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LK DevelopmentFinance
Property Development Finance · Sydney

Build, Renovate,Develop in Sydney

Specialist development finance for duplex builds, townhouse projects, major renovations and medium-density developments across Sydney Metropolitan area. Loans structured from $250,000 to $10,000,000 by a CPA, Tax Agent and Licensed Broker.

From DA-approved site acquisition to construction drawdowns and sell-down strategy—we structure every stage of your development with accounting, tax, and lending expertise combined.

Discuss Your ProjectView Development Services

$10M

Maximum facility size

4

Professional qualifications

Sydney

Metropolitan area focus

What We Finance

Development Finance Solutions

From a single duplex to a 20-unit townhouse project—specialist construction and development lending structured for Sydney builders and developers.

$500K–$3M

Duplex Construction

Finance for knock-down-rebuild duplex projects across Sydney. From DA approval through to construction drawdowns and completion—structured for maximum profitability.

Land + construction combo loans
Progress payment management
Dual occupancy lending specialists
End-value based assessments
$1M–$10M

Townhouse Developments

Multi-dwelling townhouse project finance from 3 to 20+ units. We source construction facilities from specialist development lenders who understand Sydney medium-density projects.

Presale and no-presale pathways
Staged drawdown management
QS and builder approval support
Profit-first structuring
$250K–$2M

Major Renovations

Large-scale renovation and extension finance for substantial property transformations. Ideal for heritage restorations, second-storey additions, and complete interior reconfigurations.

Reno-specific construction loans
After-renovation value lending
Owner-builder pathways
Heritage property specialists
$500K–$5M

Knock-Down Rebuild

Complete demolition and new-build finance packages. One streamlined facility covering demolition, construction, and final fit-out for your dream home or investment build on an existing block.

Single facility demolition-to-completion
Land equity release for build costs
Fixed-price builder contract lending
Owner-occupied and investment
$500K–$5M

Land Subdivision

Finance for subdividing land into multiple lots—from Torrens title subdivision to community or strata schemes across the Sydney Metropolitan area.

DA and subdivision approval stage funding
Civil works and infrastructure finance
Residual lot sell-down strategies
Joint venture structures
$2M–$10M

Medium Density Development

Purpose-built development finance for 7–20+ unit projects including apartment complexes, mixed-use buildings, and boarding house developments under SEPP provisions.

Senior debt + mezzanine structuring
Pre-sale covenant management
Construction facility with QS oversight
Tax-effective entity structuring

Where We Build

Sydney Development Hotspots

Active development corridors across our core service areas—duplex, townhouse and medium-density projects we finance regularly.

Mascot2020
Townhouse & Infill

Inner South growth corridor — apartment-to-townhouse conversions, infill sites near airport and train.

Median House

$1.9M

Median Unit

$780K

Alexandria2015
Duplex & Adaptive Reuse

Warehouse-district rezoning driving duplex and terrace-style developments on former industrial blocks.

Median House

$2.1M

Median Unit

$880K

Green Square2015
Medium Density

Sydney's fastest-growing precinct — medium-density mixed-use opportunities on consolidated lots.

Median House

$2.0M

Median Unit

$820K

Beaconsfield2015
KDR & Duplex

Boutique development pocket — narrow-lot duplexes and knock-down-rebuild projects near Green Square.

Median House

$2.0M

Median Unit

$850K

Kingsford2032
Dual Occupancy

Light-rail uplift zone — boarding house and dual-occupancy projects along Anzac Parade.

Median House

$2.2M

Median Unit

$780K

Maroubra2035
Townhouse & Multi-Dwelling

Beachside R3-zoned sites supporting townhouse and multi-dwelling projects up to 3 storeys.

Median House

$2.35M

Median Unit

$950K

We finance development projects across all Sydney Metropolitan suburbs · Discuss your site

The Difference

Why Developers Choose Local Knowledge

Development-First Thinking

We don't retrofit residential lending to development projects. Every structure starts with your feasibility, your builder, and your exit strategy.

CPA + Tax Agent + Broker

Development finance touches GST, margin schemes, CGT, and entity structuring. We bring accounting, tax, and lending expertise to every deal.

Up to $10 Million

From a $500K duplex build to a $10M townhouse project—we source and structure facilities across the full spectrum of Sydney development finance.

Sydney Metropolitan Specialists

Deep knowledge of Sydney council requirements, zoning, builder networks, and local lender appetites across the entire metropolitan area.

Why Local Knowledge Finance

Why Choose Local Knowledge Finance for Development Finance

James Chee is one of Sydney's few development finance brokers who combines the qualifications of a CPA, registered Tax Agent, and licensed Mortgage Broker. This means your development finance strategy is assessed not just for loan approval, but for tax efficiency, GST implications, and long-term wealth outcomes — all under one roof. Whether you're building a duplex in Western Sydney, a 10-townhouse project on the Lower North Shore, or subdividing a block in the Hills District, James structures your capital stack to maximise leverage while keeping your holding costs manageable.

Non-Bank Advantage

Development Finance Without the Big Bank Headaches

Major banks have significantly tightened their appetite for residential development finance in response to APRA regulatory settings, often requiring extensive pre-sales, 6–12 week approval timelines, and conservative LVRs. Local Knowledge Finance's panel includes specialist non-bank lenders and private credit providers who offer faster approvals (often 2–4 weeks), higher LVRs (up to 80% of GRV), and flexible pre-sales requirements — making them ideal for small-to-medium developers building duplexes, townhouses, and medium-density projects up to $10,000,000 across the Sydney metropolitan area.

Your Advisory Team

Triple-Qualified
Development Finance

James Chee holds three concurrent professional qualifications—CPA, Registered Tax Agent, and Mortgage Broker. For property development, this means your feasibility, tax position, GST obligations, and lending structure are all assessed by one expert who sees the complete picture.

CPA

Certified Practising Accountant

Tax Agent

Registered Tax Agent

Mortgage Broker

Licensed Credit Representative

“Development finance isn't just about getting the money—it's about structuring the deal so the numbers work from feasibility to settlement. That's where accounting, tax, and lending expertise all need to come together.”
JC

James Chee

CPA · Tax Agent · Mortgage Broker

The Process

From Feasibility to Completion

01

Project Assessment

We review your site, DA status, builder quotes, and feasibility to understand the full scope of your development.

02

Financial Structuring

We architect the optimal lending structure across land, construction, GST, and end-value—with tax implications mapped out.

03

Lender Procurement

Targeted submission to 2–3 development-specialist lenders. Bank, non-bank, and private credit options assessed.

04

Construction & Settlement

We manage progress drawdowns, QS coordination, and post-completion refinance or sell-down strategy.

Common Questions

Development Finance FAQ

What types of property development does Local Knowledge Finance fund?
We specialise in duplex construction, townhouse developments (3–20+ units), major renovations, knock-down rebuilds, land subdivisions, and medium-density projects across the Sydney Metropolitan area. We structure loans from $250,000 to $10,000,000.
Do I need DA approval before applying for development finance?
Not necessarily. We can assist at various stages—pre-DA for site acquisition finance, post-DA for construction facilities, or at completion for refinance. However, most construction lenders require at least a DA-approved project before issuing a construction facility.
How does a construction loan differ from a standard home loan?
Construction loans are drawn down in stages (called progress payments) as building milestones are reached. Interest is only charged on the amount drawn, not the full facility. A Quantity Surveyor (QS) inspects and certifies each stage before funds are released.
Can I get development finance if I am self-employed?
Absolutely. As a CPA and Registered Tax Agent, James Chee understands self-employed income structures intimately. We access alt-doc, low-doc, and private lending pathways specifically suited to business owners undertaking property development.
What does it cost to use a development finance broker?
In most cases, there is no direct cost to you. We are paid a commission by the lender upon settlement. For complex or private lending arrangements, we'll discuss any applicable fees upfront before you commit.
Do you handle GST and tax structuring for developments?
Yes. As a CPA and Registered Tax Agent, James provides guidance on GST obligations, margin scheme elections, CGT implications, and entity structuring (trust, company, personal) to ensure your development is structured tax-efficiently from day one.
Do I need pre-sales to get a property development loan in Sydney?
Not necessarily. While major banks typically require 60–100% pre-sales before releasing construction finance, many non-bank lenders on our panel will fund duplex, townhouse, and medium-density projects with minimal or no pre-sales — particularly for experienced developers or projects with strong feasibility. As your broker, James Chee assesses your project holistically and matches you with the right lender for your situation, in line with ASIC's responsible lending obligations.
Can I use the equity in my land to fund a property development in NSW?
Yes. Land equity is a recognised form of developer contribution and many lenders will accept it as part of your equity stake in the project. The lender will commission an 'as if complete' valuation and assess your land equity against the total development cost (TDC). This can significantly reduce the cash you need to contribute upfront. Local Knowledge Finance's James Chee — a CPA and licensed mortgage broker — can structure your application to maximise the recognition of your land equity across our panel of bank and non-bank lenders.
What is mezzanine finance and do I need it for my Sydney development?
Mezzanine finance sits between your senior construction loan and your own equity in the capital stack. It allows you to borrow up to 85–90% of total development costs, reducing the cash equity you need to contribute. It is typically used when senior debt (usually 60–70% of TDC) leaves a funding gap. Rates are higher (12–20% p.a.) but interest is usually capitalised, meaning no monthly repayments during construction. Local Knowledge Finance can assess whether mezzanine finance is appropriate for your project and source competitive terms from our lender panel, consistent with APRA-regulated and non-regulated lender guidelines.
See all 480+ answered questions

Get Started

Discuss Your Development Project

Whether you have DA approval in hand or are still at feasibility stage—start with a confidential conversation. No obligation, no cost.

Awards & Recognition — 2014 to 2026

12 years of recognised innovation.From fintech pioneers to AI leaders.

A trajectory of compound innovation — building from foundational accounting technology to multi-industry AI leadership across cybersecurity, property, healthcare, and governance.

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Years of Recognition
0+
Award Nominations
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Award Programs
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AI Industry Sectors
20141 recognition
  • Innovation Selection
    SMART 100 IndexMyMoney
    Selected
20151 recognition
  • Innovation Selection
    SMART 100 IndexiBOP
    Selected
20161 recognition
  • Innovation Selection
    SMART 100 IndexMyMoney
    Selected
20173 recognitions
  • Innovation Selection
    SMART 100 IndexMyMoney
    Selected
  • Boutique Firm of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Innovator of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
20184 recognitions
  • Innovation Selection
    SMART 100 IndexBCyber
    Selected
  • Innovation Selection
    SMART 100 IndexMyMoney
    Selected
  • Accounting Innovator of the Year
    Fintech Business AwardsLocal Knowledge
    Finalist
  • Fintech Start-Up Business
    Fintech Business AwardsBCyber
    Finalist
20191 recognition
  • Innovator of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
20204 recognitions
  • Innovator of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Marketing Program of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Property Specialist Accountant of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • New Brokerage of the Year
    Australian Mortgage AwardsDing Financial
    Finalist
20213 recognitions
  • Innovator of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Marketing Program of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Best Use of AI in Fintech
    The 6th Annual Fintech Awards
    Finalist
20224 recognitions
  • Innovator of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Marketing Program of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Property Specialist Accountant of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Commercial Broker of the Year
    Outsource Financial ORB AwardsJames Chee, Ding Financial
    Finalist
20234 recognitions
  • Multiservice Firm of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Business Advisory Firm of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Marketing Program of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Governance Excellence
    Governance Top 100
    Ranked
20245 recognitions
  • AI Innovator — Cyber Security
    Australian AI Awards
    Finalist
  • AI Innovator — Property Investment
    Australian AI Awards
    Finalist
  • Business Advisory Firm of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Marketing Program of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Governance Excellence
    Governance Top 100
    Ranked
20257 recognitions
  • AI Innovator — Cyber Security
    Australian AI Awards
    Finalist
  • AI Innovator — Property Investment
    Australian AI Awards
    Finalist
  • AI Innovator — Healthcare
    Australian AI Awards
    Finalist
  • AI Innovator — Real Estate
    Australian AI Awards
    Finalist
  • Multiservice Firm of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Marketing Program of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Governance Excellence
    Governance Top 100
    Ranked
20264 recognitions
  • Innovator of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • Multiservice Firm of the Year
    Australian Accounting Awards
    Finalist
  • GRC Provider of the Year
    Australian Cyber Security AwardsBCyber
    Finalist
  • Cyber Professional of the Year — Professional Services
    Australian Cyber Security Awards
    Finalist
SMART 100 Index
5 selections (2014–2018)
AI Innovator
4 industries (Cyber, Property, Healthcare, Real Estate)
Governance Top 100
3 consecutive years (2023–2025)

Compound innovation is the story. Not one lucky year — recognised across eight award programs, four industries, and twelve consecutive years of building what matters.