The timeline step by step
Deal snapshot to indicative terms: usually within one business day. Terms accepted and valuation instructed: same or next day. Valuation returned: two to five business days for standard metropolitan security, longer for rural, specialised or development assets. Formal approval: one to two days after valuation. Loan documents issued, signed and legal requirements satisfied: three to seven days. Settlement and funding: on satisfaction of conditions.
What actually causes delays
In practice, delays come from a short list: incomplete information at submission; access problems for the valuation inspection; discharge of an existing mortgage where the outgoing lender is slow; missing entity documents, trust deeds or identification; unresolved title issues such as caveats, easements or unregistered dealings; borrower-side legal advice not being arranged; and undisclosed facts surfacing in diligence.
The last of those is the most expensive. Anything adverse is far cheaper to disclose on day one than to have found in week two.
How to settle faster
Send a complete snapshot: property address and type, current value estimate and basis, existing debt and lender, loan amount and purpose, term, proposed exit with evidence, borrowing entity details and sponsor background. Arrange valuation access immediately. Engage your solicitor before terms are issued. Order the payout figure from your existing lender early. Have entity documents, trust deeds and ID ready.
Key points
- Indicative terms: about one business day.
- Typical first-mortgage settlement: one to three weeks.
- Caveat funding: often 24–72 hours.
- Valuation access, discharges and disclosure drive the timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest a loan can fund?
Caveat-secured facilities can fund within 24 to 72 hours where valuation and legal requirements are met and the borrower is responsive.
Do I need my own lawyer?
Yes. Independent legal advice is required for commercial loan documents and guarantees, and arranging it early prevents delay.
Can settlement happen before valuation?
Rarely, and only in limited caveat scenarios. In almost all cases the valuation must be in hand before funding.