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 is different from a standard mortgage. Funds are released in stages via a 'progressive drawdown' to pay suppliers as work is completed, with interest-only repayments often available during the build.

It's crucial to budget for unexpected expenses with a contingency fund of at least 15% of the build cost. Before starting, have a lawyer review the building contract and arrange contract works insurance to protect your investment.

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