Private first mortgages for startupshonest about what's actually fundable
Private first mortgages in Australia: typically $250k to $50m+ at 65–75%, over 6–36 months, settling in 5–15 days once security and entity documents are in hand. A first mortgage from a private or non-bank lender, used when speed, structure, credit history or documentation call for an alternative to the banks.
- Straight answer on what's fundableWhat we bring
- No false promises on approvalWhat we bring
- Asset finance genuinely available earlyWhat we bring
Indicative terms in three minutes
Business-purpose and investment finance only. No credit check at this stage.
“Nobody lends to startups”
We hear this constantly. The honest answer is that it depends on security, exit and documentation — which is exactly what the enquiry form asks — and that the lenders on our panel — banks, private lenders and specialist funds alike — price those three things, not the label on the borrower.
“We'll be asked for security we don't have” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
“This will just be a personal guarantee in disguise” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
Typical pain points: No trading history to show; Banks want two years of financials; Founders' personal credit gets scrutinised; Need equipment before revenue starts. What we bring: straight answer on what's fundable, no false promises on approval, asset finance genuinely available early.
How we work.
From the first call to the final drawdown, each step is led by a principal — not a queue.
Tell us the scenario
Purpose, amount, security and timeframe — the qualifier takes about three minutes and every answer maps to how our lender panel assesses private first mortgages.
Indicative terms
A specialist reviews the scenario and comes back with an indicative structure, pricing range and the documents needed. Urgent scenarios get a call within minutes during business hours.
Credit and valuation
The lender assesses security, entity and exit. For private first mortgages this is typically 5–15 days end to end.
Settlement
Solicitors settle, funds are released, and the deal is tracked to its exit in our CRM so refinancing or the next facility is ready before the term ends.
Questions we are asked.
Can a startup with no revenue get business finance?
Rarely on an unsecured basis alone — most funding for pre-revenue businesses is either asset finance against a specific piece of equipment, or a facility secured by a director's property. We're upfront about which of the two, if either, fits your situation.
Will I need to give a personal guarantee?
Very likely, since a startup has no trading history for a lender to assess on its own. A personal guarantee from the director is standard for early-stage lending across the panel, and we explain what that means before you proceed.
Can I finance equipment for a business that hasn't launched yet?
Often, yes, since asset finance is secured against the equipment itself and assessed partly on the director's personal position rather than the business's trading history. This is typically the most accessible finance type for a genuinely new business. Suppliers with an existing relationship with a lender can sometimes make this easier still.
What if I don't have property to secure a loan?
Options narrow without property, generally to smaller asset-finance facilities or a personal-guarantee-backed unsecured loan, both sized conservatively for a business with no track record. We're direct about this rather than encouraging an application that won't succeed. We'll tell you plainly if a given amount simply isn't realistic yet.
How much can a startup realistically borrow?
Meaningfully less than an established business with trading history, and usually tied to a specific asset or director-backed security rather than the business's projected revenue. We give a realistic figure upfront rather than a theoretical maximum. Two founders with different assets to offer will often see quite different outcomes.
Should I wait until I have some revenue before applying?
If the need is for growth capital rather than a specific asset, often yes — even a few months of trading materially widens the options available. If the need is a specific piece of equipment to start trading, that can often be financed regardless.
How fast can private first mortgages settle?
Typically 5–15 days from a complete application, depending on valuation, legal and lender workload. Speed depends on how quickly security and entity documents are available.
How much can I borrow with private first mortgages?
Our panel typically funds from $250,000 to $50,000,000+, at 65–75%. Larger or more complex facilities are structured case by case across banks, private lenders and specialist funds.
What security is needed?
First registered mortgage. The stronger and more liquid the security, the sharper the pricing.
Is this a consumer loan?
No. Solara arranges business-purpose and investment-purpose finance only. If your purpose is personal or for owner-occupied housing, this product is not suitable and we will say so.
Related finance.
Not quite the right product? Every loan type we arrange.
Most scenarios can be structured more than one way. Browse the alternatives, or tell us the situation and we'll recommend the structure.