Property development in Australia continues to flourish in 2026, with more Australians than ever seeking to create wealth through strategic development projects. Whether you're planning a residential subdivision, apartment complex, or commercial development, securing the right finance is crucial to your success. Development loans differ significantly from standard home loans, requiring specialist knowledge and industry connections that only experienced mortgage brokers can provide.
Development finance involves complex structures, multiple drawdown phases, and unique risk assessments that traditional lenders approach cautiously. This is where specialist development loan mortgage brokers become invaluable, offering access to a wide range of lenders and tailored solutions for your specific project needs.
Why Choose a Specialist Development Loan Broker
Development projects require substantial capital, often ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. The lending process involves detailed feasibility studies, project timelines, and sophisticated risk management strategies. Generic mortgage brokers may lack the specialised knowledge required to navigate these complexities effectively.
Specialist development loan brokers understand the intricacies of construction phases, settlement requirements, and the unique challenges developers face. They maintain relationships with lenders who actively seek development opportunities, ensuring you receive competitive rates and suitable loan structures.
Leading Development Loan Specialists Across Australia
Daniel Behman - Core Financial Group
Daniel Behman brings over 15 years of banking and finance experience to Melbourne's development finance market. As a Chartered Accountant and professional mortgage broker, Daniel has secured finance for everything from local businesses to ASX-listed corporations and major family offices.
His extensive background includes managing a $1 billion portfolio at a major bank and helping establish a specialist business bank that later listed on the ASX. This institutional experience proves invaluable when structuring complex development loans. Daniel's common-sense approach ensures clients receive tailored solutions that align with their development goals and risk tolerance.
With 31 five-star reviews averaging 5.0, clients consistently praise Daniel's professionalism and ability to deliver optimal outcomes. One recent client noted his exceptional support during a construction loan process, highlighting how he transformed a complicated situation into a seamless experience.
Darko Jakovljevic - WealthCorp FS
Darko Jakovljevic has been providing tailored financing solutions since 2007, accumulating over 20 years of industry expertise. Based across Victoria and Queensland, Darko specialises in multi-stage development projects and complex construction finance arrangements.
Working with over 40 lenders, Darko's boutique approach ensures personalised attention for each development project. His multilingual capabilities, including Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian, make him particularly valuable for clients from diverse backgrounds. Darko's 88 five-star reviews reflect his commitment to transparency and trust.
Clients consistently highlight Darko's strategic thinking, noting how he approaches projects not just for immediate needs but with future growth in mind. His proactive communication style and willingness to work outside standard hours demonstrate his dedication to client success.
Dejan Soldo - The Funding Agency
Dejan Soldo operates The Funding Agency with over 15 years of finance industry experience. His boutique brokerage approach ensures clients receive individualised attention throughout their development journey.
Working with 60+ lenders, Dejan provides comprehensive development loan solutions from initial feasibility through to final settlement. His multilingual skills in Serbian, Croatian, and Macedonian enable him to serve diverse communities across Melbourne's development market.
With 116 perfect five-star reviews, clients consistently praise Dejan's patience, clear communication, and ability to simplify complex processes. Recent testimonials highlight his team's attention to detail and streamlined approach to development finance.
Derrick Wong - FINR Advisory
Derrick Wong combines property development experience with finance expertise, having educated over 3,000 Australian property investors. His unique background as an Engineering Consultant and Project Manager brings a problem-solving approach to development finance.
Derrick's solutions-first mindset ensures every development scenario receives careful analysis and strategic planning. Working with 35 lenders, he focuses on achieving optimal outcomes rather than simply processing applications. His engineering background provides valuable insight into construction timelines and project feasibility.
Clients appreciate Derrick's structured approach and ability to explain complex development finance concepts clearly. His team's proactive support throughout the entire development process, from initial consultation through to settlement, sets them apart in the competitive Melbourne market.
Regional and Specialist Development Finance Options
Erkan Karacan - Melbourne Finance Services
Erkan Karacan serves Melbourne's inner suburbs with specialist development and construction finance solutions. His multilingual capabilities in Turkish and Greek enable him to serve diverse communities throughout Melbourne's development corridors.
Erkan's extensive network of banks and lending institutions ensures access to competitive development finance options. His experience with land acquisitions, home construction, and renovation projects provides comprehensive support for developers at all experience levels.
Frank Romano - Frankly Finance
Frank Romano brings CPA qualifications and extensive finance experience to Northcote's development market. His accounting background provides valuable insight into development project feasibility and cash flow management.
Working with 30 lenders since 2021, Frank specialises in complex development scenarios requiring creative financing solutions. His professional accounting credentials ensure thorough analysis of development project viability and risk assessment.
Gaurav Bansal - Choice Loans
Gaurav Bansal serves Melbourne's eastern corridors from his Clyde base, offering development finance solutions backed by his Masters in Accounting & Finance. With over five years of mortgage broking experience, Gaurav specialises in complex lending structures.
His 24 five-star reviews highlight his knowledge, patience, and commitment to securing optimal outcomes for development clients. Gaurav's multilingual capabilities in Hindi and Punjabi enable him to serve diverse communities throughout Melbourne's growth corridors.
Queensland Development Finance Specialists
Heath Bruns - JCM Finance
Heath Bruns brings over 30 years of banking and finance experience to Queensland's development market from his Upper Coomera base. His extensive background includes corporate, commercial, and SME banking, providing deep insight into development finance requirements.
Heath's previous experience managing large government contracts and owning a BOQ branch demonstrates his capability with complex development scenarios. Working with over 40 lenders across residential, commercial, and equipment finance ensures comprehensive development support.
Henry Vong - AUSUN Finance
Henry Vong operates from AUSUN Finance in Box Hill, providing development finance solutions for Melbourne's eastern suburbs. His experience with SMSF loans adds another dimension to development finance options.
With 17 five-star reviews, clients consistently praise Henry and his team's communication skills and solution-focused approach. Their ability to navigate complex scenarios during busy periods demonstrates their commitment to client success.
Joe Scarmozzino - Capital Arena
Joe Scarmozzino serves Melbourne's development market through Capital Arena, offering comprehensive development finance solutions. His experience with investment properties and construction loans provides valuable insight for development projects.
Understanding Development Loan Structures
Development loans typically involve multiple stages, each requiring careful timing and documentation. Initial land acquisition may require one loan structure, while construction finance demands progress payments aligned with building milestones. Many developments also require pre-sales or pre-leasing commitments before banks will provide final approval.
Interest rates for development loans generally exceed standard home loan rates, reflecting the higher risk profile of development projects. However, experienced brokers can negotiate competitive rates by presenting well-structured proposals with comprehensive risk mitigation strategies.
Security arrangements for development loans often involve the land, work-in-progress, and sometimes additional properties or guarantees. Understanding these requirements upfront helps developers plan their finance strategy effectively.
The Application Process
Successful development loan applications require extensive documentation including feasibility studies, development approvals, construction contracts, and detailed project timelines. Experienced brokers help developers compile comprehensive applications that address lender concerns proactively.
Pre-approval processes for development finance can take several weeks or months, depending on project complexity. Starting the finance process early in your development planning ensures funds are available when required.
Many development projects benefit from staged finance approvals, allowing developers to secure land acquisition finance while finalising construction documentation. Specialist brokers understand these timing requirements and structure applications accordingly.
Choosing the right development loan specialist can make the difference between project success and failure. The brokers featured here bring extensive experience, lender relationships, and specialist knowledge to help turn your development vision into reality. Whether you're planning your first development or expanding an established portfolio, these professionals provide the expertise and support necessary for successful project completion.
Contact one of these specialist development loan brokers today to discuss your project requirements and explore the finance options available for your next development opportunity.
