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← Home Loans & Finance
Renovation loans that fit the size of your reno.
Most renovations are funded from your home loan: a top-up or equity release for smaller jobs, or a construction-style loan paid in stages for bigger structural work. We work out which one suits your plans, compare lenders and line the money up with your builder.
Best Interests Duty
60+ lenders compared
Reviews after settlement
In short:Elephant Advisory arranges renovation loans for Melbourne homeowners. Smaller jobs are usually funded with a top-up or equity release on your existing home loan; bigger structural renos often use a construction loan paid to your builder in stages. Gavin and the finance team compare lenders and manage the paperwork.
Led by Gavin Hepponstall, Director & Head of Finance · Credit representative 570731.
At a glance
60+
Lenders on our panel
BID
Best Interests Duty: we must act for you, not the bank
1 team
Broker and accountants under one roof
Our Values
Renovation finance with values that actually mean something
From the first quote to the final invoice, here is how we look after the money side of your renovation.
01
SAVINGS FIRST
We check whether you need new borrowing at all. Sometimes redraw or an offset balance covers it, and we’ll tell you if that’s the cheaper path.
02
ASSESSMENT
Every plan starts with your equity, your budget for repayments and a realistic cost for the work, including a buffer for surprises.
03
VARIETY
Lenders treat renovations differently, from how they value the finished home to how they release funds. We compare options across our 60+ lender panel.
04
END-TO-END
From the builder’s quote to the final progress payment, we keep the loan and the build moving together.
05
SUPPORT
If costs run over or the build slows down, we talk to the lender early rather than leaving you to sort it out mid-job.
TOP LENDERS WE WORK WITH
With over 60+ lenders on our panel, some you've never heard of.
As a mortgage broker, we are governed by our 'Best Interest Duty', which ensures that we are looking out for you, your needs and goals versus a banks bottom line.
What we help with
Renovation loan services that keep your project funded.
From the kitchen refresh to the second storey, we match the loan to the job.
01
Equity Release
For cosmetic jobs like a new kitchen or bathroom, we can often increase your existing loan or release equity, so you pay one rate on one loan.
02
Construction-Style Loans
For structural work, many lenders pay your builder in stages as each part is finished, and you only pay interest on what has been drawn.
03
As-If-Complete Valuations
Some lenders will value your home as if the renovation is finished. That can mean you can borrow more, so we know which ones do it.
04
Lender Comparison
Rates, fees, how funds are released and whether an offset is available all vary. We compare them side by side before you sign anything.
05
Builder Paperwork
We help you get the right documents together: a fixed-price contract, plans, permits and the builder’s insurance details.
06
Refinance and Reno
If your rate is no longer sharp, renovating can be a good time to refinance and fund the work in one step.
The process
How it works
01
Free chat
Tell us where you are now and what you want to achieve.
02
Borrowing and lender comparison
We assess your borrowing power and compare suitable lenders.
03
Pre-approval and application
We handle the paperwork and keep your application moving.
04
Settlement and reviews
We stay in your corner, from settlement to regular loan reviews.
Our Solution
Renovating is stressful enough. The money side doesn’t have to be.
The renovation finance problems most homeowners run into, and how we handle them.
Without Elephant
Not sure how much equity you can use
Paying for the reno on credit cards
Builder wants paying before the bank releases funds
Costs blow out halfway through
Stuck on an old, uncompetitive rate
With Elephant Advisory
Usable equity worked out upfront
The reno funded at a home loan rate
Progress payments lined up with your builder
A buffer built in before you start
Refinance and renovate in one step
“A renovation loan should match the job. A new bathroom and a second storey need very different finance, so we start with the plans and work backwards to the right loan.”
Free tools
Run the numbers first
Your finance expert
Meet your broker
Gavin Hepponstall
Director & Head of Finance
Gav is the person you want in your corner when it comes to property finance. After years in banking and motor trade finance, he joined Elephant early and never looked back. He’s passionate about combining property and finance to help clients achieve their goals through tailored financial structuring, and he’s very serious about snacks at meetings.
FAQ
Let's clear a few things up.
No jargon, no runaround - just honest answers.
Most people use their home loan. For smaller jobs, you can top up your loan or release equity. For bigger structural work, a construction-style loan pays your builder in stages. Redraw or offset savings can also cover smaller jobs.
It depends on your usable equity and whether you can afford the repayments. Usable equity is usually up to 80% of your home’s value minus what you owe. Lenders test repayments at a rate at least 3% above the actual rate.
For structural work, yes. Lenders usually want a fixed-price building contract, plans and council approvals if needed. In Victoria, most domestic building work over $10,000 needs a registered builder and a major domestic building contract.
It is when the lender values your home as it will be once the renovation is finished. Some lenders do this for structural renovations with a building contract, which can increase how much you can borrow.
It is harder. Many lenders won’t fund owner-builder work, or they cap the loan size. If you plan to manage the build yourself, talk to us before you start so we can check which lenders will consider it.
Often, yes. If your rate is no longer competitive, refinancing and releasing equity for the renovation in one step can save money. Just check any break costs first if you are on a fixed rate.
Home Loans & Property
Read before you apply
Interest rates history in Australia: the cash rate since 1990
How the RBA cash rate has moved since 1990, from the 17.5% peak to the 0.10% low and back up to 4.85% in November 2026, and what each move means for your repayments.
How Much Can I Borrow on My Salary? (2026 Examples)
Rough borrowing power from $60k to $200k salaries in Australia, how banks work it out, and the small things that cut it.
How Lender Policies Affect How Much You Can Actually Borrow
Different lenders, different rules. Learn how lender policy shapes your borrowing capacity.
Related services
Find out what you can borrow, free.
Elephant Financial Pty Ltd (ABN 38 611 576 240) trading as Elephant Advisory is an authorised credit representative (ACR 487962) of Yellow Brick Road Aggregation Pty Ltd (formerly Vow Financial Pty Ltd) (ABN 66 138 789 161), Australian Credit Licence 390261.
Credit Guide
← Home Loans & Finance
Renovation loans that fit the size of your reno.
Most renovations are funded from your home loan: a top-up or equity release for smaller jobs, or a construction-style loan paid in stages for bigger structural work. We work out which one suits your plans, compare lenders and line the money up with your builder.
Best Interests Duty
60+ lenders compared
Reviews after settlement
In short:Elephant Advisory arranges renovation loans for Melbourne homeowners. Smaller jobs are usually funded with a top-up or equity release on your existing home loan; bigger structural renos often use a construction loan paid to your builder in stages. Gavin and the finance team compare lenders and manage the paperwork.
Led by Gavin Hepponstall, Director & Head of Finance · Credit representative 570731.
At a glance
60+
Lenders on our panel
BID
Best Interests Duty: we must act for you, not the bank
1 team
Broker and accountants under one roof
Our Values
Renovation finance with values that actually mean something
From the first quote to the final invoice, here is how we look after the money side of your renovation.
01
SAVINGS FIRST
We check whether you need new borrowing at all. Sometimes redraw or an offset balance covers it, and we’ll tell you if that’s the cheaper path.
02
ASSESSMENT
Every plan starts with your equity, your budget for repayments and a realistic cost for the work, including a buffer for surprises.
03
VARIETY
Lenders treat renovations differently, from how they value the finished home to how they release funds. We compare options across our 60+ lender panel.
04
END-TO-END
From the builder’s quote to the final progress payment, we keep the loan and the build moving together.
05
SUPPORT
If costs run over or the build slows down, we talk to the lender early rather than leaving you to sort it out mid-job.
TOP LENDERS WE WORK WITH
With over 60+ lenders on our panel, some you've never heard of.
As a mortgage broker, we are governed by our 'Best Interest Duty', which ensures that we are looking out for you, your needs and goals versus a banks bottom line.
What we help with
Renovation loan services that keep your project funded.
From the kitchen refresh to the second storey, we match the loan to the job.
01
Equity Release
For cosmetic jobs like a new kitchen or bathroom, we can often increase your existing loan or release equity, so you pay one rate on one loan.
02
Construction-Style Loans
For structural work, many lenders pay your builder in stages as each part is finished, and you only pay interest on what has been drawn.
03
As-If-Complete Valuations
Some lenders will value your home as if the renovation is finished. That can mean you can borrow more, so we know which ones do it.
04
Lender Comparison
Rates, fees, how funds are released and whether an offset is available all vary. We compare them side by side before you sign anything.
05
Builder Paperwork
We help you get the right documents together: a fixed-price contract, plans, permits and the builder’s insurance details.
06
Refinance and Reno
If your rate is no longer sharp, renovating can be a good time to refinance and fund the work in one step.
The process
How it works
01
Free chat
Tell us where you are now and what you want to achieve.
02
Borrowing and lender comparison
We assess your borrowing power and compare suitable lenders.
03
Pre-approval and application
We handle the paperwork and keep your application moving.
04
Settlement and reviews
We stay in your corner, from settlement to regular loan reviews.
Our Solution
Renovating is stressful enough. The money side doesn’t have to be.
The renovation finance problems most homeowners run into, and how we handle them.
Without Elephant
Not sure how much equity you can use
Paying for the reno on credit cards
Builder wants paying before the bank releases funds
Costs blow out halfway through
Stuck on an old, uncompetitive rate
With Elephant Advisory
Usable equity worked out upfront
The reno funded at a home loan rate
Progress payments lined up with your builder
A buffer built in before you start
Refinance and renovate in one step
“A renovation loan should match the job. A new bathroom and a second storey need very different finance, so we start with the plans and work backwards to the right loan.”
Free tools
Run the numbers first
Your finance expert
Meet your broker
Gavin Hepponstall
Director & Head of Finance
Gav is the person you want in your corner when it comes to property finance. After years in banking and motor trade finance, he joined Elephant early and never looked back. He’s passionate about combining property and finance to help clients achieve their goals through tailored financial structuring, and he’s very serious about snacks at meetings.
FAQ
Let's clear a few things up.
No jargon, no runaround - just honest answers.
Most people use their home loan. For smaller jobs, you can top up your loan or release equity. For bigger structural work, a construction-style loan pays your builder in stages. Redraw or offset savings can also cover smaller jobs.
It depends on your usable equity and whether you can afford the repayments. Usable equity is usually up to 80% of your home’s value minus what you owe. Lenders test repayments at a rate at least 3% above the actual rate.
For structural work, yes. Lenders usually want a fixed-price building contract, plans and council approvals if needed. In Victoria, most domestic building work over $10,000 needs a registered builder and a major domestic building contract.
It is when the lender values your home as it will be once the renovation is finished. Some lenders do this for structural renovations with a building contract, which can increase how much you can borrow.
It is harder. Many lenders won’t fund owner-builder work, or they cap the loan size. If you plan to manage the build yourself, talk to us before you start so we can check which lenders will consider it.
Often, yes. If your rate is no longer competitive, refinancing and releasing equity for the renovation in one step can save money. Just check any break costs first if you are on a fixed rate.
Home Loans & Property
Read before you apply
Interest rates history in Australia: the cash rate since 1990
How the RBA cash rate has moved since 1990, from the 17.5% peak to the 0.10% low and back up to 4.85% in November 2026, and what each move means for your repayments.
How Much Can I Borrow on My Salary? (2026 Examples)
Rough borrowing power from $60k to $200k salaries in Australia, how banks work it out, and the small things that cut it.
How Lender Policies Affect How Much You Can Actually Borrow
Different lenders, different rules. Learn how lender policy shapes your borrowing capacity.
Related services
Find out what you can borrow, free.
Elephant Financial Pty Ltd (ABN 38 611 576 240) trading as Elephant Advisory is an authorised credit representative (ACR 487962) of Yellow Brick Road Aggregation Pty Ltd (formerly Vow Financial Pty Ltd) (ABN 66 138 789 161), Australian Credit Licence 390261.
Credit Guide
← Home Loans & Finance
Renovation loans that fit the size of your reno.
Most renovations are funded from your home loan: a top-up or equity release for smaller jobs, or a construction-style loan paid in stages for bigger structural work. We work out which one suits your plans, compare lenders and line the money up with your builder.
Best Interests Duty
60+ lenders compared
Reviews after settlement
In short:Elephant Advisory arranges renovation loans for Melbourne homeowners. Smaller jobs are usually funded with a top-up or equity release on your existing home loan; bigger structural renos often use a construction loan paid to your builder in stages. Gavin and the finance team compare lenders and manage the paperwork.
Led by Gavin Hepponstall, Director & Head of Finance · Credit representative 570731.
At a glance
60+
Lenders on our panel
BID
Best Interests Duty: we must act for you, not the bank
1 team
Broker and accountants under one roof
Our Values
Renovation finance with values that actually mean something
From the first quote to the final invoice, here is how we look after the money side of your renovation.
01
SAVINGS FIRST
We check whether you need new borrowing at all. Sometimes redraw or an offset balance covers it, and we’ll tell you if that’s the cheaper path.
02
ASSESSMENT
Every plan starts with your equity, your budget for repayments and a realistic cost for the work, including a buffer for surprises.
03
VARIETY
Lenders treat renovations differently, from how they value the finished home to how they release funds. We compare options across our 60+ lender panel.
04
END-TO-END
From the builder’s quote to the final progress payment, we keep the loan and the build moving together.
05
SUPPORT
If costs run over or the build slows down, we talk to the lender early rather than leaving you to sort it out mid-job.
TOP LENDERS WE WORK WITH
With over 60+ lenders on our panel, some you've never heard of.
As a mortgage broker, we are governed by our 'Best Interest Duty', which ensures that we are looking out for you, your needs and goals versus a banks bottom line.
What we help with
Renovation loan services that keep your project funded.
From the kitchen refresh to the second storey, we match the loan to the job.
01
Equity Release
For cosmetic jobs like a new kitchen or bathroom, we can often increase your existing loan or release equity, so you pay one rate on one loan.
02
Construction-Style Loans
For structural work, many lenders pay your builder in stages as each part is finished, and you only pay interest on what has been drawn.
03
As-If-Complete Valuations
Some lenders will value your home as if the renovation is finished. That can mean you can borrow more, so we know which ones do it.
04
Lender Comparison
Rates, fees, how funds are released and whether an offset is available all vary. We compare them side by side before you sign anything.
05
Builder Paperwork
We help you get the right documents together: a fixed-price contract, plans, permits and the builder’s insurance details.
06
Refinance and Reno
If your rate is no longer sharp, renovating can be a good time to refinance and fund the work in one step.
The process
How it works
01
Free chat
Tell us where you are now and what you want to achieve.
02
Borrowing and lender comparison
We assess your borrowing power and compare suitable lenders.
03
Pre-approval and application
We handle the paperwork and keep your application moving.
04
Settlement and reviews
We stay in your corner, from settlement to regular loan reviews.
Our Solution
Renovating is stressful enough. The money side doesn’t have to be.
The renovation finance problems most homeowners run into, and how we handle them.
Without Elephant
Not sure how much equity you can use
Paying for the reno on credit cards
Builder wants paying before the bank releases funds
Costs blow out halfway through
Stuck on an old, uncompetitive rate
With Elephant Advisory
Usable equity worked out upfront
The reno funded at a home loan rate
Progress payments lined up with your builder
A buffer built in before you start
Refinance and renovate in one step
“A renovation loan should match the job. A new bathroom and a second storey need very different finance, so we start with the plans and work backwards to the right loan.”
Free tools
Run the numbers first
Your finance expert
Meet your broker
Gavin Hepponstall
Director & Head of Finance
Gav is the person you want in your corner when it comes to property finance. After years in banking and motor trade finance, he joined Elephant early and never looked back. He’s passionate about combining property and finance to help clients achieve their goals through tailored financial structuring, and he’s very serious about snacks at meetings.
FAQ
Let's clear a few things up.
No jargon, no runaround - just honest answers.
Most people use their home loan. For smaller jobs, you can top up your loan or release equity. For bigger structural work, a construction-style loan pays your builder in stages. Redraw or offset savings can also cover smaller jobs.
It depends on your usable equity and whether you can afford the repayments. Usable equity is usually up to 80% of your home’s value minus what you owe. Lenders test repayments at a rate at least 3% above the actual rate.
For structural work, yes. Lenders usually want a fixed-price building contract, plans and council approvals if needed. In Victoria, most domestic building work over $10,000 needs a registered builder and a major domestic building contract.
It is when the lender values your home as it will be once the renovation is finished. Some lenders do this for structural renovations with a building contract, which can increase how much you can borrow.
It is harder. Many lenders won’t fund owner-builder work, or they cap the loan size. If you plan to manage the build yourself, talk to us before you start so we can check which lenders will consider it.
Often, yes. If your rate is no longer competitive, refinancing and releasing equity for the renovation in one step can save money. Just check any break costs first if you are on a fixed rate.
Home Loans & Property
Read before you apply
Interest rates history in Australia: the cash rate since 1990
How the RBA cash rate has moved since 1990, from the 17.5% peak to the 0.10% low and back up to 4.85% in November 2026, and what each move means for your repayments.
How Much Can I Borrow on My Salary? (2026 Examples)
Rough borrowing power from $60k to $200k salaries in Australia, how banks work it out, and the small things that cut it.
How Lender Policies Affect How Much You Can Actually Borrow
Different lenders, different rules. Learn how lender policy shapes your borrowing capacity.
Related services
Find out what you can borrow, free.
Elephant Financial Pty Ltd (ABN 38 611 576 240) trading as Elephant Advisory is an authorised credit representative (ACR 487962) of Yellow Brick Road Aggregation Pty Ltd (formerly Vow Financial Pty Ltd) (ABN 66 138 789 161), Australian Credit Licence 390261.
Credit Guide
Phone
OFFICE HOURS
Mon to Fri: 8.30am - 6.00pm
By appointment only.
Elephant Financial Pty Ltd (ABN 38 611 576 240) trading as Elephant Advisory is an authorised credit representative (ACR 487962) of Yellow Brick Road Aggregation Pty Ltd (formerly Vow Financial Pty Ltd) (ABN 66 138 789 161), Australian Credit Licence 390261. Accounting and tax services are provided by Elephant Tax Pty Ltd (ABN 39 626 563 755), bookkeeping by Elephant Bookkeeping Pty Ltd (ABN 49 682 979 139), digital marketing by Elephant Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 72 692 273 091) and offshore staffing by Elephant Teams Pty Ltd (ABN 24 656 874 789).
Phone
OFFICE HOURS
Mon to Fri: 8.30am - 6.00pm
By appointment only.
Elephant Financial Pty Ltd (ABN 38 611 576 240) trading as Elephant Advisory is an authorised credit representative (ACR 487962) of Yellow Brick Road Aggregation Pty Ltd (formerly Vow Financial Pty Ltd) (ABN 66 138 789 161), Australian Credit Licence 390261. Accounting and tax services are provided by Elephant Tax Pty Ltd (ABN 39 626 563 755), bookkeeping by Elephant Bookkeeping Pty Ltd (ABN 49 682 979 139), digital marketing by Elephant Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 72 692 273 091) and offshore staffing by Elephant Teams Pty Ltd (ABN 24 656 874 789).
Phone
OFFICE HOURS
Mon to Fri: 8.30am - 6.00pm
By appointment only.
Elephant Financial Pty Ltd (ABN 38 611 576 240) trading as Elephant Advisory is an authorised credit representative (ACR 487962) of Yellow Brick Road Aggregation Pty Ltd (formerly Vow Financial Pty Ltd) (ABN 66 138 789 161), Australian Credit Licence 390261. Accounting and tax services are provided by Elephant Tax Pty Ltd (ABN 39 626 563 755), bookkeeping by Elephant Bookkeeping Pty Ltd (ABN 49 682 979 139), digital marketing by Elephant Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 72 692 273 091) and offshore staffing by Elephant Teams Pty Ltd (ABN 24 656 874 789).