Deposit
Paid when the build contract is signed or accepted.
Construction home loans
Build with a loan structure that matches the stages.
Construction finance is different from a standard home loan. We help compare lenders, plan progress payments, check buffers and keep approval conditions clear from land purchase through final drawdown.
LandStructure land settlement and build funding together.
StagesMatch funding to progress payment milestones.
BufferPlan for variations, delays and valuation movement.
ReviewRefinance after completion if a better structure fits.
How we help
Construction loans need a different checklist.
Approval is not only about how much you can borrow. The lender will look at the land, build contract, builder, valuation, contingency, drawdown timing and whether the final home still fits policy.
Winning Home Loans helps you understand those moving parts before you commit, so you can compare the loan properly and avoid surprises during the build. You can also compare broader options on our buy a home and refinance home loans pages.
Build calculator
Estimate land, build and progress-payment interest.
Use this as a planning guide for land holding, council approvals and staged construction drawdowns.
Construction calculator
Estimate total project cost, required loan and interest-only cost across a 12-month land/build schedule.
Progress payments and monthly interest-only estimate
Shows a 12-month total estimate: month 1 allows for land holding and council approvals before the first build payment, then months 2 to 12 use standard progress-payment stages with separate land/build interest.
Land interest$0
Build interest$0
Total interest$0
MonthStageProgressLand IOBuild IOTotal IO
Estimated construction loan
$0
Project cost less your cash contribution. The schedule combines standard progress payments with separate land and build interest-only estimates.
Estimated LVR0.0%
Total IO interest$0
Average drawn balance$0
Peak drawn balance$0
Construction lending depends on fixed-price contracts, valuation, progress payments, contingency, permits, cash contribution timing and lender policy.
Talk through the numbersLoan stages
Standard progress payment stages
Most construction contracts use staged payments. The exact percentages can change by builder, contract and lender, but this is a common structure borrowers should understand before signing.
Base or slab
Released when site works and slab/base stage are completed.
Frame
Released after the frame stage is complete and invoiced.
Lock-up
Often the largest stage, when the home can be secured.
Fixing and fit-out
Covers internal fit-out, fixtures and later-stage works.
Completion
Final payment after completion requirements are met.
Important: Your contract and lender may use different stage names, percentages or inspection requirements. Always check the final contract and loan approval conditions.
Before you commit
What we check with you
- Whether the builder, licence, insurance and contract details meet lender policy.
- Whether the contract is fixed price, cost-plus, or has escalation and variation clauses.
- How much cash buffer may be needed for variations, delays and unexpected costs.
- Whether land settlement, build start date and approval expiry dates line up.
- How the valuation, loan-to-value ratio and final property value affect approval.
- Whether interest-only during construction or principal and interest after completion suits the plan.
- Whether you should review the loan through our construction calculator or book a broker call before signing.
Build scenarios
Common construction loan situations
1
Land already owned
Use available equity or structure the build facility against the land and new construction value.
2
House and land package
Line up separate land settlement and build funding so the timing works from approval to first drawdown.
3
Knockdown rebuild
Review current loan, demolition timing, temporary accommodation costs and the new construction approval.
Construction loan FAQ
Common questions before you build.
These answers are general only, but they give borrowers a clearer starting point before comparing construction loan options.
What is a construction home loan?
A construction home loan is usually released in stages as the build progresses, rather than all at once at settlement. The lender normally assesses the land, build contract, valuation, builder and your borrowing position together.
How do progress payments work?
Your lender normally pays the builder at agreed stages such as deposit, base or slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion after invoices and lender checks are completed.
Do I need a buffer for a construction loan?
A cash buffer can help cover variations, valuation gaps, delays, rate changes and costs that may not be included in the fixed build contract.
Can I refinance after construction is complete?
Many borrowers review their loan after completion once the final valuation, occupancy and loan structure are clearer. The right timing depends on lender policy, costs and your broader goals.
Ready to build?
Get the loan sorted before the slab is poured.
We can help compare construction loan options, explain lender requirements and map the progress payment process before you sign the final contract.