Whether you need a car loan, equipment finance, a truck loan, or a mortgage — Seek Capital connects you with experienced, licensed finance specialists at no cost to you. Some referrals may be to credit representatives of a licensed brokerage with whom Seek Capital has a commercial relationship. This is always disclosed upfront.
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Fill in our quick form with your contact details, loan type, and approximate amount. Takes under 2 minutes.
We review your enquiry and connect you with a licensed finance specialist suited to your needs. Some specialists may have a commercial relationship with Seek Capital — this is always disclosed.
Your finance specialist contacts you to discuss options and compare lenders — with no credit impact from the initial discussion, and only proceeding with your explicit consent.
We connect enquiries across all major finance categories. Whether you're an individual, sole trader, or business — we can connect you with a licensed finance specialist.
New or used vehicles, private sales, dealerships. Car loan enquiries may be referred to credit representatives of a licensed brokerage — disclosed upfront.
Submit an enquiry →Rigids, semis, B-doubles, vans. Heavy vehicle finance for owner-operators and fleets, with specialists who understand the transport industry.
Submit an enquiry →Machinery, yellow goods, agricultural, medical, and technology equipment — connected to licensed specialists across a wide panel of lenders.
Submit an enquiry →First home buyers, investors, refinancers. Connected to licensed mortgage brokers who compare loans across major banks and specialist lenders.
Submit an enquiry →Business acquisition, working capital, commercial property, and more. Connected to specialists experienced in complex commercial transactions.
Submit an enquiry →Vehicle, asset, business, and mortgage protection insurance. Connected to licensed partners who can help ensure your assets and income are protected.
Submit an enquiry →Answer 3 quick questions and we'll point you in the right direction.
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Indicative only. Actual rates & repayments confirmed by your broker.
When you go directly to a bank, you only see their products. A broker works for you — comparing dozens of lenders to find the best rate and terms for your situation.
Brokers have access to lenders not available on comparison websites, can negotiate on your behalf, and handle the paperwork. For complex situations — self-employed, bad credit, commercial — a broker can often find approval where a bank would say no.
Get referred to a broker →You see one lender's rates only. No comparison. No negotiation. You do all the research and paperwork yourself.
Your broker compares dozens of lenders, negotiates on your behalf, handles the paperwork — and it costs you nothing.
Experienced brokers hold accreditation with a wide panel of lenders, including specialist lenders not available to the public.
With over 30 combined years in financial services, we connect you with experienced, licensed finance specialists. All commercial relationships are disclosed upfront — no surprises.
The specialists we connect you with have extensive experience in their field. Car loan enquiries may be referred to credit representatives of a brokerage with whom Seek Capital has a commercial relationship.
Licensed brokers and credit representatives typically hold accreditation with multiple lenders, giving you access to a broader range of products to compare.
Submitting an enquiry through Seek Capital does not affect your credit file. Any formal credit application only occurs later, with your explicit consent, directly with the specialist.
Our service costs you nothing. Where we receive a referral fee, this is disclosed clearly and upfront before you submit your enquiry.
Our team and specialist network are based in Australia. We understand the local lending landscape and what it takes to get deals approved.
We clearly disclose when a referral is to a specialist or brokerage with a commercial relationship with Seek Capital. You are never under any obligation to proceed.
Every broker in our network is individually vetted. These are the types of specialists we refer you to.
15+ years in automotive & truck finance
18+ years in residential lending
12+ years in equipment & asset finance
Our broker network covers every state and territory.
Everything you need to know before getting started.
Plain-English guides to every type of finance we refer. Click any guide to learn more before speaking to your broker.
A plain-English guide to every equipment finance structure — and what each means for your tax, ownership, and cash flow.
Everything you need to know before financing your next vehicle — comparison rates, balloon payments, and what to watch out for.
Chattel mortgages, hire purchase, and commercial finance explained for rigid trucks, semis, B-doubles, utes and vans.
From first home buyers to investors and refinancers — a complete guide to mortgage types and how a broker finds you a better deal.
The full range of business finance options — from working capital and acquisition finance to commercial property and invoice factoring.
Understanding CCI, asset insurance, income protection and lenders mortgage insurance — and when each one matters for your situation.
Free, takes 2 minutes, and won't affect your credit score.
Seek Capital is a marketing and referral business operating across Australia. We connect individuals and businesses with experienced, licensed finance brokers. ABN: 64 849 170 714
Seek Capital is not a lender and does not provide credit assistance or loan advice. We are not an Australian Credit Licensee. We may refer you to licensed brokers who may pay us a referral fee.
Our service is free to you. Where a broker pays us a referral fee for an introduction, this is disclosed upfront. See our Terms & Disclaimer for full details.
All brokers we refer to hold appropriate Australian Credit Licences and are AFCA members. Your information is handled under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and only shared with your explicit consent.
Privacy Policy | Terms & Disclaimer
Last updated: January 2026 | Seek Capital (ABN: 64 849 170 714)
Seek Capital is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
To match you with a suitable broker, pass your details to that broker with your consent, respond to enquiries, and comply with legal obligations.
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Some brokers pay us a referral fee when we introduce a client. This fee is paid by the broker — not by you.
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Last updated: January 2026 | Seek Capital (ABN: 64 849 170 714)
Seek Capital is not a lender, credit provider, or Australian Credit Licensee. All credit assessments and loan advice are provided by the licensed broker you are referred to.
Nothing on this website constitutes financial or credit advice. Before acting on any information, seek independent professional advice.
By submitting an enquiry, you acknowledge Seek Capital will pass your details to a broker, the broker may contact you, Seek Capital does not guarantee loan approval, and you are under no obligation to proceed.
Seek Capital may receive a referral fee from brokers. This is paid by the broker, not by you, and does not affect the advice the broker provides.
Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a formal credit application and will not result in a credit enquiry on your file.
These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 0481 214 568
Whether you're buying machinery, a business vehicle, medical equipment or technology — there are several ways to structure the finance. Each has different implications for ownership, tax, and your balance sheet. Here's what you need to know before speaking to your broker.
You own the asset from day one. The lender takes a "mortgage" (security) over it until the loan is repaid. You can claim the full GST on the purchase price upfront (in the BAS period of purchase), depreciate the asset, and claim interest as a tax deduction. Balloon payments are common to keep monthly repayments manageable.
Best for: Businesses that want ownership and maximum tax deductions from day oneThe lender owns the asset; you lease it for an agreed term. At the end you can purchase it for the residual value, refinance, or hand it back. GST is charged on each repayment rather than upfront. You claim lease repayments as a business expense but cannot depreciate the asset (the lender does).
Best for: Businesses that prefer predictable costs and may want to upgrade regularlySimilar to a finance lease but typically shorter-term and fully off-balance-sheet. The lender retains the residual value risk. At the end you hand the asset back — there is no option to purchase. Repayments are treated as operating expenses, which keeps your balance sheet clean.
Best for: Assets with high obsolescence risk (tech, vehicles), or businesses wanting off-balance-sheet treatmentThe lender purchases the asset and hires it to you. You make regular repayments and own the asset outright when the final payment is made. GST is charged on each repayment rather than upfront. Very common in the transport and agriculture industries.
Best for: Businesses in transport or agriculture where HP structures are traditional and well-understoodA secured personal loan for individuals purchasing an asset for personal (not business) use. The asset is security for the loan. Interest rates are typically higher than commercial products but there are no GST or business tax complexities. Regulated under the NCCP Act, providing strong consumer protections.
Best for: Individuals buying a car, boat, caravan, or equipment for personal useYou sell an asset you already own to a lender and immediately lease it back, freeing up capital while retaining use of the asset. Useful for businesses that need cash flow but rely heavily on their equipment or fleet. The sale price becomes your working capital; the lease repayments replace depreciation costs.
Best for: Established businesses needing to unlock equity tied up in existing assets| Structure | Who owns the asset? | GST treatment | On balance sheet? | End of term options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattel Mortgage | You (from day one) | Full GST claimed upfront | Yes | Own outright (may have balloon) |
| Finance Lease | Lender | GST on each repayment | Yes | Buy, refinance, or return |
| Operating Lease | Lender | GST on each repayment | No | Return only |
| Hire Purchase | Lender (transfers at end) | GST on each repayment | Yes | Own outright |
| Consumer Loan | You (from day one) | No GST implications | Personal | Own outright |
| Sale & Leaseback | Lender | GST on sale & on repayments | Off balance sheet | Buy back or return |
A balloon (or residual) is a lump sum due at the end of your loan term. For example, on a $100,000 chattel mortgage over 5 years with a 30% balloon, you make lower monthly repayments but owe $30,000 at the end. You can then pay it out in cash, refinance it as a new loan, or trade the asset in and use the proceeds to cover it.
Balloons reduce your monthly repayments but mean you pay more total interest over the life of the loan. They make most sense when the asset retains enough value to cover the balloon (vehicles, quality machinery), or when cash flow is the priority during the loan term.
Instant Asset Write-Off: Under certain ATO thresholds, businesses may be able to claim an immediate full deduction for the cost of eligible assets in the year of purchase. This interacts with chattel mortgage structures particularly well — ask your accountant whether you're eligible before choosing your finance structure.
Most tangible business assets can be financed, including: earthmoving and construction equipment, agricultural machinery, trucks and trailers, medical and dental equipment, manufacturing equipment, commercial vehicles and forklifts, technology and IT infrastructure, commercial fit-outs, and solar and energy systems. Some lenders will also finance specialist or niche assets — your broker will know which lenders are most flexible for your asset type.
For loans under approximately $150,000, many lenders offer "low-doc" or "no-doc" equipment finance — particularly for businesses with an established ABN, a clean credit history, and assets that are easy to value. Above that threshold, lenders will typically want 2 years of tax returns or business financials. Some may also require an accountant's letter or ATO income tax notices. Your broker knows which lenders are most accessible for your situation and loan size.
Our brokers compare products across a wide panel of lenders — at no cost to you.
Get referred to an equipment finance broker →Buying a car is one of the most common finance decisions Australians make — but the type of loan you choose, and how it's structured, can make a significant difference to your repayments, tax position, and flexibility. Here's what you need to know before you sign anything.
The most common type of personal car loan in Australia. You borrow to purchase the vehicle, which acts as security for the loan. You own the car from day one. Regulated under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP), meaning you have strong consumer protections including a hardship framework and responsible lending obligations. Fixed interest rates are typical, with loan terms of 1–7 years.
Best for: Individuals buying a car for personal useIf the vehicle is used primarily for business (generally 50% or more of the time), a chattel mortgage is typically the most tax-effective structure. You own the vehicle from day one, claim the full GST upfront in your next BAS, deduct the interest as a business expense, and depreciate the vehicle. Not regulated under the NCCP — only available for genuine business-purpose loans.
Best for: Business owners, ABN holders, and sole traders buying a vehicle predominantly for workA three-way agreement between you, your employer, and a finance company. Repayments are deducted from your pre-tax salary, reducing your taxable income. The lease is "novated" to your employer — if you change jobs, the lease obligation returns to you personally. Running costs (fuel, insurance, servicing) can also be bundled in pre-tax. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) applies but is typically offset by the pre-tax salary reduction.
Best for: Salaried employees wanting to package a car through pre-tax salaryFinance arranged directly through a car dealership, typically via their preferred lender. It's convenient and can sometimes include special manufacturer rates (0% offers, for example). However, the rate may not always be the most competitive, and dealerships earn a commission on the finance they arrange — which they're required to disclose. Always worth comparing with a broker before committing.
Worth comparing: Get a broker quote first — you can always use the dealer's offer as a benchmarkThe lender owns the vehicle, you lease it for the agreed term. Lease payments are a business expense (deductible). At the end you can buy the vehicle for the agreed residual value, refinance, or return it and upgrade. GST is claimed progressively on each repayment rather than upfront. The vehicle doesn't appear as an owned asset on your balance sheet.
Best for: Businesses wanting to preserve capital and refresh vehicles at end of termA fully managed lease over a fixed term — repayments typically include servicing, registration, tyres, and sometimes a replacement vehicle. At the end you simply hand the vehicle back. Very common for fleets. Treated as an operating expense; the vehicle stays off your balance sheet. No residual risk — the lender wears depreciation.
Best for: Fleet vehicles, businesses wanting fully-managed off-balance-sheet vehicle costsA comparison rate combines the interest rate and most fees into a single annual percentage, giving you a truer cost of the loan. For example, a car loan advertised at 6.99% p.a. with a $500 establishment fee might have a comparison rate of 7.45% p.a. Always compare loans using the comparison rate, not just the headline rate.
Important: Comparison rates are calculated on a standard $30,000 loan over 5 years. For your actual loan amount and term, the effective rate may differ. Ask your broker to run the exact numbers for your situation.
A balloon (or residual value) is a lump sum you owe at the end of the loan. If you borrow $40,000 with a 30% balloon over 5 years, you pay lower monthly repayments throughout but owe $12,000 at the end. You then pay it out in cash, trade the car in (using the proceeds to cover it), or refinance it.
Balloons suit people who upgrade their car regularly, since the trade-in value often covers or exceeds the balloon. They carry more risk if you plan to keep the car long-term and the car depreciates faster than you anticipated — you could end up owing more than the car is worth (negative equity).
Yes, meaningfully. Lenders typically offer better rates on new vehicles because they're easier to value and more straightforward to sell if a loan defaults. Used vehicles — particularly older ones or high-kilometre cars — attract higher rates and more scrutiny. Most lenders won't finance vehicles older than a certain age at the end of the loan term (commonly 12–15 years). Private sale purchases can also be harder to finance than dealer purchases, though a broker will know which lenders are most flexible here.
Yes — though your options narrow and rates increase. Specialist (non-bank) lenders like Pepper Money and Liberty Financial assess applications more flexibly than mainstream banks, taking a broader view of your circumstances rather than just a credit score. A genuine explanation for past credit issues (medical event, relationship breakdown, redundancy) goes a long way. Your broker will know which lenders are most suitable.
Our brokers access dozens of lenders and will find the right structure for your situation — at no cost to you.
Get referred to a car finance broker →Heavy vehicle finance is a specialist area. From a single ute to a full B-double or road train, the finance structure, lender appetite, and documentation requirements differ significantly from standard car loans. Here's what owner-operators and fleet managers need to understand.
The most common structure for owner-operators and small fleets. You own the vehicle from day one, claim the full GST upfront on the purchase price, and deduct interest as a business expense. Depreciation can be claimed. A balloon payment at the end is common to keep repayments manageable, particularly for higher-value prime movers.
Best for: Owner-operators, sole traders, and companies buying trucks for regular business useThe lender purchases the vehicle and hires it to you. You pay regular instalments and own the vehicle outright at the end when the final payment is made. GST is paid on each repayment. No balloon required (though residual options are available). Well-suited to the transport industry's traditional financing practices and understood by most transport accountants.
Best for: Transport businesses comfortable with traditional HP structuresThe lender owns the vehicle throughout the term. You lease it and can buy it at the agreed residual value at the end, refinance, or return and upgrade. Lease repayments are a business expense. Useful for businesses that regularly update their fleet — the residual value risk sits with the lender rather than you.
Best for: Fleets that upgrade vehicles on a regular cycleA fully managed lease that often includes maintenance, tyres, registration, and roadside assistance. The vehicle stays off your balance sheet. At the end of the term you hand it back. Common for medium-to-large fleets managed in partnership with fleet management companies. You pay a fixed cost per month per vehicle — no surprises.
Best for: Medium-to-large fleets wanting predictable, fully-managed vehicle costsLenders classify vehicles by Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), which directly affects which products and lenders are available:
| Category | Examples | Typical lender approach |
|---|---|---|
| Light commercial (<4.5t GVM) | Utes, vans, small trucks | Wide lender choice; treated similarly to car finance; low-doc readily available |
| Medium commercial (4.5–12t GVM) | Rigid trucks, medium vans | Specialist lenders preferred; chattel mortgage or HP most common |
| Heavy commercial (>12t GVM) | Semis, B-doubles, road trains | Specialist transport lenders; business financials typically required |
| Special purpose | Crane trucks, refrigerated, tankers | Highly specialised; asset valuation and industry knowledge critical |
For light commercial vehicles under approximately $150,000, low-doc options are widely available for established ABN holders with a clean credit history. For heavy vehicles, lenders typically want to see: 2 years of tax returns or business financials, a list of current finance commitments and repayment amounts, details of the asset being purchased (make, model, year, kilometres), and — for larger amounts — copies of existing contracts demonstrating ongoing income from haulage or transport work.
Owner-operators: Many specialist transport lenders understand that cash flow in the transport industry is lumpy and seasonal. A broker who specialises in transport finance will know which lenders take a common-sense view of the whole business picture, not just the last two tax returns.
New trucks are straightforward — most specialist lenders will finance up to 100% of the purchase price for a creditworthy borrower. Second-hand trucks require more careful assessment: lenders look at age, kilometres, condition, service history, and resale value. Most lenders cap the maximum age of a heavy vehicle at end of loan term to around 15 years, though some specialist lenders are more flexible. For used trucks over $200,000, an independent valuation may be required.
Trailers, semi-trailers, refrigeration units, and specialised attachments can generally be financed separately from the prime mover, or bundled into the same facility. Some lenders have specific policies on trailer-only finance — particularly for older or unusual trailer types. A broker familiar with the transport sector will know the most appropriate lenders for your specific configuration.
We refer to specialists who understand the transport industry — not just generic lenders.
Get referred to a truck finance specialist →A home loan is the largest financial commitment most Australians make. Understanding the different loan types, rate structures, and features — and how a broker accesses options your bank won't show you — can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Your interest rate moves with the lender's standard variable rate, which generally tracks the RBA cash rate. When rates fall, your repayments fall. When rates rise, they rise. Variable loans typically offer the most flexibility — offset accounts, redraw facilities, the ability to make unlimited extra repayments, and no break costs if you exit or refinance.
Best for: Borrowers who want maximum flexibility and are comfortable with rate movementYour interest rate is locked for a set period — typically 1 to 5 years. Repayments are completely predictable regardless of what the RBA does. At the end of the fixed period, the loan rolls to a variable rate (unless you re-fix). Fixed loans are less flexible: break costs can apply if you exit early, and extra repayments may be capped (often $10,000–$20,000 per year).
Best for: Borrowers who value certainty and want to lock in a known repayment for budgetingPart of your loan is fixed, part is variable. You get some certainty on a portion of the repayments while retaining flexibility on the variable portion. A common structure is 50/50 or 70/30 fixed/variable. The fixed portion might cover your minimum repayments while the variable portion allows extra repayments and offset.
Best for: Borrowers wanting a hedge between certainty and flexibilityA transaction account linked to your home loan. The balance in the account is offset against your outstanding loan balance daily, so you only pay interest on the difference. Example: $500,000 loan with $80,000 sitting in offset means you pay interest on $420,000 only. The funds in your offset remain fully accessible — they're not locked away. This is generally more powerful than redraw for tax purposes, especially for property investors.
Best for: Anyone with savings or income sitting in a transaction accountIf you've made extra repayments on your loan above the minimum, a redraw facility lets you access those additional funds again. The money has technically been paid off your loan — redrawn funds are re-advanced by the lender. Some lenders charge fees or impose minimum redraw amounts. Unlike offset funds, redrawn funds can have tax implications for investment properties.
Best for: Owner-occupiers who want to reduce interest but may want to access extra repayments laterA revolving credit facility secured against your property. You can draw down up to your approved limit, repay, and draw again — like a credit card backed by property equity. Interest is charged only on what you've drawn. Typically used for renovations, investment deposits, or business working capital. Requires discipline — without a fixed repayment structure, balances can grow.
Best for: Property owners with significant equity who need flexible access to capitalDuring an interest-only period (typically 1–5 years on investment loans), you only pay the interest charged — not the principal. Your loan balance doesn't reduce. Repayments are lower during this period. At the end of the interest-only period, repayments jump significantly as you now repay both principal and interest over the remaining (shorter) loan term. Common for property investors managing cash flow.
Best for: Property investors managing short-term cash flow or during construction| Borrower type | Key considerations | How a broker helps |
|---|---|---|
| First home buyer | Deposit size, LMI, First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty concessions, First Home Guarantee Scheme | Navigating government schemes, finding low-deposit lenders, structuring the loan correctly from the start |
| Upgrader / mover | Bridging finance, simultaneous settlements, selling and buying at the same time | Coordinating bridging finance so you're not forced to sell before you buy |
| Investor | Interest-only periods, APRA serviceability buffers, negative gearing, LVR limits on investment loans | Accessing investment-specific rates, structuring for tax efficiency, finding lenders with favourable investor policies |
| Refinancer | Exit fees, break costs on fixed rates, comparison rates, cash-back offers, genuine vs. cosmetic savings | Calculating the true cost of switching, negotiating with your current lender, finding a genuinely better deal |
| Self-employed | Proof of income, 2-year ABN requirement, alt-doc loans, complex trust or company structures | Accessing low-doc and alt-doc lenders, non-bank options with flexible income assessment approaches |
| SMSF borrower | Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBA), specialist SMSF lenders, trust structure requirements | Accessing specialist SMSF lenders, ensuring the LRBA structure is correctly set up |
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a one-off insurance premium charged by the lender when your deposit is less than 20% of the purchase price — i.e. when your Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) exceeds 80%. LMI protects the lender, not you, if you default. Despite you paying the premium, you receive no direct benefit from it. Costs vary but can range from around $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on the loan size and LVR.
Ways to reduce or avoid LMI: save a 20% deposit; use a guarantor (a family member offers their property as additional security); access the Federal Government's First Home Guarantee Scheme (eligible first home buyers can buy with 5% deposit without paying LMI); or use a lender that waives LMI for certain professionals — many lenders waive LMI for doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other eligible occupations at LVRs up to 90% or 95%.
First Home Guarantee Scheme: The Australian Government guarantees up to 15% of the purchase price, meaning eligible buyers can purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying LMI. Places are limited each financial year. Your broker can check your eligibility and help you apply.
Our mortgage brokers compare hundreds of loans across major banks and specialist lenders — at no cost to you.
Get referred to a mortgage broker →Business finance covers a wide spectrum — from a $50,000 working capital facility to a $10 million commercial property acquisition. Understanding the different products and when each applies will help you have a far more productive conversation with your broker and approach the right lenders from the start.
A lump-sum loan repaid over a fixed term — typically 1 to 10 years — with regular principal and interest repayments. Used for specific purposes: buying equipment, funding expansion, acquiring a business, fit-outs, or consolidating existing debt. Can be secured (against property or business assets) or unsecured. Interest rates on secured loans are significantly lower.
Best for: Specific, defined business investments with a predictable return on investmentA revolving credit facility up to an agreed limit. Draw down when you need it, repay, and draw again. Interest is charged only on the outstanding balance — not the full limit. More flexible than a term loan but typically carries a higher interest rate. Requires annual review by the lender and may need to be "rested" (cleared) periodically.
Best for: Managing cash flow peaks and troughs, seasonal businesses, opportunistic purchasesA short-term credit facility linked directly to your business transaction account, allowing your balance to go below zero up to an approved limit. Interest is charged only on the negative balance daily. Secured overdrafts (property as security) offer higher limits and lower rates. Reviewed annually. Very common for small businesses managing timing differences between income and expenses.
Best for: Day-to-day cash flow management and short-term gaps between income and outgoingsUnlock cash tied up in outstanding invoices before your customers pay. Two main types: Invoice Factoring — the lender buys your invoices and takes over collections (your customers know about it); and Invoice Discounting — a confidential facility where you retain control of collections. Typically advances 70–85% of the invoice value immediately, with the balance (less fees) paid when your customer settles.
Best for: B2B businesses with payment terms of 30–90 days and growing debtorsFinance for purchasing, refinancing, or developing commercial property — offices, warehouses, retail, industrial, or mixed-use. LVRs are typically lower than residential (60–70%), and lenders assess both the property's strength as security and the borrower's capacity to service the debt. Interest-only periods are common. Non-bank lenders are often more flexible on LVR and serviceability for commercial property.
Best for: Businesses buying their own premises, and investors acquiring commercial propertyFinance to purchase an existing business. Lenders will assess 3 years of business financials, the goodwill being purchased and what sustains it, the purchaser's industry experience, existing client contracts, and the business's capacity to service the debt after purchase. Vendor finance (where the seller lends you part of the purchase price) is common and can bridge the gap between what banks will lend and the purchase price.
Best for: Buying an established business with a proven track record of profitability| Feature | Secured | Unsecured |
|---|---|---|
| Security required | Yes — residential or commercial property, equipment, or other assets | No — assessed on business cash flow, turnover, and credit history |
| Interest rate | Lower (typically 6–12% p.a.) | Higher (typically 10–30%+ p.a. depending on lender) |
| Loan amounts | Larger — up to millions depending on security value | Typically $500K or less; often $150K or less for pure unsecured |
| Application speed | Slower — valuation required on security property | Faster — sometimes same-day or next-day approval |
| Risk to borrower | Security asset at risk if you default | No specific asset at risk, but personal guarantees are almost always required |
| Typical use | Property purchase, large equipment, business acquisition | Working capital, short-term cash flow, small growth investments |
Business lending involves significantly more complexity than personal lending. Lenders typically assess: the business's trading history (most require at least 2 years of operation), revenue and profitability trends from profit and loss statements and tax returns, existing debt commitments and how they've been managed, the specific purpose of the loan and how it generates a return, the director's or owner's personal credit history, industry risk factors, and available security. For larger or more complex loans, a detailed business plan, cash flow forecast, and borrowing memorandum may be required.
Non-bank and specialist lenders: If your business financials are complex, your income is irregular, or you've experienced a difficult trading period, non-bank lenders like Pepper Money, Liberty Financial, and specialist commercial lenders often take a more holistic approach to credit assessment — weighing overall business viability rather than applying rigid financial ratios. Your broker will know which lenders are most suitable for your specific situation.
Our commercial finance brokers understand complex structures and have access to lenders not available directly to the public.
Get referred to a business finance specialist →Finance and insurance go hand in hand. Whether you're protecting a vehicle, an asset, your income, or your ability to meet loan repayments — understanding what's available, what's actually worth having, and what to be cautious of is important before you sign anything.
Required by most lenders when a vehicle is used as loan security. Covers damage to your vehicle and third parties in an accident, theft, fire, and weather events. If your vehicle is written off and the insured value is less than the outstanding loan balance — which is common in the first year or two — you may still owe money to the lender. This is where GAP cover is important.
Required: Most vehicle finance lenders require this as a condition of the loanGuaranteed Asset Protection. If your vehicle is written off and the insurance payout is less than the outstanding loan balance, GAP insurance covers the shortfall. New vehicles depreciate quickly — often losing 15–25% of value in the first year — while the loan balance reduces slowly if there's a balloon or low repayments. GAP cover prevents you from owing money on a car you no longer have.
Highly recommended: Especially for new vehicles, high balloon loans, or low-deposit purchasesCovers business assets — machinery, equipment, vehicles — against accidental damage, theft, fire, and breakdown. Lenders financing equipment will typically require it as a condition of finance. Business interruption insurance can extend this to cover lost income if revenue-critical equipment is out of action. Some policies include transit cover for mobile equipment.
Required for equipment finance; consider business interruption for revenue-critical assetsReplaces a portion of your income — typically 70–85% — if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Pays a monthly benefit for an agreed period (2 years, 5 years, or to age 65) after an initial waiting period (typically 30, 60, or 90 days). Premiums are generally tax-deductible when held outside superannuation. Absolutely critical for self-employed borrowers, tradespeople, and anyone with significant loan commitments and no sick leave entitlement.
Essential: Especially for self-employed people and anyone with large mortgage or business loan commitmentsCovers your loan repayments if you can't work due to illness, injury, or involuntary redundancy. Frequently sold at the point of loan settlement — but often poor value. The Banking Royal Commission found widespread examples of CCI being sold to people who were ineligible to claim (casuals, retirees, self-employed). Before purchasing, carefully compare the premium cost against the benefit cap and read the exclusions in detail.
Approach carefully: Compare against standalone income protection before committingA one-off insurance premium charged by the lender when your home loan LVR exceeds 80%. LMI protects the lender — not you — if you default on the loan. Despite you paying the premium, the policy's beneficiary is the lender. Costs vary significantly between lenders and can be substantial (up to $30,000+ on large loans). It is added to your loan balance and accrues interest, so the true cost is higher than the upfront premium suggests.
Unavoidable on high-LVR home loans without a guarantor or government scheme — but LMI costs vary, so comparing lenders mattersConsumer Credit Insurance is frequently offered at the point of signing a car loan, equipment finance agreement, or personal loan. The premium is often added to the loan itself, meaning you pay interest on it for the entire loan term — significantly inflating the true cost.
ASIC has conducted multiple reviews of CCI and found that claims paid represent a very low proportion of premiums collected — in some products, less than 20 cents in the dollar. Many claims are declined due to exclusions that weren't clearly disclosed at point of sale (pre-existing conditions, employment type, waiting periods).
Better alternative: A standalone income protection policy from a life insurer typically offers significantly broader cover, clearer terms, and better value than CCI attached to a loan. Premiums are generally tax-deductible. If you have significant debt commitments — mortgage, equipment loans, truck finance — proper income protection is worth the investment. Your broker can refer you to a licensed insurance specialist who can compare policies across multiple insurers.
| Loan type | Lender requirement | Worth considering in addition |
|---|---|---|
| Car loan | Comprehensive vehicle insurance, noting financier's interest | GAP insurance (especially in first 2 years) |
| Equipment finance | Asset/equipment insurance, noting financier's interest | Business interruption insurance for revenue-critical assets |
| Home mortgage | Building insurance (if house, not land or apartment) | Income protection, life/TPD insurance, contents insurance |
| Business loan (secured on property) | Building insurance on the security property | Income protection, key person insurance, business interruption |
| Truck / heavy vehicle finance | Comprehensive vehicle insurance + public liability | Income protection, goods in transit, breakdown cover |
We can refer you to a licensed insurance specialist who will compare cover across multiple providers — at no cost to you.
Get referred to an insurance specialist →