Build, Renovate,Develop in Sydney

We specialise in duplex construction, townhouse developments (3–20+ units), major renovations, knock-down rebuilds, land subdivisions, and medium-density projects across the Sydney Metropolitan area. We structure loans from $250,000 to $10,000,000.

Not necessarily. We can assist at various stages—pre-DA for site acquisition finance, post-DA for construction facilities, or at completion for refinance. However, most construction lenders require at least a DA-approved project before issuing a construction facility.

Construction loans are drawn down in stages (called progress payments) as building milestones are reached. Interest is only charged on the amount drawn, not the full facility. A Quantity Surveyor (QS) inspects and certifies each stage before funds are released.

Absolutely. As a CPA and Registered Tax Agent, James Chee understands self-employed income structures intimately. We access alt-doc, low-doc, and private lending pathways specifically suited to business owners undertaking property development.

In most cases, there is no direct cost to you. We are paid a commission by the lender upon settlement. For complex or private lending arrangements, we'll discuss any applicable fees upfront before you commit.

Yes. As a CPA and Registered Tax Agent, James provides guidance on GST obligations, margin scheme elections, CGT implications, and entity structuring (trust, company, personal) to ensure your development is structured tax-efficiently from day one.

Yes — many non-bank and private lenders offer no-presales construction finance for Sydney developments, particularly for small to medium projects (duplexes, townhouses, and up to 20-unit developments). Unlike major banks, which typically require 60–100% pre-sold stock under APRA-regulated lending frameworks, private lenders assess your project on its gross realisation value (GRV), total development cost (TDC), feasibility margin, and exit strategy. At Ding Financial, James Chee's combined CPA and commercial finance broker expertise means your feasibility is structured correctly from the outset — improving your chances of approval with the right lender at the right LVR.

The NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (effective February 2025) now permits dual occupancies, townhouses, terraces, and low-to-mid-rise residential flat buildings (up to six storeys) as-of-right within 800 metres of 171 town centres and train/light rail stations across Greater Sydney. This significantly reduces DA risk for eligible sites, which in turn improves lender confidence and can unlock better LVRs and terms for your development finance. Combined with the NSW Pattern Book's fast-tracked CDC approval pathway (as little as 10–20 days), developers on qualifying sites may access more competitive construction finance. Ding Financial can help you assess whether your site qualifies and structure finance accordingly.

A standard construction loan is typically used by owner-occupiers or investors building a single dwelling, with funds released in five progressive drawdown stages. Development finance — the type Ding Financial specialises in — is structured for projects where the intent is to sell or hold multiple dwellings, such as duplexes, townhouses (3–20 units), or medium-density apartments. Development finance is assessed on project feasibility, GRV, TDC, developer experience, and exit strategy rather than personal income serviceability alone. It is generally provided by non-bank or private lenders outside the NCCPA consumer credit framework, and loan terms typically run 12–36 months with interest capitalised into the facility. As a CPA, Tax Agent, and licensed Commercial Finance Broker, James Chee at Ding Financial can structure the right facility for your specific project type and scale.

Approval timeframes vary significantly by lender type. Major banks typically take 6–12 weeks for formal approval plus 3–6 weeks to settlement. Non-bank lenders can provide full credit approval in 5–15 business days and settle within 5–10 business days. Private lenders can issue an indicative term sheet within 24–48 hours and settle in as little as 10 business days for straightforward projects. The key documents that speed up approval include: a Development Approval (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), a fixed-price building contract with a licensed builder, a Quantity Surveyor's report, a feasibility study showing an 18–25% project margin, and evidence of your equity contribution. Ding Financial prepares your submission to match each lender's specific credit framework, reducing back-and-forth and accelerating your timeline.

Yes — many non-bank and private lenders will fund residential development projects in Sydney without requiring pre-sales, provided the project demonstrates a strong feasibility margin (typically 18–25% net development margin), a fixed-price building contract, and a clear exit strategy. Major banks generally require 60–100% debt cover from pre-sales, but specialist development finance brokers like Ding Financial can access a panel of lenders who take a more flexible approach. As an ASIC-licensed credit representative, James Chee assesses each project on its merits and matches it to the most suitable lender for your specific circumstances.

LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio) measures your loan amount against the current 'as-is' land value — typically 60–75% for development projects in Sydney. LCR (Loan-to-Cost Ratio) measures your loan against the total project costs including land, construction, soft costs, and contingencies — typically 70–80% with non-bank lenders. Understanding both ratios is critical when structuring your development finance, as lenders may cap funding based on whichever ratio is more restrictive. Ding Financial's principal James Chee — a CPA and commercial finance broker — models both ratios as part of every development finance assessment to ensure you maximise your borrowing capacity while maintaining a viable capital stack.

Most lenders require a Development Approval (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) before formally approving a construction loan, as it confirms the project is legally permitted and reduces lender risk. However, some private lenders will issue indicative term sheets and begin credit assessment before DA is granted, allowing you to move quickly once approval is received. For dual occupancy and medium-density projects in NSW, the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code and Transport Oriented Development (TOD) zones have expanded CDC pathways, which can significantly speed up the approval process. Ding Financial can guide you through the finance application timeline relative to your planning approvals.

Yes — many non-bank and private lenders will fund small to medium-scale developments in Sydney without requiring pre-sales, particularly for projects under $10 million with strong feasibility margins (typically 20%+ return on total development costs). As a specialist development finance broker, Ding Financial works with a panel of lenders who assess your project on its merits — including site location, DA approval, fixed-price building contract, and exit strategy — rather than mandating off-the-plan sales. This can allow you to start construction sooner and retain flexibility in your sales strategy. Note: lending criteria vary by lender and project type; Ding Financial provides credit assistance as an authorised credit representative and all recommendations are made in your best interests in accordance with the National Consumer Credit Protection Act.

A construction loan is typically used by owner-occupiers or investors building a single dwelling or duplex, with funds released in stages (slab, frame, lock-up, fix-out, completion) and repaid as a standard home loan after completion. Development finance is a commercial-grade facility designed for developers building multiple dwellings — such as townhouses, medium-density units, or subdivisions — and is assessed on project feasibility, Gross Realisation Value (GRV), Loan-to-Cost Ratio (LCR), and the developer's track record. Development loans are typically short-term (12–36 months), interest is capitalised, and the exit is usually a sell-down or refinance. Ding Financial's principal James Chee holds qualifications as a CPA, Tax Agent, and Commercial Finance Broker, providing integrated financial and tax structuring advice alongside your development finance — a combination rarely found in a single broker.

For duplex and townhouse development finance in Sydney, most lenders require an equity contribution of 20–35% of Total Development Cost (TDC). Non-bank lenders typically fund up to 65–75% of the 'as-is' land value or up to 65–70% of Gross Realisable Value (GRV net of GST). If you already own the land, existing equity may satisfy the deposit requirement. Private lenders may offer higher leverage — up to 85–90% of TDC — in exchange for higher interest rates (typically 9–13% p.a.). Ding Financial will model your project's feasibility and match you with lenders whose LVR and equity requirements suit your situation. All lending is subject to lender credit assessment.

A construction loan is typically used for single dwellings or simple dual-occupancy builds, with funds released in progressive drawdowns aligned to build milestones (slab, frame, lock-up, fix-out, completion). Development finance is a more complex facility designed for multi-unit projects — such as townhouses, duplexes, or medium-density developments — and is assessed on Total Development Cost (TDC), Gross Realisable Value (GRV), project feasibility, pre-sales, and developer track record. Development finance often involves interest capitalisation, Quantity Surveyor (QS) reports, and staged drawdowns over a 12–36 month term. Ding Financial's principal James Chee holds qualifications as both a CPA and a licensed mortgage and commercial finance broker, enabling holistic advice across both loan types.

Yes — many non-bank and private lenders will fund property development in NSW without requiring pre-sales, provided your project demonstrates a strong feasibility study, a net development margin of at least 18–25%, a credible exit strategy, and a licensed builder under a fixed-price contract. Major banks typically require 60–100% debt cover from pre-sales, but specialist non-bank lenders can fund up to 65–75% of Gross Realisable Value (GRV) with zero pre-sales. As your broker, Ding Financial accesses a broad panel of lenders — including private credit — to find the right fit for your project. Credit is subject to lender assessment and ASIC-regulated credit advice.

The NSW Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (formerly the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code) allows eligible dual occupancies, manor houses, and terraces to obtain a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) in as little as 20 days, bypassing the traditional DA process. This faster approval pathway increases lender confidence and can improve your access to development finance, as lenders view CDC-approved projects as lower-risk. Projects in R1, R2, R3, and RU5 zones may qualify. Ding Financial can help you structure finance that aligns with your CDC timeline and project milestones. Always confirm eligibility with your town planner and seek independent legal and financial advice.

A residential construction loan is designed for owner-occupiers or investors building a single dwelling or retaining both sides of a duplex. It is assessed under standard residential lending criteria (APRA-regulated), typically offering LVRs up to 80–90% and rates close to standard variable rates. Development finance, by contrast, applies when you intend to subdivide and sell one or more dwellings — it is assessed as a commercial transaction with LVRs of 65–75% of Total Development Cost or Gross Realisable Value, higher interest rates (often 8–10% p.a.), and additional requirements such as a feasibility study and quantity surveyor report. Ding Financial's principal James Chee holds qualifications as a CPA, Tax Agent, and Mortgage Broker, enabling him to advise on the most tax-effective structure for your project. Subject to lender assessment and ASIC/APRA guidelines.

Not necessarily. While major banks (ANZ, CBA, NAB, Westpac) typically require 60–100% presales before approving a development loan, many non-bank and private lenders offer no-presales construction finance for eligible projects in Sydney. Approval without presales generally requires a strong project feasibility study showing an 18–25% net development margin, a fixed-price contract with a licensed builder, a credible exit strategy, and meaningful developer equity. At Ding Financial, James Chee assesses your project's viability and matches you with the right lender — whether bank or non-bank — based on your specific circumstances. Credit is subject to lender assessment and eligibility criteria.

Yes, first-time developers can access construction finance in NSW, though lenders apply tighter conditions. Non-bank and private lenders are generally more accessible than major banks for first-time developers, focusing on the project's financial viability rather than solely on track record. Key requirements typically include a strong feasibility study, a fixed-price contract with an experienced licensed builder, a Quantity Surveyor (QS) report, council Development Approval (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), and a clear exit strategy. Ding Financial works with first-time developers across Sydney to structure applications that present your project in the strongest possible light. All lending is subject to lender credit assessment and ASIC-regulated responsible lending obligations.

Yes — many non-bank and private lenders in Sydney will consider development finance without pre-sales, particularly for smaller projects such as duplexes, townhouses (3–6 dwellings), and knock-down rebuilds. Lenders typically compensate for the absence of pre-sales by requiring a lower LVR (often 60–65% of Gross Realisable Value), a stronger equity contribution, and a clear exit strategy. At Ding Financial, James Chee works with a broad panel of non-bank lenders to find the right fit for your project. All lending is subject to lender credit assessment and individual circumstances. Please seek independent financial advice before proceeding.

Most lenders require a deposit of 10–20% of the total project cost (land plus construction). If you already own the land, existing equity can often serve as your deposit. Be aware that some lenders initially value the property as a single dwelling until strata subdivision is complete, which can affect your loan-to-value ratio (LVR). James Chee at Ding Financial — a CPA, Tax Agent, and licensed Mortgage Broker — can help you structure your finance to navigate these valuation nuances and identify lenders with the most favourable policies for your specific duplex project.

Yes. While many traditional banks require presales equal to 50% of debt cover, a number of non-bank and specialist lenders on Ding Financial's panel will consider construction and development loans with nil or minimal presales. This can reduce your holding costs and allow you to achieve better sale prices at completion. Eligibility depends on project feasibility, developer experience, and loan-to-cost ratios. As a licensed Commercial Finance Broker and CPA, James Chee assesses each project individually and matches you with the most appropriate lender for your circumstances, in accordance with ASIC's responsible lending obligations.

Mezzanine finance is a subordinated layer of debt that sits between your senior construction loan and your equity. It is used when the senior lender's loan-to-cost coverage leaves a funding gap that you cannot cover entirely from your own equity. Mezzanine finance is secured by a second-ranking caveat or mortgage and typically has capitalised interest, meaning you don't need to service it during the build. Ding Financial works with specialist mezzanine providers for townhouse and medium-density projects up to $10,000,000 in the Sydney metropolitan area. James Chee's CPA background means he can model the full capital stack — senior debt, mezzanine, and equity — to ensure your project feasibility stacks up before you commit.

Yes — many non-bank and private lenders will fund development projects in Sydney without requiring pre-sales, particularly for projects under $5 million in total development cost. Ding Financial works with a panel of lenders who assess projects on feasibility, developer experience, and exit strategy rather than mandating pre-sales. This allows you to commence construction sooner and potentially achieve better end-sale prices. Note that APRA-regulated banks typically require a higher percentage of pre-sales; your broker will advise on the most suitable lender for your specific project.

Most lenders require a deposit of 20–35% of total development costs (TDC) for a development loan in Sydney. If you already own the land, existing equity can often satisfy this requirement. Private and non-bank lenders may accept lower equity contributions in some circumstances, particularly for experienced developers with strong feasibility. Ding Financial can assess your equity position and match you with lenders whose criteria align with your project — whether that is a major bank, non-bank lender, or private funder.

For development finance in NSW, lenders generally lend up to 65–75% of the Gross Realisation Value (GRV) — the completed value of your project. This differs from standard residential loans, which are assessed on the purchase price or current value. The exact LVR depends on the project type, your experience as a developer, and whether you use a bank, non-bank, or private lender. Ding Financial can help you model your feasibility and identify the right lender tier to maximise your borrowing capacity while managing risk in line with APRA guidelines.

Yes. While major banks typically require 80–100% of debt covered by presales, specialist non-bank lenders and private funders can provide construction finance with little or no presale requirement. At Ding Financial, James Chee works with a panel of lenders who assess your project on its feasibility, location, and exit strategy rather than sales volume alone. This is particularly useful for duplex, townhouse, and medium-density projects in high-demand Sydney suburbs. Note: all lending is subject to individual lender credit assessment and ASIC-regulated responsible lending obligations.

A residential construction loan is typically used when you're building a single dwelling or duplex to retain, with LVRs up to 80–90% and rates comparable to standard home loans. Development finance is a commercial-grade facility used when you intend to subdivide and sell, covering projects from duplexes through to medium-density developments of up to 20 units. Development loans are usually interest-capitalised (no monthly repayments during construction), structured as drawdown facilities tied to construction milestones, and assessed against Total Development Cost (TDC) and Gross Realisable Value (GRV). As a CPA and licensed mortgage broker, James Chee at Ding Financial can help you determine the right structure for your project.

Having a broker who is also a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) provides a significant advantage in development finance. James Chee at Ding Financial can prepare or review your project feasibility study, structure the loan to optimise tax outcomes, and present your financials to lenders in the most compelling way. This integrated approach — combining accounting, tax, and finance expertise — is rare in the Sydney market and can improve your approval prospects, particularly for complex projects involving land subdivision, knock-down rebuilds, or medium-density developments up to $10 million.

Yes. While major banks typically require 70–100% presales, non-bank and private lenders can fund your Sydney development with little to no presales — particularly for projects under $5 million. At Ding Financial, James Chee works with a panel of specialist lenders who assess your project on feasibility, security value, and exit strategy rather than presales alone. Rates for no-presales finance typically range from 8–16% p.a. depending on the lender tier. As a licensed mortgage broker and CPA, James can also help you structure the deal tax-effectively from day one.

Having a CPA who is also a licensed mortgage broker — like James Chee at Ding Financial — gives you a significant advantage in structuring development finance. A CPA can assess the tax implications of your ownership structure (individual, company, or trust), advise on GST obligations under the margin scheme, and ensure your feasibility study is financially sound before you approach lenders. Combined with mortgage broking expertise, this means your loan is structured to be both lender-ready and tax-efficient — a combination rarely available from a single adviser. Ding Financial operates in compliance with ASIC's responsible lending obligations and APRA's prudential standards.

Yes — private and non-bank lenders can fund your development without requiring pre-sold contracts, provided the project demonstrates strong feasibility, a clear exit strategy, and healthy margins (typically 18–25%). The NSW Government's $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program also allows eligible projects to substitute government commitments for private pre-sales when dealing with major banks. At Ding Financial, we assess your project across both bank and non-bank panels to find the most suitable structure for your situation.

Most lenders require an equity contribution of 20–30% of the total development cost (TDC), though some non-bank lenders may accept as little as 10% for smaller projects. If you already own the land, existing equity can often satisfy this requirement. Loan-to-Value Ratios (LVR) for development finance are typically capped at 65–70% of the Gross Realisable Value (GRV). As a CPA and mortgage broker, James Chee at Ding Financial can also advise on the most tax-effective ownership structure — whether personal name, trust, or company — before you commit to a project.

A residential construction loan is suitable if you plan to retain both dwellings after completion, and is treated similarly to a standard home loan with interest rates close to standard variable rates. A development finance facility is required if you intend to subdivide and sell one or both dwellings — this is treated as a commercial project with higher rates (typically 9–13% p.a. for private lenders), stricter documentation including a feasibility study and quantity surveyor report, and a more conservative LVR. Ding Financial can help you determine the right structure based on your exit strategy and tax position.

A residual stock loan is a short-to-medium-term facility (typically 6–24 months) that refinances unsold units after your development reaches practical completion. Once your construction loan expires — usually within 60–120 days of completion — a residual stock loan pays out the construction lender and gives you time to sell remaining stock at full market value rather than at a distressed discount. Private lenders in Sydney typically lend up to 65–75% of the individual unit values with interest capitalised, so there are no monthly repayments during the sell-down period. Ding Financial can structure residual stock facilities as part of your overall development finance strategy. This is general information only and does not constitute financial advice.

James Chee holds qualifications as a CPA, registered Tax Agent, and licensed Mortgage and Commercial Finance Broker — a rare combination in the Sydney development finance market. This means he can review your project's financial structure, tax implications (including GST on development sales and land tax considerations), and loan serviceability from an integrated perspective before lodging your application. Lenders respond well to submissions that are financially coherent and tax-aware, which can improve approval speed and terms. For complex structures involving trusts, SPVs, or company borrowers, James's accounting background adds a layer of credibility that a standard broker cannot provide. All advice is general in nature; please seek independent legal and tax advice for your specific circumstances.

Yes, though the pathway requires careful structuring. Major banks generally prefer developers with a proven track record, but many private and non-bank lenders assess projects on their merits — including the feasibility of the development, the quality of the builder, and the strength of the exit strategy. As a first-time developer, you can improve your approval prospects by engaging a qualified quantity surveyor (QS), securing a fixed-price building contract with a licensed builder, and presenting a clear exit strategy (sale or refinance). Ding Financial's principal, James Chee — a CPA, Tax Agent, and licensed Mortgage and Commercial Finance Broker — can help you structure your application to maximise lender confidence, even on your first project.

Not necessarily. While major banks typically require pre-sales of 80–100% of the loan amount before approving development finance, many private and non-bank lenders will fund projects without any pre-sales requirement. At Ding Financial, James Chee works with a broad panel of lenders — including non-bank specialists — to find the right structure for your project, whether you have pre-sales or not. This is particularly relevant for duplex, townhouse, and medium-density developments up to $10,000,000 in the Sydney metropolitan area. All credit advice is provided in accordance with ASIC's responsible lending obligations and our Australian Credit Licence.

Not necessarily. While major banks typically require 60–100% pre-sale coverage before approving a development loan, many non-bank and private lenders offer flexible 'no pre-sales' options — particularly for smaller projects such as duplexes, townhouses, and knock-down rebuilds. At Ding Financial, we work across a broad panel of lenders to find the right structure for your project, whether or not you have pre-sales in place. Loan-to-Value Ratios (LVR) may be adjusted accordingly. This is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Please speak with a qualified broker to assess your individual circumstances.

Yes — first-time developers can access construction and development finance in NSW, though lender requirements vary. Major banks often prefer developers with a proven track record, but specialist non-bank lenders assess applications based on project feasibility, the strength of your builder, and your overall financial position rather than experience alone. Having a qualified broker who is also a CPA — like James Chee at Ding Financial — can significantly strengthen your application by presenting a professional feasibility submission and structuring the deal appropriately. ASIC's responsible lending obligations apply to all credit products, and we are committed to ensuring any finance recommended is suitable for your situation. This is general information only and does not constitute financial advice.

A construction loan is typically used for owner-occupier or investment builds — such as a single home, knock-down rebuild, or duplex where you intend to retain the properties. Development finance is a commercial-grade facility used when you intend to subdivide and sell the completed dwellings, or for larger projects such as townhouse developments (3–20 units) or medium-density projects up to $10 million. Development finance involves more complex assessment criteria including feasibility studies, quantity surveyor reports, and often staged drawdowns tied to construction milestones. Ding Financial specialises in both, and our principal James Chee's dual qualifications as a CPA and mortgage broker mean we can advise on the financial and tax implications of each structure. This is general information only and does not constitute financial advice.