asset" in its current state. Development projects generally cannot be funded this way.

Can I use my SMSF to buy a commercial property that my business already occupies?

Yes, in many cases. Business real property can be purchased from a related party at market value, making this a popular strategy for small business owners. The fund must lease the property back to your business at commercial market rates, and the arrangement must be properly documented.

Do SMSF loans have higher interest rates than normal investment loans?

Generally, yes. SMSF lending is more complex for lenders, and rates typically sit higher than standard investment loan rates. There are also fewer lenders in this space, which means your broker's ability to access the full market makes a real difference.

Do I need a financial adviser before applying for an SMSF loan?

Yes. Under Australian law, you should obtain advice from a licensed financial adviser before implementing an SMSF strategy. Your accountant, financial planner and mortgage broker all play important roles in making sure the structure is set up correctly from day one.

Home Loan Calculators

Use our collection of popular mortgage & home loan calculators to work your home loan repayments, borrowing capcity stamp duty, budgets and more.

Buying a Home (Affordability + Upfront costs)

First home, investment property, or your next upgrade. These calculators cover the numbers that matter most when you’re buying property in Australia. Work out how much a lender is likely to let you borrow, figure out the deposit you’ll need, and check the stamp duty payable in your state or territory. Model your monthly home loan repayments before you commit, calculate your loan to value ratio, and compare the long term cost of renting against owning so you can buy with a full picture.

Loan Repayment Calculator

Estimate your monthly repayments and see how extra contributions can shave years off your loan.

Borrowing Capacity Calculator

Get an estimate of how much a lender is likely to let you borrow based on your income and expenses.

Stamp Duty Calculator

Work out the stamp duty costs that apply when buying a property in your state or territory.

Equity Calculator

Work out how much usable equity you have in your home to put towards a renovation, investment or next move.

LVR Calculator

Quickly calculate your Loan to Value Ratio — the figure lenders use to assess your borrowing risk.

Deposit Calculator

Figure out how much deposit you’ll need to save and how it shapes your overall borrowing position.

Already Own a Home (Optimising the loan you have)

Your home loan is in place. Now the real opportunity starts. These calculators show how much time and interest you can shave off your mortgage by making extra repayments or parking savings in an offset account. Often years off the loan term and tens of thousands saved in interest. You can also see how much usable equity sits in your home, ready to fund a renovation, an investment property, or your next move.

Extra Repayment Calculator

See how much time and interest you can save by adding a little extra to your regular repayments.

Equity Calculator

Work out how much usable equity you have in your home to put towards a renovation, investment or next move.

Offset Calculator

See how much interest you could save and how much sooner you could be debt-free with an offset account.

Before You Apply (Get Your Finances in Order)

Lenders look hard at your income, spending, and existing debts before approving any home loan. Get those numbers right and your borrowing power climbs. Get them wrong and the application stalls. These calculators help you tidy up your financial position before you apply. Map your monthly cash flow with the budget planner, see what your credit card balance is really costing you, and convert weekly, fortnightly or hourly pay into the annual income figure lenders use to assess your application.