Development Finance Partners (DFP) was engaged by a boutique property development group to assist with the acquisition of a mixed-use property in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. The site, comprising existing commercial and residential elements, was earmarked for future redevelopment into a premium townhouse project targeting the region’s growing demand for lifestyle-oriented housing.
With a vision to revitalise the site into an upmarket residential community, the developer sought flexible funding to secure the asset while navigating a complex regional lending environment.
Located in a sought-after pocket of Northern Rivers, the site offered strong redevelopment potential but presented several challenges due to its regional setting and exposure to market fluctuations. The developer needed a tailored solution that would allow them to settle the purchase quickly while positioning the asset for long-term uplift through rezoning and redevelopment.
Key Metrics
Loan Amount: $4.05 million
Loan Type: First Mortgage – Site Acquisition
LVR: 60% of assessed value
Location: Northern Rivers, NSW
Turnaround: 4 weeks from engagement to settlement
Funding the acquisition of this site involved several complexities, including:
Regional location, with lenders favouring metro-based projects
A softening property market affecting lender appetite
Rising supply chain and construction costs, squeezing potential margins
Recent flooding events in the region, increasing perceived risk and triggering more stringent planning and council requirements
Broader economic uncertainty impacting regional investment confidence
These factors made many traditional and non-bank lenders reluctant to fund the deal.
Leveraging its deep lender network and understanding of regional funding challenges, DFP:
Engaged a trusted capital partner with a strong appetite for non-metro opportunities
Structured a $4.05 million first mortgage facility at 60% LVR, balancing borrower needs with lender risk tolerance
Negotiated attractive terms despite the environmental and market headwinds
Delivered the full solution within four weeks, meeting the client’s critical settlement deadline
DFP’s early engagement with both the lender and the developer ensured all due diligence, valuation assignment, and deal structuring were handled efficiently, despite the unique location and market constraints.
$4.05 million facility secured under tight timelines
60% LVR approved in a challenging regional lending environment
Funding structured for long-term redevelopment vision
Settlement achieved within 4 weeks, avoiding delays
Lender confidence secured despite flood zone and market pressures
This Northern Rivers transaction illustrates DFP’s ability to secure tailored site acquisition funding in regional markets where traditional lenders often hesitate. By securing a $4.05M facility on favourable terms under complex conditions, DFP enabled the developer to move forward with a high-potential redevelopment in a tightly held coastal region.