Frequently asked questions

fundU is a direct private lender. We assess, approve and fund our own loans. We don't operate as a broker and we don't send your details to a panel of lenders to find a match.

Yes. We lend to businesses throughout New Zealand, from Northland to Southland, secured against New Zealand property. Everything can be handled by phone, email and your lawyer.

Sole traders, companies, partnerships and trusts can apply, across almost every industry — trades and construction, hospitality, retail, transport, manufacturing, professional services, rural businesses and more. The loan must be for a business purpose.

No. fundU only lends for business purposes, such as working capital, paying IRD, equipment, expansion, refinancing business debt or buying a business or commercial property.

fundU lends from $20,000 to $1m. The amount depends on the property value, any existing lending, the purpose and how the loan will be repaid.

New Zealand residential property (your home or an investment property), commercial and industrial property, and some land or lifestyle property case by case. It can be owned by you, your company, your family trust or a supporting party such as a family member.

A first mortgage is the main loan registered against a property — used when the property is unencumbered or we refinance the existing lender. A second mortgage sits behind an existing first mortgage, so your bank loan stays in place. Read our guide on first vs second mortgages for business.

For builders and developers, fundU lends against conventional completed property — a home, an investment property or commercial premises — rather than the construction project or development site itself.

Depending on the approved terms, loans can be interest-only, have capitalised interest with no scheduled monthly repayments during the term, or be principal and interest.

Every fundU loan is priced on your individual circumstances — the property, the loan size, the term and the purpose. We don't publish a one-size-fits-all rate; we give you the sharpest rate available for your situation once we understand it.

Often, yes. Bad credit, defaults and arrears are considered case by case. Because the loan is secured by property and we look at the whole story, a credit issue isn't an automatic no.

Yes. Paying out IRD debt — GST, PAYE, income tax or provisional tax — is one of the most common reasons businesses come to us. Clearing it in one hit stops penalties and interest building and ends enforcement pressure.

Yes. Many fundU clients come to us after a bank decline. We make our own decisions using different criteria, focusing on the property, the purpose and the exit.

Not for the initial assessment. Depending on the scenario we may ask for bank statements, contracts, invoices, IRD statements or an accountant's letter.

Possibly. New businesses are considered case by case where there's suitable property security and a clear plan to repay.

Funding can happen in as little as 24 hours once approved in some cases. The timing depends on the valuation, the property title and how quickly both sets of lawyers finalise documents.

No. Making an enquiry is free and doesn't affect your credit score.

Usually a current valuation from a registered valuer, and yes, you'll need a lawyer to explain and witness the loan and mortgage documents.

Most fundU loans are designed to be repaid when your planned exit happens, such as a sale, refinance or contract payment. Talk to us about early repayment terms when your loan is being set up.