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Common Questions About Shortgap

Find answers to common questions about eligibility, applications, security requirements, funding solutions and the lending process.

GETTING STARTED

What is Shortgap?

Shortgap is a technology-enabled private lending platform designed to simplify the borrowing experience for Australians seeking flexible short-term funding solutions.

Who can apply?

Shortgap may consider applications from: PAYG employees, self-employed borrowers, business owners, property investors, retirees, trusts and companies. All applications are assessed individually.

How much can I borrow?

Funding requirements vary depending on the purpose of funds, security position and overall circumstances. Please contact our team to discuss your requirements.

What can I use the funds for?

Funding may be considered for a wide range of purposes including bridging finance, property settlements, business cashflow, working capital, school fees, tax obligations, refinance assistance, acquisition opportunities, medical expenses, legal expenses, family law settlements, investment opportunities and other approved purposes.

FUNDING SOLUTIONS & COMMON USES

Can Shortgap assist with private school fees?

Yes. Shortgap may provide short-term funding solutions for private school fees where suitable security and an appropriate repayment strategy are available. Many borrowers are asset-rich but require temporary liquidity solutions to manage education expenses while preserving longer-term investments, superannuation or cashflow.

Can Shortgap assist with business cashflow?

Yes. Shortgap may assist business owners seeking short-term working capital or temporary cashflow support while awaiting receivables, settlements, refinancing or other anticipated funds.

Can Shortgap assist with bridging finance?

Yes. Bridging finance is one of the most common uses for short-term lending and may assist borrowers managing property transactions, settlement timing differences or temporary funding requirements.

Can Shortgap assist with property settlements?

Yes. Shortgap may assist borrowers requiring funding to complete residential, commercial or investment property settlements.

Can Shortgap assist with tax obligations or ATO debt?

Potentially. Applications relating to taxation obligations may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to security, overall circumstances and an appropriate repayment strategy.

Can Shortgap assist with business opportunities?

Yes. Shortgap may assist borrowers seeking to act on time-sensitive business opportunities, acquisitions or strategic investments where short-term funding is required.

Can Shortgap assist with refinancing existing debt?

Yes. Shortgap may assist borrowers seeking short-term funding while arranging longer-term refinance solutions.

Can Shortgap assist retirees who need access to funds?

Yes. Retirees with strong asset positions may be eligible for short-term funding solutions even where traditional lending options may be limited.

Can Shortgap assist with medical expenses?

Yes. Shortgap may consider funding for medical procedures, healthcare expenses and related personal funding requirements where suitable security is available.

Can Shortgap assist with legal expenses?

Yes. Shortgap may consider applications relating to legal proceedings, dispute resolution or other legal-related expenses where appropriate security is available.

Can Shortgap assist with family law settlements?

Potentially. Funding may be considered for borrowers requiring short-term capital during family law or asset settlement processes.

Can Shortgap assist with investment opportunities?

Yes. Funding may be considered for borrowers seeking to access time-sensitive investment opportunities supported by an appropriate exit strategy.

Can Shortgap assist if the banks have declined my application?

Potentially. Traditional bank lending criteria differ from private lending assessments. Shortgap may consider applications based on a broader review of security, equity, overall circumstances and exit strategy.

What does Shortgap generally look for?

Shortgap focuses on asset-backed lending solutions supported by available equity, suitable security, a clear purpose for funds, an identifiable exit strategy and supporting financial information. Each application is assessed individually.

ELIGIBILITY

Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score?

No. Completing an eligibility assessment does not affect your credit score.

How do I know if I qualify?

The first step is completing our online eligibility assessment. This helps us understand your circumstances and determine whether Shortgap may be suitable for your situation.

Can retirees apply?

Yes. Shortgap may consider retirees and asset-rich borrowers where there is sufficient security and a suitable exit strategy.

Can self-employed borrowers apply?

Yes. Applications from self-employed borrowers and business owners are welcomed and assessed on their individual circumstances.

Can I apply if I have existing loans?

Yes. Existing debt positions are considered as part of the overall assessment process.

Do I need perfect credit?

Not necessarily. Applications are assessed individually and may consider a range of factors beyond traditional lending criteria.

SECURITY & ASSETS

What assets can be used as security?

Security may include residential property, investment property, commercial property, vacant land and other approved assets.

Can investment properties be used as security?

Yes. Investment properties may be considered subject to assessment.

Can commercial property be used as security?

Yes. Commercial property may be considered as part of the security assessment process.

Is equity important?

Yes. Available equity is often an important factor in determining potential lending solutions.

What is an exit strategy?

An exit strategy outlines how the facility is intended to be repaid. Examples may include property sale, refinance, business income, asset liquidation, investment proceeds, superannuation access and other approved repayment sources.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How long does the application take?

The initial eligibility assessment typically takes only a few minutes to complete. Full application requirements vary depending on the complexity of each transaction.

What documents will I need?

Documentation requirements may include identification documents, asset information, financial information, income verification and security documents. Requirements vary between applicants.

Can I complete everything online?

Yes. Shortgap has been designed as a digital-first platform with secure document uploads and online application functionality.

Can I save my application and finish later?

Yes. Applications can be saved and completed at a later time.

Will someone contact me?

Yes. Our team may contact you if additional information is required during the assessment process.

LOAN TERMS & PRICING

What interest rates does Shortgap offer?

Shortgap does not apply a one-size-fits-all pricing model. Each application is assessed individually and lending terms are structured based on a range of factors, including security position, available equity, loan amount, loan purpose, loan term, exit strategy and overall risk profile. As every lending scenario is different, pricing and loan terms are determined on a case-by-case basis following assessment. Our objective is to structure funding solutions that appropriately reflect the individual circumstances of each borrower and transaction.

Why can't rates be displayed online?

Unlike standard consumer lending products, many Shortgap funding solutions are tailored to the specific circumstances of each borrower. Factors such as security, equity position, loan structure, term and repayment strategy can influence the overall lending solution. For this reason, rates and terms are assessed individually rather than offered under a standard pricing schedule. The best way to determine whether Shortgap may be suitable for your circumstances is to complete an eligibility assessment and speak with our team.

How are loan terms determined?

Loan terms are structured based on the individual circumstances of each transaction. Factors may include security position, available equity, loan purpose, loan term, repayment strategy, borrower circumstances and overall transaction risk profile. Each application is assessed individually and may result in a tailored lending solution.

What factors influence pricing?

Pricing may be influenced by a range of factors including loan amount, security type, loan-to-value ratio (LVR), borrower profile, exit strategy, transaction complexity, loan term and supporting documentation. As every transaction differs, pricing and loan terms may vary between borrowers.

Are there establishment fees?

Certain lending solutions may include establishment, administration, legal, valuation or other transaction-related costs. Any applicable fees and charges will be clearly disclosed before a borrower proceeds with a funding solution.

Are there legal or valuation costs?

Depending on the transaction, borrowers may be required to obtain legal documentation, valuations or other third-party reports. Where applicable, these requirements and any associated costs will be disclosed during the assessment process.

Can I repay my loan early?

Early repayment options may be available depending on the specific lending solution and loan terms. Borrowers should review the terms of their facility and discuss any proposed early repayment arrangements with the Shortgap team.

Will I receive a formal loan offer before proceeding?

Yes. If an application progresses, all proposed terms, conditions, fees, repayment requirements and documentation obligations will be clearly outlined before any funding proceeds. Borrowers will have the opportunity to review the proposed funding solution and obtain independent professional advice before entering into any loan agreement.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. Shortgap aims to provide transparency throughout the lending process. Any applicable fees, costs or charges will be disclosed as part of the assessment and approval process prior to settlement.

Do all applications receive the same terms?

No. Every application is assessed individually. As each borrower, security position and funding requirement is different, loan terms, pricing and conditions may vary between transactions.

APPROVAL & SETTLEMENT

What happens after I submit my application?

Your application enters the review process where supporting information, security and overall suitability are assessed.

How will I know the status of my application?

You will receive updates throughout the assessment process and may be contacted by our team where additional information is required.

What happens if my application progresses?

If suitable, our team will guide you through documentation, verification and settlement requirements.

How are funds released?

Funds are released following completion of all required documentation, verification procedures and settlement requirements.

Can I repay early?

Repayment options vary depending on the specific facility and terms. Please discuss your circumstances with our team.

PRIVACY & SECURITY

Is my information secure?

Yes. Shortgap uses secure technology and industry-standard security practices to protect your information.

Why do I need to verify my identity?

Identity verification forms part of our compliance and responsible lending obligations.

What happens to my personal information?

Personal information is managed in accordance with applicable privacy and compliance requirements.

Is Shortgap AML compliant?

Yes. Shortgap follows Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures as part of its assessment process.

REFERRAL PARTNERS

Can brokers refer clients?

Yes. Shortgap works with brokers, accountants, lawyers and other referral partners.

Is there a referral partner program?

Yes. Eligible referral partners may participate in the Shortgap referral network.

How do I become a referral partner?

Please contact our team to discuss partnership opportunities.

INVESTORS

Is Shortgap backed by investors?

Yes. Shortgap is supported by capital allocated to asset-backed lending opportunities.

Who manages the lending platform?

Shortgap operates under the Blackowl Group umbrella and is supported by experienced lending, advisory and operational professionals.

Speak With Our Team

Our team is available to discuss your circumstances and help determine whether Shortgap may be suitable for your funding requirements.