Building & Construction Loans

Building or renovating made simple

Construction and renovation loans work differently from standard home loans. Instead of receiving the entire loan upfront, funds are released in stages — known as progress payments — as your build reaches key milestones. This structure helps you manage costs while ensuring funds are only paid when each stage of the project is complete.

At Square One Finance, we simplify the process by guiding you through approvals, valuations and draw-downs so your loan stays aligned with your build.

How construction loans work

A construction loan typically covers:

• Buying land and building a new home

• Knockdown and rebuild projects

• Major extensions or renovations

• Custom builds or owner-builder projects (subject to lender policy)

The loan usually begins as interest-only during construction, with repayments converting to principal and interest once the build is complete. We’ll help you understand each stage and compare the best options available from our panel of 50 lenders.

Planning a renovation

If you’re improving your existing property, a renovation loan or refinance with equity release might be a better option. This can give you access to funds for upgrades like new kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces or extensions. We’ll show you how to use your current equity and choose a loan that fits your renovation goals without overextending your budget.

What lenders look for

When assessing a construction or renovation loan, lenders review:

• Your financial position and borrowing capacity

• The builder’s credentials and fixed-price contract

• Detailed building plans and council approvals

• The final estimated property value after completion

We’ll make sure your application is strong and that all documentation meets lender requirements before submission.