New South Wales
Private lenders in Sydney
When a bank says no or can't move fast enough, Sydney borrowers often turn to private lenders. Here is how they work and how to compare them safely.
Quick answer
Private lenders offer short-term loans secured by property, judged mainly on the security and your exit plan rather than income. They cost more than banks, so compare the total cost, fees and exit before you commit.
When Sydney borrowers use private lenders
- Settlement deadlines a bank can't meet
- Buying before selling (bridging)
- Urgent business funding secured by property
- Development sites, residual stock and construction gaps
- Self-employed or complex income that banks decline
What it costs
Expect an interest rate plus establishment, valuation and legal fees, and sometimes prepaid interest. Use the loan cost calculator to see the full cost of any offer, and New South Wales stamp duty (transfer duty, administered by Revenue NSW) if you are buying.
Finance types to read next
- First mortgage private loans
- Short-term property finance
- Second mortgage loans
- Caveat loans
- Bridging finance
- Commercial property loans
- Construction finance
Also see private lenders in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Common questions
What is a private lender?
A private lender is a non-bank that lends its own or investors' money, usually secured by property. Loans are typically short term and priced above bank rates in exchange for speed and flexibility.
How fast can a private lender settle in Sydney?
Timing depends on the lender, the valuation and the title. Ask any lender for its expected timeline in writing and what could delay it.
How do I check a private lender is legitimate?
Check the business on ASIC registers and ABN Lookup, never pay large upfront fees before a written offer, and have the loan documents reviewed by your own lawyer.
Do private lenders need an exit strategy?
Yes. Most private loans are short term, so lenders want a clear plan to repay, such as a sale or a refinance, plus a backup if that plan slips.
Before signing, read how to check a lender and our scam red flags.
Commercial property loans Sydney investors use include first and second mortgages.
Private credit Sydney borrowers use
Private credit Sydney borrowers access is mostly short term. A second mortgage lender Sydney owners approach will assess combined LVR and exit. See the NSW hub.
Regions in this state
- Private lenders in Sydney
- Private lenders in Newcastle and the Hunter
- Private lenders in Wollongong and the Illawarra
- Private lenders in Central Coast
- Private lenders in Parramatta and Western Sydney
- Private lenders in Northern Rivers and Byron Bay
- Private lenders in Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast
- Private lenders in Port Macquarie and the Hastings
- Private lenders in Tamworth and New England
- Private lenders in Orange, Bathurst and the Central West
- Private lenders in Dubbo and Western NSW
- Private lenders in Wagga Wagga and the Riverina
- Private lenders in Albury
- Private lenders in Queanbeyan and the Capital Region
Related guides
- Private lenders in New South Wales
- Bridging finance in New South Wales
- Caveat loans in New South Wales
- Stamp duty in New South Wales
Glossary: combined lvr
Run the numbers
Test cost and timing with the matching calculator before you speak to anyone. Then send one enquiry to finance providers.