Construction Finance
What Plans Are Required For Construction Finance?
5 min read- Finance Guide
- Updated 2026
Quick answer
Most lenders want a complete plan pack
3 to 6 core items
usually sit behind a construction finance approval
- Core drawings Plans, elevations, site layout
- Scope detail Specifications and inclusions
- Approval evidence Permit or approval pathway
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1300 421 044
Detailed explanation
The exact plan set can vary by lender and by project type, but most construction lenders expect a practical package of drawings, specifications, approvals and builder paperwork. The more complete and consistent that package is, the easier it is for credit, valuation and settlement teams to move the loan forward.
Typical plan pack
The documents below are commonly requested before formal approval
- 01Site plan and contours
- 02Floor plans and room layout
- 03Elevations and external design
- 04Specifications and inclusions schedule
- 05Engineering and structural details
- 06Permit or approval evidence
Lenders usually check:
The plans match the signed building contract- The specifications are detailed enough for valuation
- Permits, approvals or certificate pathway are clear
- Engineering, site and builder details support the proposal
Why the plan set matters
A complete document package helps lenders and valuers assess:
-
Whether the design is specific enough to price and value properly
-
Whether the work shown in the drawings matches the builder contract
-
Whether council, certifier or permit requirements have been addressed
-
Whether the on completion valuation can be supported
-
Whether there is less risk of variations, delays and cost overruns
Document readiness
-
Concept only
Too early for most lenders
-
Tender ready pack
Often enough for valuation and credit review
-
Approved working set
Strongest position for formal approval
What lenders usually want to see
Common document requirements
Site plan, floor plans and elevations- Specifications, inclusions and finishes schedule
- Signed fixed price building contract
- Builder licence details and insurance evidence
- Engineering or structural details where relevant
- Planning approval, building permit or construction certificate pathway
- Costings, progress payments and any variations or allowances
Where extra detail is often needed
-
Sloping or difficult sites
May need soil, contour or engineering detail
-
Custom or high spec homes
Need clearer specifications and allowances
-
Knockdown rebuilds and extensions
Often require stronger permit and scope detail
-
Owner builder proposals
Accepted by fewer lenders and stricter policy
Need Help with your Project?
Common problems
Construction finance can stall when the plan set is incomplete, inconsistent or not far enough advanced for a valuer or lender to rely on.
Plans are too basic or incomplete
Sketches or concept drawings may not give the lender or valuer enough detail to support the project properly.
Possible solutions include:
obtain fuller working drawings- add detailed specifications and inclusions
- provide site and engineering information
- update the contract so it matches the plans
Plans and contract do not match
If the drawings, inclusions and contract scope are inconsistent, the lender may pause the file until everything aligns.
Possible solutions include:
- correct plan revisions before submission
- update the specifications schedule
- reissue the contract with matching scope and price
- confirm progress claim stages clearly
Approvals or permits are not ready
Even a strong application can be delayed if the required approval pathway is unclear or the permit process is unfinished.
Possible solutions include:
- confirm whether planning approval is needed first
- obtain the building permit or construction certificate
- show written authority where someone applies for permits on your behalf
- use a lender whose policy matches the current project stage
Steps to prepare the right plan pack
Step
01
Confirm the site details, title, setbacks and any planning issues.
Step
02
Obtain drawings, elevations and a clear specifications schedule.
Step
03
Finalise the building contract, progress payments and allowances.
Step
04
Work through planning approval, permit or construction certificate requirements.
Step
05
Submit the full package to the lender for valuation and credit review.
Step
06
Address any lender conditions, then move to formal approval and settlement.
Speak with a Property Finance Specialist
Construction finance can vary significantly depending on the site, the design, the approval pathway and how complete the document pack is before submission.
A specialist can review the plans, contract and approvals and help identify which lenders may be comfortable with the project stage and document quality.
Speak with a finance specialist about your construction plans and lender requirements
Submit the short form below and a construction finance specialist can review your plans, approvals and contract position and discuss possible funding options.
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Additional Questions
You may also find these questions helpful
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01do you need council approved plans for a construction loan
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02what is included in plans and specifications for construction finance
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03do lenders need engineering drawings for construction finance
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04can you get construction finance before the building permit is issued
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05what builder documents are needed for construction finance
