Private lending stages
Finance Application Process: From Review to Release
Our finance application process takes your project from the initial enquiry through assessment, documentation and funding. Each stage identifies the information needed and the decisions required before the next step.
Explore our commercial finance, construction finance and development finance options, or contact Northwest to discuss your project.
Four stages
The lending process, step by step
Step 01
Documentation submission
Start the finance application process with the property address, funding amount, project purpose and proposed repayment strategy. Include plans, budgets, schedules and borrower details where available.
For construction and development, outline the current planning status, work completed and the next milestone. The team can then identify gaps and explain which supporting documents are needed for assessment.
Step 02
Underwriting review
The review considers the project timeline, budget, proposed security and repayment strategy. Questions about ownership, existing debt and draw assumptions help establish whether the proposed facility fits the transaction.
After submission, the team may request clarification or further supporting information. An initial discussion or assessment is not an approval or commitment to lend; any funding depends on lender criteria and formal terms.
Step 03
Site verification
Site information and inspections help confirm the property condition and progress relevant to the proposed funding. For an active build, keep your budget, programme and evidence of completed work up to date.
Valuation and verification requirements depend on the property and facility. Any differences between the submitted information and site conditions need to be resolved before funds can be scheduled.
Step 04
Capital release
Before settlement or a drawdown, the required documentation and funding conditions must be satisfied. Confirm the agreed amount, costs, timing and payment instructions through the appropriate channel.
For construction facilities, later releases follow the agreed drawdown process. Keep records of approved milestones, remaining costs and changes to the project so the finance application process carries through into clear ongoing administration.
During construction
How draws are verified and authorized
Once a project is active, funds are released against milestones rather than in a single payment. Each draw request is tied to work completed on site, so the schedule follows real progress.
Before any draw is authorized, an inspection verifies the reported progress. Approved draws are then released on the agreed schedule, and every decision point is documented for both the borrower and the lending team.
