Equity release to support a development completion

Background

Experienced property developers needed to refinance residual stock to complete nine near-finished rental units.

Over the past several years, they had built a diverse Auckland rental portfolio, including long-term government-backed leases that provided reliable, consistent income. Their adviser approached Avanti Finance to help release equity from an unencumbered investment property and support the completion of the project.

Challenges

  • The loan required a high LVR at 80%.
  • Part of the customers’ income was commission-based and had declined slightly year-on-year.
  • Code of Compliance Certificates were still pending for the near-completed rental units, creating a short-term completion risk.
  • The customers had a sizeable investment portfolio, requiring clear confirmation of rental income, debt levels and expense management.

Mitigants

Working closely with the customers’ adviser, we completed a detailed assessment of their income, rental portfolio, security position and debt reduction strategy. Several factors helped mitigate the risks identified.

Demonstrated income strength

  • Income was assessed using conservative figures.
  • Year-to-date income supported ongoing earning capacity for the most recent financial year.
  • Uncommitted monthly income remained strong even under conservative servicing assumptions.
  • The secondary applicant’s income was stable and consistent across multiple financial years.

Verified and diversified rental income

  • All rental income was independently verified through rental statements, lease agreements, bank account credits, and rental appraisals from reputable property managers.
  • Long-term government-backed leases provided secure income with reduced tenancy risk.
  • Newly completed and renovated properties further improved rental yield and portfolio resilience.

Strong security position

  • Security comprised newly completed standalone residential investment properties, supported by recent independent valuations.
  • The combined valuations supported the requested loan amount at the proposed LVR.
  • Properties were located in established Auckland suburbs with strong rental demand.

Well-managed debt and expenses

  • Existing external lending was to be repaid in full of the proceeds of the property sale, reducing total liabilities and improving post-settlement servicing capacity.
  • Credit facilities were minimal, with modest limits and primarily business-related use.
  • No unsecured personal lending.
  • Personal living expenses were assessed to be well managed.

Solution

Based on the assessment, Avanti Finance approved $1.13m in refinance funding over a 30-year term on a Principal & Interest basis, with the first two years structured as Interest Only.

The structure gave the customers the flexibility to complete the near-finished project while maintaining appropriate leverage and serviceability levels. Both applicants and their adviser were pleased with the outcome.

LOAN AMOUNT

$1,134,054

INTEREST RATE

6.60% p.a. 

LVR

80% 

TERM

30-year Principle & Interest

with the first 2-year Interest Only

When an experienced developer reaches the final stretch of a project and needs to leverage residual stock to get it across the line, the right funding can make all the difference.

Our Property Investment Loan supports developers with post-completion funding needs for residual stock and long-term holding. We can consider higher LVR situations up to 80% for quality projects. 

If you have customers in a similar situation, , reach out to your local Avanti BDM.”

Bridgitte Turner

BDM, Northland, Auckland North & West

Disclaimer: This case study is solely for information purposes and is not intended to be financial advice. Neither Avanti Finance nor any person involved in this case study accepts any liability for any loss or damage whatsoever which may directly or indirectly result from any information, representation or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, contained in this case study.

The loan details (including the interest rate) applied in this case study were valid at the time of loan settlement. For our current rates and fees, please visit avantifinance.co.nz/rates-fees.