The Middle East oil crisis is adding a new layer of risk for developers – here’s how to prepare

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Development Lending Solutions

April 2026

Australian property developers were already navigating one of the toughest feasibility environments in years before the Middle East crisis escalated. Construction costs were elevated, inflation was sticky and interest rates had moved higher. Now, a global oil shock is adding a new and unpredictable layer of risk – one that developers need to factor into their planning right now.

What the crisis means for construction costs

With global oil supplies disrupted, the most direct impact is on diesel, and for property developers, diesel is everywhere. When diesel prices rise sharply, the cost of almost everything on a construction site moves with it. Diesel hit $3 per litre in March 2026, and the flow-on effects for construction budgets are already being felt.

A significant share of construction materials – structural steel, timber, concrete products, bricks, PVC and plastics – travels considerable distances before it reaches a development site. When fuel costs spike, freight costs follow. The Housing Industry Association (HIA) noted that construction costs have already risen 40% since 2019, and warned that the Middle East conflict is now generating real, immediate fuel and materials cost increases that builders under fixed-price contracts cannot pass on to clients. 

It is not just fuel prices driving this. The conflict has forced shipping to be rerouted away from the Persian Gul and war-risk insurance premiums have surged. Several major insurers have cancelled Gulf coverage entirely. These are real cost increases that flow through supply chains over weeks and months, meaning developers who are mid-project or about to commence may not have fully felt the impact yet.

Fixed prices are also a challenge

The HIA has also highlighted a structural risk specific to the way Australian construction works. Residential builders commonly sign fixed-price contracts well before construction begins, sometimes months in advance. Once a contract is signed, the price is locked in. Builders then have to navigate whatever changes occur between signing the contract and completing the home.

For developers, this is a critical reminder: your builder’s exposure to sudden cost movements can quickly become your problem, through delays, stalled projects or renegotiation pressure.

The rate risk

Higher oil prices are feeding directly into inflation. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the cash rate to 4.10% at its March 2026 meeting – the second consecutive increase – driven by persistent inflation, with the February consumer price index showing annual inflation at 3.7%, still well above the RBA’s 2–3% target band. And critically, that February data predates the worst of the fuel price spike, meaning further pressure is likely still to come through.

For developers, this creates even tighter conditions. Higher rates increase your borrowing costs on land and construction facilities, while also reducing buyer borrowing capacity – which can soften pre-sale demand and dampen the end values your feasibility depends on.

A ceasefire has since been called, which may ease some of the immediate pressure on oil prices and shipping routes. However, the situation remains fragile and the economic damage already done will take time to work through the system. Construction material costs, freight surcharges and insurance premiums do not normalise overnight, and with the RBA already having moved twice, the interest rate environment is unlikely to soften quickly even if the conflict de-escalates further.

What developers should be doing now

None of this makes development impossible. Australia’s structural housing shortage hasn’t gone away, and demand for well-located, appropriately priced projects remains solid. But it does make preparation and discipline more important than ever.

Here are a few practical steps worth considering:

  1. Revisit your cost plan. If your feasibility was prepared before the oil crisis escalated, it may need refreshing. Build in a buffer for transport cost increases and material surcharges, even if your builder hasn’t flagged them yet.
  2. Stress-test your finance against a higher-rate scenario. The RBA has now raised rates twice in consecutive meetings. If rates move again, can your project still stack up? Know your break-even point before your lender asks.
  3. Move on finance sooner rather than later. Lender appetite and terms can shift quickly in volatile conditions. Getting your funding locked in before the situation develops further removes one significant variable from an already uncertain picture.
  4. Talk to a specialist broker. In the current climate, not all lenders are responding the same way. Some are tightening criteria, while others are actively looking for well-structured deals. Knowing which lenders have appetite for your project type and location right now is genuinely valuable intelligence.

If you want to understand how CPC approaches development finance, our CPC Lending Solutions Development Lending Guide is a good place to start. 

If you are planning a project and want to understand how the current environment affects your funding options, contact CPC at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or submit an enquiry to discuss how we can help structure the right finance solution for your project.

The co-living pipeline is growing fast – is it right for your next project?

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Development Lending Solutions

March 2026

Australia’s co-living sector is expanding rapidly as developers search for feasible ways to deliver new housing in a challenging development environment. Rising construction costs, tighter feasibility thresholds and higher funding costs have slowed many traditional residential projects. In contrast, co-living developments have continued to gain traction.

Co-living refers to a housing model where residents rent private, self-contained studios while sharing communal amenities such as kitchens, lounges or workspaces. The format has emerged as a distinct asset class within Australia’s living sector and is already seeing steady expansion, particularly in Sydney.

Several structural advantages explain why the model is attracting developer attention. Smaller scheme sizes, lower land requirements and higher rental income per square metre can allow projects to meet feasibility thresholds where larger developments may struggle.

A sector moving beyond the early stage

Although still relatively new in Australia, the sector is beginning to scale. Approximately 4,159 units are already under construction or approved, with another 3,647 units proposed.

Project scale is increasing as the market matures. The average co-living development currently contains about 37 units, rising to around 60 units for schemes under construction and 78 units for projects with development approval. Proposed developments are averaging about 130 units.

Demand drivers supporting the model

Strong tenant demand, particularly from young professionals seeking affordability and flexibility, is underpinning this growth. Around 90% of co-living tenants are aged between 20 and 40, with the 20–30 age bracket alone accounting for 72% of residents.

Flexibility is another key attraction. Lease terms can begin from three months, compared with the traditional six or twelve-month leases that dominate the standard rental market.

Affordability remains a significant factor. Rents for completed co-living developments in inner Sydney start at about $675 per week, including utilities and furnishings. By comparison, a privately leased apartment averages around $730 per week before utilities and furnishings, which can increase total costs to roughly $880 per week. 

The model delivers strong revenue efficiency for developers. Co-living projects can generate rental income premiums of between 22% and 76% per square metre compared with other residential typologies.

Policy support and future growth

Planning settings have played a major role in enabling the sector. New South Wales has introduced a State Environmental Planning Policy specifically recognising co-living developments, creating a clearer pathway for approvals. This has helped Sydney become the national centre of co-living development, hosting more than 90% of completed projects across Australia.

As other states develop clearer planning frameworks, development activity is expected to spread more broadly across the country. Institutional investors are beginning to explore the sector as part of broader living-sector strategies, following the growth trajectory previously seen in purpose-built student accommodation and build-to-rent assets.

Key considerations before pursuing a co-living project

While the model presents opportunities, successful projects require careful planning. Developers considering co-living should assess several factors early in the feasibility process:

  • Local planning frameworks and zoning rules
  • Site suitability and density potential
  • Target tenant demographics and location demand
  • Operational management and community programming
  • Financing structures aligned with rental income models

Projects located in dense urban areas with strong transport connections and employment hubs tend to perform best.

As the co-living sector expands, developers are increasingly assessing how emerging housing models can be structured and financed effectively. CPC Lending Solutions specialises in structuring development finance for residential and mixed-use projects across Australia. Our team works closely with established non-bank lenders that have demonstrated experience funding property developments through multiple market cycles.

You can read more about how CPC approaches development finance in our CPC Lending Solution’s Development Lending Guide.

If you are exploring a co-living project or assessing the feasibility of your next development, contact CPC at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or submit an enquiry to discuss how we can help structure the right finance solution for your project.

 

How construction costs and inflation are reshaping project feasibility

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Development Lending Solutions

February 2026

For small and mid-sized developers, project feasibility has always been a balancing act between costs, end values and funding. In 2026, that balance is becoming harder to maintain. 

High construction costs and rising inflation are now front and centre in feasibility assessments, and in many cases are the difference between a project proceeding or being shelved.

Construction costs are still rising

Recent data showed construction cost growth is no longer surging at the pace seen during the post-COVID boom, but it is still rising. Cotality’s Cordell Construction Cost Index recorded a 1.0% increase in the December 2025 quarter, the strongest quarterly growth of the year.

The annual growth rate of 2.5% was significantly below the extreme peaks of recent years and the pre-COVID decade average of 4.7%. But for developers working on tight margins, any upward movement matters.

Structural timber and cement products recorded price rises after remaining stable for much of 2025, while wage increases following the Fair Work minimum wage update are adding to labour costs. Skilled trade shortages and supply chain adjustments are expected to remain challenges through 2026.

This uncertainty makes accurate cost forecasting – already tricky – even more difficult.

Inflation and interest rates

Inflation is also proving persistent. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) preferred trimmed mean measure reached 3.3% year-on-year to December, up from 3.2% the month before, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This was outside the RBA’s 2-3% target band. 

Housing-related costs – including rents and new dwelling construction – remained key contributors.

In response to this inflation news, the RBA lifted the cash rate to 3.85% at its first meeting of 2026. Even if further increases are limited, the move reinforces a “higher for longer” rate environment.

For developers, this creates a double squeeze. Higher rates increase your borrowing costs for land and construction, while also reducing buyer borrowing capacity, which can discourage buyers from entering the market. A slowdown in demand can dampen price growth, meaning end values for completed projects may not rise as robustly as developers had hoped when factoring in rising input costs. 

The feasibility challenge

This dual pressure creates a significant challenge. Without end value increases to offset rising construction costs, many projects won’t stack up anymore. Developers are finding that deals that may have looked viable six months ago no longer meet required return thresholds.

Feasibility buffers can be quickly eroded. A modest build cost variation, slower pre-sales or a few extra months on the schedule can significantly reduce margins. With thinner margins, the tolerance for error is lower than it has been in years.

Opportunities still exist, but discipline is key

None of this means development opportunities have disappeared. Australia continues to face a structural housing shortage, listings remain below trend and supply constraints persist. There is still strong demand for well-located, appropriately priced projects, particularly in affordable segments and growth corridors.

Government initiatives are also helping support feasible projects. Programs such as New South Wales’ Pre-sale Finance Guarantee can reduce risk for lenders and improve funding access for qualifying developments, while federal tax incentives for Build to Rent projects can boost after-tax returns and improve overall project viability for eligible developers.

However, feasibility studies now need to be more conservative and detailed. Lenders are increasingly stress-testing projects against higher rates, and you need to factor in cost escalation and slower price growth. Realistic timelines, detailed cost plans and careful revenue assumptions are becoming essential.

Finance strategy matters more than ever

In this environment, finance structure plays a larger role in the success of your project. Loan terms, lender appetite, pre-sale requirements and flexibility can all influence project outcomes.

Working with a specialist development finance broker can make a real difference. At CPC Lending Solution, we understand how different lenders assess risk, feasibility and locations, and can match projects to lenders with the right appetite.

We can also help package your finance application to clearly present your contingencies, margins and cost controls – all areas lenders are scrutinising more closely in the current climate.

You can read more about how CPC approaches development finance in our CPC Lending Solution’s Development Lending Guide.

CPC Lending Solutions helps developers structure finance that reflects today’s cost pressures and feasibility realities. If you’re planning a residential or mixed-use project, contact CPC at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or submit an enquiry to structure your finance with confidence.

Interest rate uncertainty hits developers

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Development Lending Solutions

January 2026

Australia’s interest rate outlook has taken a turn, with economists now split on whether the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut, hold or increase the cash rate in 2026. This uncertainty represents a significant shift from just 12 months ago, when the consensus accurately predicted rate cuts throughout 2025.

For developers, this adds fresh cost pressures to already tight project feasibilities. 

While the market saw three interest rate cuts in 2025, bringing the official cash rate to 3.60%, the pivot many developers hoped for has hit a roadblock. Recent economic data and expert forecasts suggest that instead of further relief, the industry must now brace for a “higher-for-longer” interest rate environment – and potentially even a return to tightening.

According to The Australian Financial Review’s latest quarterly survey of 38 major economists, 17 now expect at least two rate increases over the next 18 months. Seven economists, including those from the Commonwealth Bank and NAB, predict the RBA could hike as early as February’s policy meeting. 

What’s causing the uncertainty?

The catalyst for this hawkish shift is stubbornly persistent inflation. After annual trimmed mean inflation (the RBA’s preferred measure) unexpectedly jumped to 3.3% in October, the RBA flagged that rate increases remained on the table. 

The latest November inflation data offered modest relief, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with trimmed mean inflation declining from 3.3 to 3.2%, although still well above the central bank’s 2-3% target band.

What does this mean for developers?

This potentially higher-for-longer rate environment creates intense pressure on project feasibility. Every increase in borrowing costs directly impacts development margins, turning previously viable projects marginal or even unviable. 

Additionally, construction costs have remained elevated and are expected to rise further in 2026, with project advisory firm WT predicting a 5.2% increase. 

When interest rates remain elevated alongside rising material and labour costs, the margin for error disappears. As a result, lenders can become more cautious. CBRE’s lender sentiment survey for the second half of 2025 found that elevated construction costs were the biggest challenge facing Australia’s lending environment. 

Choosing the right lender

Despite the pressure, opportunities remain for developers who can present financially robust, well-located projects. Those that can factor in realistic contingencies for labour, material costs and interest rate fluctuations are well placed to secure funding and deliver on time. 

However, even with this preparation, choosing the right lender has never been more important. Generic, one-size-fits-all lending approaches simply don’t work when margins are tight and market conditions vary significantly across locations and projects. Developers need lenders who genuinely understand the specific markets they’re operating in – lenders with in-house expertise to properly assess the fundamentals of good projects in strong locations.

But how do you, the developer, identify an appropriate lender? That’s where a specialist broker comes in, connecting you with lenders who have the in-house expertise to properly assess the fundamentals of good projects in strong locations. 

Smaller developers, in particular, can benefit from the expertise of specialist brokers like CPC, who will align projects with lenders that understand your market perspective and project feasiblity.

Beyond connecting developers with lenders who understand market conditions, CPC know how to structure and package loan applications to highlight project feasibility, margins and risk management – increasing the likelihood of approval and keeping developments viable despite elevated borrowing costs.

You can read more about how CPC approaches development finance in our CPC Lending Solution’s Development Lending Guide.

CPC Lending Solutions helps developers navigate funding in a higher-for-longer rate environment. If you’re planning a residential or mixed-use project, contact CPC at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or submit an enquiry to structure your finance with confidence.

NSW expands its Housing Pattern Book to include mid-rise apartments

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Development Lending Solutions

December 2025

 

The NSW Government has released the next major stage of its Housing Pattern Book: a collection of nine architect-designed mid-rise apartment patterns aimed at speeding up approvals and lowering upfront costs for developers. The new designs – ranging from three to six storeys – build on the eight low-rise “missing middle” patterns released earlier in 2025.

For developers, builders and mum-and-dad investors, the move to standardised mid-rise designs points to a clearer, more predictable pathway for medium-density projects. By reducing design uncertainty and simplifying early assessment, it has the potential to shorten timelines and lower holding risks, which in turn shapes how development finance is structured and assessed.

A broader range of ready-to-build designs

The mid-rise release includes:

  • Four patterns for small lots
  • Three patterns for large lots
  • Two corner-lot designs

All have been produced by leading architectural practices across Australia and New Zealand. The designs are contemporary, energy-efficient and meet the Australian Building Codes Board’s Liveable Housing Design Standard. With options for solar access, cross-ventilation, adaptable layouts and various material palettes, the patterns maintain architectural quality while being practical to build at scale.

Faster, simpler approvals for mid-rise projects

Unlike the low-rise patterns, which can use a complying development certificate (CDC), the mid-rise designs still require a development application. But the government has implemented important measures to streamline the process.

Because the designs are pre-endorsed by the NSW Government Architect, councils have been instructed to:

  • Remove design review panel requirements
  • Halve average assessment times
  • Assess patterns under officer delegation, avoiding Local Planning Panel delays

In early 2026, new planning laws will introduce an even faster “targeted assessment pathway” specifically prioritising mid-rise pattern book designs.

For developers, this could provide more certainty. The hope is that timeframes become clearer, risk around design modifications is reduced, and feasibility modelling becomes easier to forecast.

Lower upfront design costs – with limits

The pricing for the patterns is heavily subsidised for the first six months:

  • Small and corner lot designs: $1,500 per lot (normally $15,000)
  • Large lot designs: $2,500 per lot (normally $25,000)

While not as cheap as the introductory $1 pricing for the original low-rise patterns (available until January 2026), these fees are still far below the cost of bespoke architectural design. For developers handling multiple lots, the savings can be meaningful.

However, as with the low-rise patterns, these plans are not turnkey solutions. Developers will still need:

  • Site-specific engineering
  • Planning documentation
  • A registered architect (required for all mid-rise projects)
  • Quantity surveying
  • Construction certificates
  • Adjustments for site slope, bushfire, soil or flood conditions

The patterns reduce design complexity and approval risk, but they do not eliminate the need for full due diligence.

What the expanded Pattern Book means for development finance

For lenders, the mid-rise patterns help address one of the biggest barriers to financing small-to-medium residential developments: uncertainty.

Standardised, pre-endorsed designs will make it easier for a lender to assess:

  • Buildability and construction risk
  • Likely build costs (within a tighter band)
  • Approval timelines
  • End valuations, thanks to clearer comparables

With less ambiguity, developers – particularly small builders or first-time apartment developers – can present a stronger feasibility and secure funding with fewer unknowns. Faster approvals may also reduce holding costs, improving project viability.

However, lenders will still closely assess contingency allowances, builder experience, equity position, presales (where required) and cost escalation risks.

Why developers still need a specialist broker like CPC

The pattern book removes friction, but it does not guarantee funding. Even with streamlined designs and faster approvals, development finance remains complex. Lenders interpret the pattern book differently, credit appetites shift frequently, and individual project variables still influence borrowing capacity, structure and pricing.

A specialist broker like CPC Lending Solutions understands how lenders are assessing pattern book projects right now, which lenders are backing mid-rise schemes and what parameters developers must meet to secure competitive terms. We can help structure funding that aligns with realistic timelines, cash flow needs and lender expectations – ensuring that the benefits of the pattern book actually translate into a deliverable, financeable project.

Before you begin planning finance for your next mid-rise development, you can also download CPC Lending Solution’s Development Lending Guide for a clear breakdown of lending criteria, funding structures and market insights.

Headline image: Small Lot Apartment 04 by Neeson Murcutt Neille, one of the nine approved designs. Credit: planning.nsw.gov.au

CPC Lending Solutions helps developers secure finance for projects using the NSW Housing Pattern Book. If you’re planning a mid-rise or missing-middle development, contact CPC at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or submit an enquiry to structure your funding with confidence.

How to position your next project for NSW’s Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Development Lending Solutions

November 2025

 

The New South Wales government’s $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee scheme aims to unlock stalled housing projects by helping developers secure construction funding sooner. It is a major shift designed to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing small- and mid-sized developers: meeting strict pre-sales thresholds set by lenders. 

But, not every project, or every developer, will qualify. And while the guarantee removes a key barrier, it doesn’t replace the need for sound feasibility, credible delivery partners and up-to-date documentation. 

Understanding how to position your application from day one could mean the difference between unlocking finance in months or watching competitors secure the limited pool of guarantees first.

How it works

Under the $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee, the NSW government will guarantee up to 50% of eligible off-the-plan dwellings in approved residential projects of $5 million to $50 million, where the dwelling value doesn’t exceed $2 million per dwelling.

Projects of this size usually require 60-80% pre-sales for lenders to consider finance. By underwriting up to 50% of your dwellings, the government effectively halves your sales risk, allowing you to commence construction with a lower private sales threshold.

Projects must begin construction within six months of approval, and developers will pay a line fee – similar to loan interest – for the duration of the government’s guarantee.

If guaranteed homes remain unsold by completion, the developer can call on the government to purchase them at a reduced price. This discount should be at least 10% of the independently assessed market value.

Who can benefit from the scheme?

The scheme is aimed at shovel-ready, mid-scale residential projects that already hold planning approval. It’s not for speculative or early-concept developments. 

Based on the $5-50 million range for project size and the $2 million cap per dwelling, this will likely be between 10 and 100 units. This helps ensure the scheme targets attainable housing rather than luxury stock.

Developers who will benefit are likely to be those with robust track records, credible delivery teams and projects that demonstrate genuine market demand. 

However, the scheme could also benefit smaller or newer developers who might not have the financial track record of a larger business. If you have secured a quality site, sound feasiblity and a high-quality construction team, the guarantee offers the chance to use the state’s backing to gain lender confidence.

What will lenders and the government assess?

To qualify for the Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee, projects must meet both lender and government requirements. While there’s some overlap, each party has its own focus:

  • Feasibility and project merit: Realistic construction timelines, adequate contingencies and alignment with housing-supply priorities.
  • Developer capability and credibility: Financial stability, track record, governance, fixed-price contracts and experienced consultants.
  • Creditworthiness and security: Ability to service debt, pre-sales achieved, land value, developer contribution and a clear exit strategy.
  • Genuine need: The government, in particular, will assess that finance was otherwise unavailable or delayed due to unmet pre-sale targets.
  • Timing: A government requirement is that construction must begin within six months of approval.
  • Value protection: To meet the state’s requirements, dwellings are independently valued, with the state’s purchase commitment at a minimum 10% discount to market value.

Together, these assessments ensure projects supported under the scheme are both commercially viable and aligned with NSW’s housing priorities.

Mistakes you can’t afford to make

With the scheme now open for expressions of interest, developers need to be strategic from day one or risk missing out entirely. Common mistakes include:

1. Not engaging a specialised broker soon enough

Once you have secured NSW planning and development approval, contact a broker like CPC Lending Solutions right away. As the process for securing a guarantee will involve both your application to government as well as a lender’s application, leaving finance structuring or eligibility assessment too late can limit lender options and delay your application.

2. Miscalculating feasibility

Developers occasionally forget to include certain expenses when calculating their project’s feasibility. This can include loan application and establishment fees.

Under the government’s guarantee scheme, there will also be an ongoing annual line fee that should also be included in your overall expenses to model your project’s profitability accurately.

Similarly, the 10% minimum discount on government-purchased dwellings must be factored into your feasibility from the outset. Projects with tight margins will struggle to absorb this risk. To accurately predict even the worst-case scenario, run a test where all 50% of units guaranteed by government sell at the discounted rate and ensure your project still delivers acceptable returns. 

3. Ignoring the remainder of the pre-sale requirements 

The guarantee covers up to 50% of dwellings, but you still need a credible strategy to achieve genuine pre-sales for the remainder. Projects in weak markets or with poor sales fundamentals won’t suddenly become viable just because half the risk is underwritten. Projects where the non-guaranteed portion appears unlikely to sell will likely not be accepted by government, or by a lender.

For developers looking for a detailed roadmap, CPC Lending Solutions has compiled a comprehensive Development Lending Guide, providing the latest insights on structuring finance, eligibility and accessing government-backed schemes. You can download the guide here.

Ready to turn your approved project into a funded, government-guaranteed reality? 

CPC Lending Solutions specialises in guiding developers through every step, from assessing eligibility and structuring finance to preparing your application and negotiating with lenders. Get in touch today at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or fill in this form to discuss your next development and see how CPC can help you access the guarantee with confidence.

Three financing challenges for off-the-plan developments, and how to overcome them

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Lending Solutions

October 2025

Off-the-plan projects can be a smart way for developers to manage cash flow and secure early sales, but getting finance for them isn’t always straightforward. With construction costs, market confidence and lender appetite all shifting over the past few years, developers face a unique set of challenges when trying to get a project off the ground.

Here are three common financing challenges and practical strategies to overcome them.

1. Demonstrating project feasibility and profitability

Lenders have become increasingly cautious following the construction cost surge during COVID-19, when many projects became unviable due to rising expenses and stagnant sale prices. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average cost to build a house jumped 6.7% annually from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

This combination of rising costs and unpredictable market conditions led many lenders to tighten their lending criteria, requiring more robust feasibility and pre-sale evidence before approving funding.

The good news is that conditions have improved since then. Lower interest rates are boosting borrowing capacity and apartment prices have outperformed house prices across many capital cities over the past year. Cotality’s home value index for September showed apartment prices increasing more over the last 12 months than houses in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. 

For developers, this shift is important: Stronger apartment values improve project feasibility by widening profit margins, supporting higher-end values and helping to offset the impact of higher build costs. It also increases lender confidence, as projects are more likely to achieve sales prices that align with or exceed forecast levels.

Lenders will still want to see a detailed feasibility study demonstrating that a project is viable and profitable. Your feasibility should clearly show how your project capitalises on these improving conditions, with realistic cost estimates and conservative sale price assumptions.

Working with an experienced broker can help ensure your figures are accurate and presented in a way that builds lender confidence.

2. Managing volatile construction costs

While construction costs have stabilised compared to the extreme volatility of the pandemic, they continue to rise modestly. Cotality’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index recorded a 2.5% increase in residential construction costs over the 12 months to September 2025, down from 3.2% over the same period last year. 

The current rate of growth is under the pre-pandemic decade average of 4.0%, but labour shortages and strong public infrastructure demand are likely to keep upward pressure on prices. This means that although construction cost growth is below long-term averages, margins remain tight. Material and labour costs are still elevated, and competition for skilled trades remains strong amid record infrastructure spending.

You should always enter into fixed-price building contracts where possible, or at a minimum, secure detailed quotes with realistic contingencies of 10-15%. 

Working with established builders who have weathered recent market volatility also demonstrates prudence to lenders. 

3. Meeting pre-sale requirements

Most lenders require a percentage of pre-sales before releasing construction funding. Traditionally, developers have needed to pre-sell between 50% and 80% of dwellings to qualify for loans – a significant hurdle that often delays or stalls projects.

However, many lenders also favour boutique-style apartment developments, typically between four and 20 units.

Developers who “meet the market” – through design, pricing and location – are more likely to secure pre-sales early. This offers an opportunity for smaller projects to secure funding over larger, more risky developments. 

For instance, the luxury apartment market continues to perform well, driven by downsizer demand. According to Longergan Research, 40% of respondents in New South Wales and the ACT aiming to downsize in the next five years say they are looking for an apartment and 23% of respondents say they will switch to a smaller home but at the same price as their current house. 

This demographic shift is underpinning strong demand for premium, low-maintenance apartments in desirable suburbs, helping you achieve faster pre-sales and improve your eligibility for construction funding.

In NSW, you may also benefit from the state government’s new $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee scheme, designed to ease funding bottlenecks by helping eligible off-the-plan projects access finance with lower pre-sale thresholds. The scheme, which launched officially in September 2025, could provide additional flexibility for developers meeting at least half of their pre-sales targets.

CPC will take a closer look at how the scheme works – including eligibility criteria, benefits and potential lender impacts – in next month’s detailed analysis.

Seizing the opportunities 

Off-the-plan developments remain an attractive opportunity for experienced developers and small building companies. The key is balancing project feasibility with lender expectations, and that starts with having the right finance partner.

An experienced broker can help you identify lenders that are open to smaller or boutique projects, navigate pre-sale requirements and structure funding to suit project timelines. We can also negotiate flexible terms and ensure you are well-prepared to meet lenders’ criteria from the outset.

CPC Lending Solutions is a property development and residential finance specialist. Whether you’re a developer needing funding for land, construction, or residual stock, or a buyer looking for the right mortgage, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or fill in this form.

Lender in focus: Goodland Capital

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Lending Solutions

September 2025

In property development, finding a lender who truly understands your perspective can transform the entire project experience. While many lenders focus purely on numbers and rigid criteria, others take a more empathetic approach that puts the developer’s needs at the centre of every decision.

In the latest instalment of our “Lender in focus” series, we’re profiling Goodland Capital, a boutique lender with a clear niche in small-scale property developments.

What sets Goodland Capital apart?

Goodland Capital’s key differentiator is its empathetic, developer-first approach. Unlike larger institutions that typically apply one-size-fits-all solutions, Goodland Capital takes the time to understand not just what you’re building, but why you’re building it – and what obstacles you might face along the way.

This problem-solving mindset means they’re not just a lender, but a partner who understands the realities of development projects.

A focus on smaller developments

Goodland Capital specialises in smaller-scale projects, including land subdivisions, duplex constructions and single-house builds, with particular expertise in projects that are midway through construction. They do not finance large apartment complexes or major development projects, but their targeted focus means they have deep expertise in this space.

By concentrating on smaller developments, they’ve built an in-depth understanding of exactly what these projects need to succeed. This means you benefit from a lender who truly understands the requirements and risks of smaller, high-potential projects.

Unique policies that matter to developers

Goodland Capital offers several features designed specifically for property developers. 

First, their early involvement in due diligence is especially valuable. This allows them to participate in preliminary assessment phases and use their broad market knowledge to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.

Second, they provide a high degree of funding certainty. Once Goodland Capital commits to a project, you can count on them to deliver. This matters most for developers and provides peace of mind throughout the development process.

Finally, Goodland Capital prioritises a personalised problem-solving approach. This means that rather than just providing capital, they also work closely with developers to find practical solutions to challenges as they arise.

Why developers choose Goodland Capital

There are several reasons why property developers value working with Goodland Capital:

  1. Genuine partnership approach: The team thinks like developers, offering practical guidance and support rather than creating obstacles.
  2. Funding certainty: Reliable and consistent finance allows developers to plan and proceed with confidence.
  3. Specialised focus: Concentrating on smaller developments means they have in-depth knowledge and expertise in this sector.
  4. Responsive and personal service: As a boutique lender, developers have direct access to decision-makers. This means you get quick, personalised responses to queries.

The right fit for the right developer

Goodland Capital is an ideal partner for developers who value more than just access to funds. Their empathy-driven approach, deep understanding of smaller-scale projects and reliable funding make them a standout in the development finance market.

Of course, every developer’s needs are different, and what works perfectly for one project may not suit another. That’s where CPC Development Lending Solutions comes in. We work with a broad range of lenders to match each client with the right financing solution for their specific project. Whether you’re just starting a new subdivision or looking to finish a partially completed build, we are here to help you find the right financial partner.

Contact us at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or fill in this form to find out more. 

Everything you need to know about NSW’s Housing Pattern Book

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Lending Solutions

August 2025

In an effort to fast-track new housing and tackle New South Wales’ affordability crisis, the state government has launched the NSW Housing Pattern Book – a collection of architect-designed plans available for as little as $1 per design, complete with a streamlined approval pathway. 

What is the Housing Pattern Book?

The Pattern Book features eight architect-designed templates for terraces, townhouses, semis and manor homes. These are the “missing middle” housing types that bridge the gap between detached houses and high-rise apartments. 

The designs were created by respected architects and are standardised for efficiency, yet adaptable to different site conditions and client preferences, including varying room formations and layouts.

These designs are backed by the NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy which encourages development particularly near town centres and transport hubs.

The state government says these designs can be approved via a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) in as little as 10 days, cutting months off the traditional development application process.

What does the Housing Pattern Book include?

The Pattern Book offers ready-made designs and quick approval times, but it is not a full-service solution. You’ll still need:

  • Site-specific engineering
  • Energy assessments
  • Bushfire, soil or flood adaptations
  • Compliance sign-off and construction documentation

And while it reduces red tape, it also does not address high land costs, labour shortages or rising prices of building materials – all factors impacting housing delivery in the state.

What does a home from the Housing Pattern Book cost?

The plans are currently available for $1 until January 2026, after which they’ll be priced at $1,000. The state government said this is considerably lower than the upwards of $20,000 developers and investors typically spend on custom architecturally designed homes. 

But the bigger question is how much will they cost to build?

According to Rider Levett Bucknall, residential construction costs in Sydney in 2025 range from $2,500 to $7,600 per square metre. With Pattern Book home sizes ranging from 90 to 140 sqm, that puts base build costs somewhere between:

  • $225,000 to $350,000 (lower range)
  • $684,000 to $1.06 million (upper range)

These ranges exclude the cost of land. The Urban Development Institute of Australia found the average cost of a vacant lot in Greater Sydney was $666,670 in 2025.

The above costs also exclude site-specific modifications, compliance documents and construction certificates. But it provides a baseline. The standardised design and construction methodology could help keep costs down, especially if developers can build at scale.

While the government hasn’t put a specific price on the build cost of these homes, a government official told The Guardian that using the pattern book could result in construction cost savings of 5% to 17% compared to other non-pattern book designs.

What does the Housing Pattern Book mean for securing finance?

From a financing perspective, the most powerful benefit of the Pattern Book is the reduction in time and uncertainty. By offering pre-approved designs and a fast-tracked approval pathway, the Pattern Book brings a level of predictability that has direct financial benefits, including:

  • Potentially lower holding costs from faster approvals
  • More accurate feasibility assessments due to predictable input costs
  • Improved cash flow from lower upfront design costs
  • Easier comparisons of builders’ quotes thanks to the standardised designs

For lenders, this increased certainty is a big plus. When the design, planning pathway and cost inputs are largely known upfront, it can be easier to assess project risk and funding requirements. That can improve confidence in the numbers, reduce the back-and-forth during loan assessment and, ultimately, make it faster and simpler to secure finance.

Headline image: Terraces 01 by Carter Williamson, one of the eight approved designs. Credit: planning.nsw.gov.au 

CPC Lending Solutions is a property development and residential finance specialist. Whether you’re a developer needing funding for land, construction, or residual stock, or a buyer looking for the right mortgage, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or fill in this form.

 

NSW unlocks housing projects with $1 billion developer guarantee

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Written by David Lovato – CPC Lending Solutions

July 2025

The New South Wales government’s 2025–26 state budget has given a significant boost to residential property development by announcing a $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee scheme. 

This initiative aims to unlock stalled housing projects across the state by helping developers secure finance earlier, speeding up construction and increasing housing supply.

Financing bottleneck

This scheme, an Australian first, addresses a critical bottleneck that has plagued developers: the strict pre-sale requirements imposed by traditional lenders. 

Traditionally, banks and lenders require developers to pre-sell between 50% and 80% of dwellings in a project to qualify for loans. This high pre-sale threshold has been a major hurdle, particularly for medium-density developments and apartment projects, often causing delays or indefinite stalling of many approved housing developments.

In fact, recent research by SuburbTrends, commissioned by MCG Quantity Surveyors, revealed that one in six approved unit projects around the country fail to get built. This results in “phantom towers” – approved projects that remain unbuilt for years, contributing to the state’s housing shortage.

The new Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee scheme aims to tackle this obstacle between approvals and construction.

How the scheme will work

Developers who have secured planning approval and have lender terms that require pre-sales to commence construction, can apply for the guarantee. 

In it, the government will act as guarantor for up to 50% of eligible off-the-plan housing projects, providing between $5 million and $50 million per development.

Once approved, construction must begin within six months. If the project’s dwellings sell out as planned, the government’s guarantee is dissolved, and the funds are recycled back into the scheme for other projects.

But if homes are not sold, the developer can call on the guarantee, selling the unsold homes to the government at a discounted rate (at a minimum of 10% of the market value). The government can then sell, rent or convert them into affordable or social housing, ensuring that some form of housing supply is delivered regardless.

To qualify for the program, developers will need to undergo the state government’s credit assessment process. This will take into account the merits of the project and the capacity, capability and credibility of the developer and their delivery team.

Developers will pay an application fee to have your project assessed. If successful, you will also be charged a line fee for the duration of the government’s financial exposure.

This line fee is similar to the interest you’d pay on a loan facility. It’s calculated as a percentage of the amount the government is guaranteeing and reflects the cost of having that financial backing in place. The exact rate will be pre-determined and applied annually until the guarantee is extinguished.

The scheme is expected to come online later this year, with initial applications anticipated to be accepted from October 2025.

The fund will support up to 5,000 apartments, which is projected to unlock the construction of 15,000 new homes over the next five years. 

Other budget announcements

In addition to the Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee scheme, the NSW government announced several other initiatives aimed at improving housing supply:

  1. Permanent build-to-rent tax concession: A 50% reduction in land value for eligible projects will now apply indefinitely, encouraging more high-quality rental developments. This concession was previously due to end in 2039. 
  2. Works-in-Kind credit: An offset will be available for approved infrastructure costs, such as roads or land for schools, against the Housing and Productivity Contribution. 
  3. $145.1 million for Building Commission NSW: A funding boost will support stronger regulation, more inspections and improved construction quality. 
  4. $3.4 billion skills investment: This investment will train over 23,000 new construction apprentices and offer up to 90,000 fee-free training places. 
  5. $122 million to streamline planning approvals: This aims to increase planning resources, support infrastructure delivery and accelerate housing approvals.

CPC Lending Solutions is a property development and residential finance specialist. Whether you’re a developer needing funding for land, construction, or residual stock, or a buyer looking for the right mortgage, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@crowdpropertycapital.com.au or fill in this form.