Nick Clunes
Founder of Groundwork Commercial. Commercial finance broker at The Lending Lab.
I help investors and business owners buy commercial property with the finance worked out first. Most people start by looking at listings. I'd rather you start by knowing exactly what a lender will do, so every property you look at is one you can actually buy.
I started in banking as an assistant relationship manager at Greater Bank and moved into broking in 2021. Since then I've focused on commercial lending at The Lending Lab, working with investors, business owners and SMSF trustees buying commercial property.
Recognition
Why finance comes first
Commercial lending doesn't work like a home loan. Lenders look at the lease, the tenant, the yield and how the property is held, and the answer changes from one lender to the next.
I started Groundwork Commercial to teach that side properly, for free, before anyone pays a buyers agent or signs a contract.
The numbers behind the calculator
The capacity calculator runs on the same engine I use with clients. It tests every deal against each lender's own rules, across lease doc, full doc and SMSF loans, with stamp duty for every state.
Try the calculatorHow I can help
Learn
Free lessons, webinars and Groundwork Monthly, plus introductions to commercial buyers agents.
Finance
Commercial, lease doc, full doc and SMSF loans, arranged and managed through settlement.
Development and private finance
Development, construction, bridging and private lending through Andorra Private Capital Solutions, plus business advisory through Andorra Private Advisory Group.
What clients say
5.0 from 87 Google reviews of The Lending Lab“Nick is an absolute gun at his job. I’ve been through many brokers over the years, and he is by far the best I’ve worked with. His knowledge in the commercial space is second to none, and the way he handles the process is completely seamless”
“Nick as a broker is part of my dream team for not only residential but especially commercial lending and has been nothing short of brilliant! Always calm under pressure and gets the job done.”
“I cannot speak more highly of Nick and the wider team at the Lending Lab. His professionalism and attention to detail made the entire process a breeze…”
As seen and heard on
All ausbiz appearances
Business TV · 17 Sep 2026Mortgage competition heats up as lending fallsBusiness TV · 2 Sep 2026Commercial property investing with Steve Palise
Podcast · 2024In the hot seat: Nicholas Clunes
Profile · 2021On expanding into commercial finance
News · 2025Know your numbers before you shop.
A free 30-minute call. You'll leave knowing what you can borrow and what you can buy.