Renovators

Renovations are exciting, tempting and dangerous; getting it right or wrong can set you back financially. We are here to guide you from consideration to completion.

How we help

Renovating isn't just changing your home; it's changing how you live. Whether you're upgrading a kitchen, adding space, or transforming an entire house, it's a big financial and emotional commitment. Getting the lending structure right is often more important than choosing the right builder.

We know how exciting it can be. However, renovations often never happen or are too late to get the benefit, due to the fear of the unknown.

Questions running through your mind

Should we renovate or relocate?

Should we redesign or rebuild?

Council approval or finance approval first?

Will this renovation actually add value?

How do we manage cash flow during the build?

Construction loan or
cash-out?

Will our property be revalued
post-reno?

Can we access equity?

Renovations almost always cost more and take longer than expected. That's why it's crucial to start with a realistic, well-structured finance plan. One that prepares you for the worst case, when, as expected, things don't go as planned.

We explore:

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Upgrade or Renovate?

Is it better to stay with where you know and renovate, or upgrade to a house not needing one in an area. you would prefer?

Renovate or Invest?

Is it better to renovate completely, or hold back and invest in other assets?

Renovate to sell or stay?

Is it better to renovate with sale or staying in mind?

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Mortgage Advice

There is more to mortgages than fees and rates; we understand what makes great mortgage advice, and we have a clear culture that provides best practice guidance.

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Renovation finance isn’t clear-cut. It’s highly dependent on your equity, property value today and post, builder contract, and personal risk appetite.

Here’s how we help:

Renovate vs upgrade

Not sure if you should improve your current home or buy elsewhere? We’ll map both options financially and emotionally.

Small equity release

Release equity to fund minor renovations, including cosmetic updates, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and light structural work.

Large equity release

Access a large amount of funds for significant improvements, while maintaining total cash liquidity and decision-making.

Construction loans

For major works, construction finance involves staged drawdowns, interest-only periods, and bank approval before releasing cash.

Cash buffer planning

Build in buffers for blowouts in advance, to avoid relying on credit cards or personal loans.

Valuation strategy

Get early insights into how lenders will value your property pre- and post-renovation.

Ryan O’Hare, CEO

"I’m more than happy to provide a testimonial for Chris and the team at Alcove. They’re all legends, and they’ve made me and my family’s lives better through association with them. Chris, Ben and team have partnered with my wife and I to purchase 3 properties in the last 5 years. I say ‘partner’ cos that’s what they’ve done. There can’t be better firms than these guys out there. Give them whatever award you have, and more."

Owen Raszkiewicz, Founder, The Rask Group

“Alcove saved us: we had seven days to settle and no loan approval. They got the deal done and the team have been the long-term partner for the whole Rask business since 2022”

Lucy Briggs, Head of Marketing, Schroders

“As a broker Alcove help demystify and lighten the mortgage process; but as an advice partner they are so much more - helping us debate areas, properties and strategies to secure the future we want”

Carlos Cacho, Economist, Macquarie Group

“Alcove have been our go-to for understanding the mortgage and property market, and have personally provided my family with complex mortgage strategy advice for many years”

Bryce Leske, Co-Founder Equity Mates

“Alcove challenged our thinking on many levels; stopping us from buying the wrong property and ultimately, helping us buy the right one”

Amy, Operations Lead, First Home Buyer

“Alcove helped us buy our first home while navigating a move outside of Sydney. It was confusing to know what to do, but they gave us the confidence to make it happen”

Listen to our podcast Australian Property Podcast

Link to Podcast Page

We’ve got time to talk

Book a chat with one of the team, and we’ll take it from there.

Selected Awards

2024 The Adviser

#1 Elite Broker Ranking

2024 MPA

#3 Top 100 Broker Ranking

2024 MFAA Excellence

Finance Broker Business Award