Victoria
Private lenders in Geelong
How private property loans work in Geelong, what they cost and how to compare them safely.
Quick answer
Private lenders in Geelong offer short-term loans secured by property, judged mainly on the security and your exit plan. They cost more than banks, so compare the total cost, fees and exit before you commit.
The local picture
Geelong is about an hour south-west of Melbourne on Corio Bay. Borrowers commonly use homes, investment properties and growth-corridor land as security.
Geelong combines an established city centre and waterfront with fast-growing estates at Armstrong Creek and the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula nearby. Land in new estates may still be subject to developer covenants or awaiting a separate title, which matters to a lender. Titles are recorded with the Victorian Registrar of Titles and land tax is assessed by the State Revenue Office on land owned at 31 December. Ask whether the lot has its own title before treating it as security.
Title, duty and tax in Victoria
Loans secured on property in Geelong are recorded with Land Use Victoria. If you are buying, State Revenue Office Victoria charges land transfer duty; see VIC land transfer duty.
Loan types in Victoria
What it costs
Expect interest plus establishment, valuation and legal fees, and sometimes prepaid interest. Use the loan cost calculator to see the full cost of any offer.
Common questions
How do private lenders work in Geelong?
They lend short term against property, judging mainly the security and your repayment plan. The loan is recorded on the title with Land Use Victoria.
How do I check a lender in Geelong is legitimate?
Check the business on ASIC registers and ABN Lookup, avoid large upfront fees before a written offer, and have your own lawyer review the documents.
Do I need an exit plan?
Yes. Most private loans are short term, so lenders want a clear way to repay, such as a sale or refinance, plus a backup.
Also in Victoria: Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mornington Peninsula, Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley, Warrnambool and the Great Ocean Road, Latrobe Valley and Gippsland, Mildura and Sunraysia, Wodonga. All regions.