Library
Insights on private credit,
written by a private lender.
Plain-English explainers on how private lending actually works in Australia in 2026 — the structures, the pricing, the deal mechanics and the regulatory split.
Library
Browse all insights
24 articles
Why Your Bank Said No To That Deal In Australia (2026): 4 Reasons, 1 Isn't About You
A bank declining your business loan isn't a verdict on the deal. It's a verdict on the policy matrix the deal was scored against. Banks underwrite borrower serviceability; private lenders underwrite deal viability. A self-employed business owner with lumpy income and a paid-down property can fail a bank's serviceability template and pass private credit underwriting on the same security — because the question being asked is different.
5 Things To Have Ready Before You Apply For A Private Loan In Australia (2026)
A private lender's decision is made on five things — security, LVR, purpose, identity, and exit. Have all five evidenced in writing before you call, and a clean business deal moves to indicative terms inside 48 hours. Most private loan applications that die in the first 48 hours die for the same five reasons. Four are fixable in an afternoon. One isn't — and that's the one that kills more deals than the other four combined.
Caveat Loan vs First Mortgage In Australia — When Each Makes Sense (2026)
A caveat is an equitable interest registered against title; a first mortgage is the registered legal charge. Caveats are faster and cheaper to register but provide weaker enforcement rights — first mortgages are slower to set up but cleaner to enforce. The choice is duration-driven: under 6 months, caveat often wins on total cost; over 6 months, first mortgage almost always wins.
What A Private Lender Actually Looks At In Australia (2026): 3 Things, In Order
Private lenders underwrite in this order: security first, exit second, deal quality third. The three are not equally weighted — security has to clear before the other two are assessed. Which is why an unencumbered property with a $200,000 ask moves faster than a perfect-on-paper deal against marginal security.
Understanding Loan-to-Value Ratios in Private Lending
Loan-to-value ratio is the most important number in private lending. It determines how much you can borrow, what rate you will pay, and how much protection exists for both borrower and lender. Here is what you need to know about LVR in the Australian private lending market.
Funding Renovations and Refurbishments with Private Finance
Renovating a commercial property can unlock significant value, but traditional lenders often will not fund the work. Private finance fills this gap, enabling investors and business owners to complete refurbishments quickly and refinance once the value uplift is realised.
The True Cost of Waiting: Why Speed Matters in Property Finance
In commercial property, time is money in the most literal sense. Delays in securing finance can cost borrowers far more than the interest premium on a fast private loan. This article examines the hidden costs of slow lending and when speed should be your priority.
Commercial Lending in Australia: Your Options Explained
Australia's commercial lending market offers more options than most borrowers realise. From major banks and non-bank lenders to private credit funds, this guide breaks down the landscape so you can choose the right fit for your deal.
How to Refinance Out of a Private Loan
Private loans are designed as short-term solutions, not permanent fixtures. Learn the practical steps to refinance out of a private loan and back into mainstream lending, including timelines, preparation tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Second-Tier Lending vs Private Lending: Key Differences
Second-tier lenders and private lenders both serve borrowers who fall outside bank criteria, but they operate very differently. This guide explains the key differences to help Australian businesses choose the right option.
What Does 'Borrower Pays Legals' Mean in Private Lending?
In private lending, borrowers are responsible for all legal costs including the lender's solicitor fees. This article explains what those costs cover, why the model exists, and how to budget for them.
Funding Urgent Property Purchases: A Guide to Fast Finance
When a property opportunity has a tight settlement deadline, standard bank finance often cannot keep pace. This guide explores how fast finance from private lenders helps Australian businesses secure time-sensitive property purchases.
How Private Lending Works for Land Subdivisions
Land subdivision is one of the most common uses of private lending in Australia. This guide explains how subdivision finance works, what lenders look for, and how to structure a successful application.
Short-Term Business Loans: Alternatives When Banks Are Too Slow
When banks cannot move quickly enough, short-term business loans from private lenders offer Australian businesses a way to access capital in days rather than months. Here is how they work.
Why Directors Personal Guarantees Matter in Commercial Lending
Directors personal guarantees are a standard feature in Australian commercial lending. Learn what they mean, why lenders require them, and what obligations they create for company directors.
Asset-Backed Lending: Using Property as Security for Business Loans
Asset-backed lending allows Australian businesses to leverage real property as security for commercial loans. Understand how it works, what lenders look for, and when it makes sense.
What Is an Exit Strategy and Why Do Private Lenders Require One?
An exit strategy is a borrower's documented plan for repaying a private loan. Learn why every private lender in Australia requires one and how to prepare a credible repayment plan.
Understanding Interest-Only Loans for Short-Term Projects
Interest-only loans are a cornerstone of private lending, offering lower monthly outgoings and greater flexibility for short-term commercial projects. Learn how they work and when they are the right choice.
How to Get Approved for a Private Loan in 48 Hours
Getting approved for a private loan quickly is possible if you know what lenders need upfront. This guide walks through the steps to prepare your application and maximise your chances of a fast turnaround.
Construction Finance: Funding Your Next Build Project
Construction finance is a specialised area of lending that requires careful planning and the right funding partner. Learn how construction loans work in Australia and how private lenders can fill gaps that banks leave open.
Private Lending vs Bank Loans: Which Is Right for Your Deal?
Private lenders and banks serve different purposes in the commercial finance landscape. This comparison breaks down the key differences in speed, cost, criteria, and flexibility to help you choose the right option.
First Mortgage Lending: What Borrowers Need to Know
First mortgage lending is the foundation of private finance in Australia. Understand what it means to borrow on a first mortgage basis, how it affects your deal, and why lenders prioritise this security position.
How Property Developers Use Private Lending to Move Fast
Speed and certainty of funding can make or break a property development deal. Discover how Australian developers use private lending to secure sites, fund construction, and stay ahead of the competition.
Bridging Finance Explained: When Banks Say No
Bridging finance fills the gap when traditional lenders cannot move fast enough or when your deal falls outside standard bank criteria. Here is how bridging loans work and when they make sense for Australian businesses.
Have a deal you want a view on?
Submit it and we'll come back with indicative terms within 48 hours. Business and commercial purposes only.