What It Takes to Secure Residential Funding in 2026
Australia’s residential development sector is facing a more disciplined and selective funding environment as projects compete for capital in an era of higher costs, tighter margins and elevated delivery risk.
While underlying housing demand remains strong, access to capital has become increasingly nuanced.
Traditional banks are maintaining a cautious stance, with stricter pre-sales requirements, lower leverage and heightened scrutiny on developer track record and project fundamentals.
At the same time, non-bank lenders and private credit providers have stepped in to fill the gap, offering speed and flexibility, but often at a higher cost of capital.
Institutional investors, meanwhile, are continuing to show interest in residential, particularly in build-to-rent and scaled apartment opportunities, but are prioritising experienced sponsors, clear exit strategies and projects that demonstrate resilience across the cycle.
For developers, the implication is clear: capital is available, but it is far more discerning.
Feasibility alone is no longer enough. Funders are placing increasing weight on delivery capability, construction risk mitigation, planning certainty and the depth of demand underpinning each project.
Transparent financial modelling, realistic assumptions and strong project positioning are now critical to securing backing.
In this environment, understanding how different capital sources assess risk—and what they require to commit—is fast becoming a core competency for developers.
Session Highlight
Panel | On-The-Ground Perspectives: Real Insights from Key Players and Stakeholders
Sydney: 7 May
Jess Miller | Deputy Lord Mayor | City of Sydney
Zack Harkins | Senior Associate - Development | Costi Cohen
Aris Dimos | Head of Strategy & Acquisitions | FYVE
Luke Hill | Director, Origination | Centuria Bass
Brisbane: 14 May
Tania Orr | Group Executive - City Planning & Economic Development | Brisbane City Council
Jessica Jones | Head of Strategy & Business Development | Balmain & Co
David Giffin | CEO | Centuria Bass
Mark Creevey | Director | Ray White Special Projects
Melbourne: 21 May
Anne Jolic | CEO | Development Victoria
Rotem Rotenberg | Director | Cobild
David Stone | Managing Director, Co-Head of Lending | Centuria Bass
Julian White | National Partner | Stonebridge
Bringing together perspectives from across planning, funding, delivery and project marketing, this panel offers a real-time view of how projects are being assessed, structured and delivered in today’s market—and what developers need to demonstrate to move projects forward.
For those navigating the complexities of funding and delivery in 2026, this session provides practical, cross-sector insight that goes beyond theory.
Register now to secure your place.
The Urban Developer Residential Developer Summit Series | May 2026
Sydney 7 May | Brisbane 14 May | Melbourne 21 May
