In this episode of Finance This, Property That, host Dion Fernandes dives deep into the realities of development finance, cutting through the surface-level chatter to expose what truly makes or breaks a successful funding deal. From feasibility studies to lender negotiations, Dion explains the staged process he uses to secure strategic, profitable lending for property developers — all backed by a real-world case study of a 93-lot subdivision. Whether you're building duplexes or large-scale land subdivisions, this episode equips you with the mindset and strategy required to fund developments the right way.

📌 Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro
Dion sets the stage for today’s topic: how to structure funding for residential and commercial developments.

01:00 – The Development Finance Mindset
Why funding a development requires more than just a feasibility and a contract. Funders want to know who you are, what you’ve done, and if you’re capable of executing.

03:00 – Preparing a Funding Submission
Dion breaks down Stage 1: Prepare, covering what goes into a quality submission — developer CVs, asset/liability tables, and why shallow feasibility reports aren’t enough.

05:00 – Choosing the Right Lender
Stage 2: Compare options. Dion outlines how he goes beyond basic rates to assess speed to approval, profit impact, exit strategy, and whether the lender is truly right for the deal.

06:30 – The Power of a Structured Exit
Why working backward from the exit is critical. Lenders look at how you’ll repay, and developers need to know the timeframes and terms to plan for success.

08:00 – Case Study: 93-Lot Subdivision
Dion shares a client scenario that highlights poor broker performance, unnecessary refinance costs, and how strategic planning recovered $560k in extra funding.

11:00 – Lessons in Broker Value
Dion contrasts “spot and refer” brokers with his hands-on, research-driven approach. The right broker can literally be the difference between profit and project failure.

12:30 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dion
Dion closes by inviting listeners to reach out if they’re stuck or planning their next development. “It starts with a conversation.”

📲 Connect with Dion Fernandes:

• Instagram: @dionfinancespecialist
• LinkedIn: Dion Fernandes
• Website: www.financethisproperty.com.au
• Firm: www.mergefinance.com.au

💬 Ready to fund your next development the smart way? Start the conversation — Dion’s just a message away.