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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Financing a new home involves a construction loan, which differs from a standard mortgage. You borrow in stages via a 'progressive drawdown' to pay builders as work is completed, often making interest-only repayments during the build.

It's vital to budget for a contingency fund of at least 15% to cover potential cost overruns. Have a lawyer review your building contract and be financially prepared for potential delays, as you may be paying two mortgages simultaneously.

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