Buying guide

How does finance work when building a new home

Finance when building a new home can be complex - here’s everything you need to know.

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 12 February 2024 | 4 min read
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Building a new home requires a construction loan, where funds are released in stages (progressive drawdowns) to pay builders, often with interest-only repayments during the build.

Managing costs is crucial. Plan for a contingency fund of at least 15% to cover overruns and have a lawyer review your building contract.

Choosing an experienced, registered builder is vital for a smooth process, and you should always arrange contract works insurance before any work begins.

How do construction loans work?

Finance for new builds works a little differently than your average home loan.

Managing costs during a new build

Choosing your builder

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer