Property development in Australia continues to grow in 2026, with more investors and builders looking to create new homes and commercial spaces. Getting the right finance for your development project can be tricky. That's where specialist development finance brokers come in to help.
Development finance is different from regular home loans. You need a broker who understands the unique challenges of funding construction projects, land purchases, and multi-stage developments.
Why Choose a Development Finance Specialist
Development projects need special types of loans that regular home loan brokers might not understand well. These loans often have different approval processes, higher loan amounts, and complex payment schedules that match construction stages.
Chris Grimshaw from Loan Market in New Farm has built a strong reputation helping clients with property development projects. With over five years of experience since 2019 and access to 35+ lenders, Chris understands how to structure finance for complex development deals. His clients consistently rate him 5 stars, with one recent review highlighting his team's dedication to getting challenging deals "over the line."
Chris works closely with clients in Clayfield, Ascot, Hamilton and surrounding Brisbane areas. He specialises in self-employed lending, which often goes hand-in-hand with development finance, as many developers are business owners or work through companies and trusts.
Commercial Development Finance Experts
For larger commercial projects, you need brokers with deep industry connections and experience with million-dollar deals. Hassib Darwish from AXIS Finance Group brings 35 years of experience to the table, including senior roles with major Australian banks before starting his own brokerage in 2002.
Based in Bardwell Valley, NSW, Hassib has helped thousands of clients over the years, including "multi-million dollar property development transactions." His background in senior banking roles gives him insider knowledge of how lenders assess development proposals.
Meanwhile, Eamonn Keogh from Duo Finance in Richmond, Victoria, focuses specifically on commercial finance for small and medium enterprises. As co-founder of Duo Finance, Eamonn has built long-term partnerships with clients, with many working with him for over 10 years. One client review mentions working with Eamonn for "10+ years" and praising his thoroughness and accuracy.
Brisbane and Melbourne Development Finance
Dim Mastoros from The Bare Broker operates from Mount Gravatt East and has been helping clients since 2015. With 74 five-star reviews, Dim has proven his ability to handle complex development finance deals. His clients appreciate his availability - he's contactable 24/7 and provides support throughout lengthy development processes.
One client specifically mentioned that Dim helped them through a 15-month house journey, showing the patience needed for development projects that often take much longer than standard home purchases.
Sydney Development Finance Solutions
Sydney's competitive development market requires brokers who understand local conditions. Daniella Mancuso from Salt Money specialises in commercial property and development finance in Sydney. Her focus on private lending gives developers access to alternative funding sources when traditional banks say no.
George Shaheen from FUND3D has earned 31 five-star reviews helping clients with development finance across Australia. One recent review praised George for picking up a funding deal after a major bank took three months to decline it. George then secured approval with another big four bank, showing his persistence and industry connections.
Specialist Development Finance Services
Some brokers offer unique services for specific development needs. Ingrid Tuffin from WiZDOM brings 15 years of real estate and property experience, plus 10 years running her own Environmental Building Design Consultancy. This background helps her understand the technical aspects of development projects that other brokers might miss.
Jackie Wang from Formation Finance focuses on private lending and property development finance, offering access to non-bank lenders who can move faster than traditional banks.
Melbourne Development Finance Specialists
James Hawkins operates from Surrey Hills and has earned 143 five-star reviews. With access to 40+ lenders, James can find development finance solutions even for complex projects. His clients praise his expertise and 24/7 availability.
Kamal Singh from Oxcel Finance in Melton South brings nine years of experience to development finance deals. He specialises in construction loans and commercial development finance, helping clients understand their borrowing capacity for larger projects.
Getting Started with Development Finance
Development finance typically requires larger deposits than residential loans, often 30-50% of the project value. Lenders want to see detailed project plans, council approvals, and realistic timelines.
Your broker will help you prepare a comprehensive submission including:
- Detailed project costings
- Professional development plans
- Market analysis for end sales
- Your experience in development or construction
- Exit strategy for loan repayment
The best development finance brokers understand that every project is unique. They take time to understand your specific needs and match you with lenders who specialise in your type of development.
Working with a specialist development finance broker in 2026 gives you access to lenders and products that general mortgage brokers might not know about. These relationships can make the difference between getting your project funded or facing rejection.
Whether you're planning a small residential subdivision, a commercial development, or a large-scale project, choosing the right broker is crucial for success. The brokers featured here have proven track records helping Australian developers secure the finance they need to bring their projects to life.
