Case Study | $1.5M+ Equity Release Loan Secured to Unlock Working Capital and Fund Pipeline Growth

Background

A returning client approached Development Finance Partners (DFP) in need of fast-access capital to support multiple active projects. At the time, they had one 35-apartment project under construction and another pre-construction project nearing finalisation. With strong momentum and a desire to expand their development pipeline, the client needed funding to cover upcoming land settlements, pre-construction costs, and to secure new opportunities.

The developer had significant equity across both projects but lacked immediate liquidity, placing pressure on cash flow and limiting their ability to act quickly on future deals.

The Challenge

A lack of working capital can restrict growth, reduce flexibility, and create risk in managing multiple development timelines. The client’s goals were to:

• Unlock equity tied up in their active projects

• Even out cash flow between projects at different stages

• Access flexible working capital for upcoming land and construction costs

• Strengthen their negotiating position when reviewing terms on future finance

Traditional funding avenues often require a single-project focus, making it difficult to support a broader, agile growth strategy.

DFP’s Strategic Solution

Having an existing relationship with the client, DFP quickly assessed their equity position and business goals. Within days, DFP secured a $1.5M+ equity release loan, backed by the combined value of their active development sites.

The facility was structured to provide:

• Immediate working capital, accessible as needed

• No rigid project-specific constraints, allowing funds to be deployed flexibly

• Support for strategic land settlement, pre-construction costs, and expansion

By leveraging equity across more than one project, DFP ensured the funding structure aligned with the developer’s full pipeline,not just a single deal.

Results and Benefits

• $1.5 million+ facility secured within days

• Equity released from active development sites

• Working capital unlocked, supporting operational flexibility

• Funds deployed across multiple needs: land acquisition, construction, and opportunity pursuit

• Project pipeline expanded without delays or cash flow strain

Conclusion

This case showcases how DFP helps developers grow strategically by structuring equity release loans that support more than just project delivery—they enable momentum. With funding in place, the developer was able to seize new opportunities, maintain construction progress, and scale their business with confidence.

Carrick Developments 35-apartment residential development in Indooroopilly, QLD

In the property developer's words:

"Essentially it saw a substantial amount of cash released to us that we could use as working capital, to progress on our next projects, or to use as we see is best for our company. It also lowered our ongoing interest expense considerably.

Having this cash in hand has strengthened us further as a property development business because it allowed us to pursue additional projects. Without the ‘line of credit' we would have been very restricted in what other opportunities we could pursue while waiting for our existing projects to complete.

This option is attractive for a property development business because traditional lenders are very reluctant to release cash directly to a borrower. Traditional lenders prefer to release funding in payment of an expense, but not as working capital where the borrower can use the cash freely.

As a development business, however, it is critical that we have the cash liquidity to operate and pursue new opportunities. It is also very inefficient as a business to have equity tied up doing nothing when there are ways we could be using that cash to further grow our company and our project pipeline. This loan product is absolutely something I plan to continue to use over time as I lead our business towards our goals. " 

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