Secured business finance: your questions answered

A business loan backed by a registered mortgage or caveat over real property. Because the lender can rely on the property, secured loans are usually larger, faster to approve and more flexible than unsecured business loans.

Loans run from $20,000 to $5,000,000. The amount depends on the property's value, what's already owing, the type and location of the property, the purpose and the exit.

A loan from a private lender that takes first registered security over a property — either one you own outright, or one where the new loan pays out the existing lender. Private first mortgages here run for 1 to 24 months.

A loan registered behind an existing first mortgage. You keep your bank loan and borrow against the equity above it. It's repaid from the same sale or refinance proceeds, after the first mortgage.

A short-term loan protected by a caveat lodged on the property's title rather than a registered mortgage. It's the quickest structure to arrange and can later convert to a registered second mortgage.

No formal valuation is required. The lender assesses the property directly, which saves time and the cost of a valuer.

Not necessarily. Interest can be prepaid or capitalised — added to the loan — so there may be nothing to pay during the term. The loan is repaid in full at the end.

Funding is possible within 24–48 hours once the documents are in. Smaller property-secured amounts can sometimes settle the same day.

Every loan is priced on its own security, LVR, term and exit, so we don't publish rates. A first mortgage is generally priced more sharply than a second mortgage or caveat because the lender ranks first. Your Letter of Offer sets out the exact cost.

Yes — typically an establishment fee, legal costs for the documents and a small assessment fee that varies per loan. Every fee is shown on the Letter of Offer before you sign.

Often. Credit history and tax debt are considered case by case. With secured private lending, the equity and a believable exit carry the most weight.

Residential, commercial and industrial property, owned personally or by a company or trust. Vacant land and rural property are considered case by case. A family member can also offer their property as third-party security.

Yes. Equity across two or more properties can be combined to support one loan, which can increase the amount or improve the terms.

How the loan will be repaid at the end of the term — usually a property or business sale, a refinance to a bank, or a known payment arriving. Every private secured loan needs a clear one.

No. Business purposes only — including trading businesses, property investment and development. If your need is personal, mention it on the form and we'll point you in the right direction.

Loans are provided by fundU, a direct private business lender. Your enquiry goes to them alone.

No. There's no credit check when you first enquire. Accurate answers about the property and what's owing let a specialist give you a real answer on the first call.