It also meant taking a new step. Although the couple had undertaken property projects before, this was their first development using formal development finance, bringing requirements and processes they hadn’t previously worked with.

Exploring the possibilities

Their interest in property had grown quite naturally. They began buying and improving homes in the early 2000s, moving on as their preferences and family circumstances changed. In 2019, they bought a small house on a generous site and began exploring its potential.

That was when they first worked with Merx. An initial loan of approximately $40,000 helped fund the exploratory work. They repaid it, but COVID put their plans on hold.

Their first experience with the team gave them a reason to return when they were ready to revisit the development. Building costs and circumstances had changed, and Jyl appreciated that Merx continued to see potential in the project. Merx provided a substantially larger funding facility to take it forward.

For Jyl, the aim was to create practical, well-finished homes while keeping costs in check. Property wasn’t her full-time occupation, but it was something she enjoyed.

Getting familiar with the development process

Merx helped Jyl get familiar with the funding process, explaining the steps involved and bringing in a quantity surveyor to oversee the project. As the build progressed, she saw firsthand how those arrangements supported the work she was doing.

“It actually ended up saving us money and time,” she says.

That support extended to the day-to-day running of the finance. Merx kept in touch about what was due and what was ready to proceed, coordinating with the quantity surveyor so Jyl could follow what needed to happen next.

“It was all kind of seamless because the quantity surveyor worked with Merx, and it was really easy for me to understand.”

Practical solutions when they mattered

As with any development, there were points where circumstances changed or something needed to be worked through. What stood out to Jyl was how Merx responded in those moments.

Rather than allowing an issue to slow the project down, the team was quick to understand what was needed, talk through the options and find a practical way forward.

“They were really solution focused.”

For Jyl, that combination of clarity and pragmatism made a real difference. Development finance was new territory, but she never felt she was navigating it alone. When decisions needed to be made, the conversations were direct, constructive and focused on keeping the project moving.

“They’re straight talkers without killing your spirit.”

Living with the result and looking ahead

Jyl describes the build as largely smooth and gives credit to the builders and the wider team for the finished result: homes with thoughtful layouts and finishes, including real wood cladding and marble benchtops.

For her, part of the appeal of property is being able to see the result of the work.

“I really love the feeling of accomplishment. You can stand back and physically see what you’ve created.”

There is still an undeveloped section at the back of the property, and Jyl hopes to work with Merx again on that next project. Further ahead, she and her husband would like to put their experience towards building something for their children.

“It wasn’t a skillset we set out to develop, but it is quite a handy skillset to have in hindsight.”