Skip to main content

Asset Finance for Tradies and Builders

ASSET FINANCE FOR TRADIES

Match the Finance to the Gear

Tradie using work equipment

The gear earns the money, so it makes sense to fund it in a way that fits how it is used and how long it lasts. Asset finance for tradies spreads the cost of the equipment your business runs on, from machinery to trailers to fit-outs, without draining the cash you need for materials and wages.

The question is not whether to finance the asset, but how. Ausfirst Lending Group works as a specialist equipment finance adviser, matching the structure, term and lender to the asset and how your business trades.

01

The Asset

What you are buying and how it will be used.

02

The Structure

How ownership, GST and repayments are handled.

03

The Term

How long the finance should run against the asset.

PROTECT WORKING CASH

Why Finance Gear Instead of Paying Cash

Paying cash for a big piece of gear can feel responsible, but it can leave the business thin for the next job. A broken machine or a trailer you cannot do without has a habit of arriving at the worst time. Asset finance keeps the equipment working while the cost is spread over its useful life, so the cash stays where the business needs it.

01

Equipment Tradies Commonly Finance

Asset finance covers most of the gear a trade business runs on:

Machinery and Plant

Excavators, bobcats, generators and other plant that does the heavy work on site. Financing spreads the cost over the years the machine earns.

Trailers and Site Setups

Box trailers, tipping trailers and fitted work trailers that keep tools and materials moving between jobs. These are often quick to finance against the asset itself.

Tools and Technology

Larger tool packages, workshop equipment and the hardware a modern trade business relies on. Bundling these can be simpler than paying piece by piece.

Fit-Outs and Refits

Vehicle fit-outs, workshop refits and the setup costs of a growing operation. Spreading these keeps working cash free for live jobs.

02

Ways to Structure Equipment Finance

The structure decides who owns the asset and how the tax works:

OWN FROM DAY ONE

Chattel Mortgage

You own the asset from day one and it secures the loan. This is the most common structure for tradies, and it can suit a business that wants ownership and the depreciation and goods and services tax (GST) treatment that go with it.

LEASED ASSET

Finance Lease

The lender owns the asset and you lease it over an agreed term, with options around the asset at the end. It can keep repayments predictable, depending on how you account for it.

OWNERSHIP AT THE END

Commercial Hire Purchase

You hire the asset and take ownership once the final payment is made. It sits between a lease and a chattel mortgage, and the right fit depends on how your accountant treats the gear.

Each structure affects ownership, GST and repayments differently, so confirm the treatment with your accountant.

USEFUL LIFE

Matching the Loan Term to the Asset

A five year term on a tool that wears out in three leaves you paying for gear you have already replaced. The aim is to line the loan up with how long the asset earns. Longer terms lower the repayment but lift the total cost, and shorter terms cost less overall but ask more of monthly cashflow.

END-OF-TERM PAYMENT

Balloon and Residual Payments

A balloon or residual is a lump sum left to the end of the term. It lowers your regular repayments but leaves a larger amount to pay, refinance or trade out of later. Whether it suits you depends on how long you plan to keep the asset and what the cashflow can carry.

03

New, Used or Ex-Fleet

Lenders treat the age and type of the asset differently, so what you buy shapes your options. New equipment usually attracts the widest lender appetite and the longest terms. Used or second-hand gear brings age, condition and valuation into the assessment, and specialised or older machinery can narrow the field of lenders further. A private sale may also need extra checks compared with a dealer purchase, so it is worth knowing the lender's stance before you commit to the asset.

For work vehicles specifically, vehicle finance for tradies is the closer fit.

TAX TREATMENT

Tax and the Instant Asset Write-Off

How the purchase is treated at tax time can matter as much as the finance. Eligible small businesses may be able to use the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) instant asset write-off to immediately deduct the cost of qualifying assets, rather than depreciating them over several years, which can support cashflow in the year of purchase. Eligibility depends on your turnover, the cost of the asset and when it is first used or installed ready for use.

The instant asset write-off threshold, turnover limits and timing rules can change each financial year and are subject to legislation. Confirm what applies for the current year with your accountant.

PRICING FACTORS

What Affects Your Rate and Repayments

A few things shape the rate and repayments on equipment finance:

  • The age and type of the asset, since newer, standard gear is usually cheaper to fund
  • The loan term and any balloon, which shift both the monthly figure and the total cost
  • The strength of your trading history and credit profile
  • The deposit or trade-in you contribute, which lowers the amount financed
APPLICATION CHECKLIST

What You Need to Apply

The clearer the picture of the asset and the business, the smoother the assessment:

  • Asset invoice, quote or supplier details
  • Australian Business Number (ABN) and trading history
  • Business bank statements, business activity statements (BAS) or financials where required
  • Identification and credit information
  • Details of current loans, leases and commitments
ASSET FINANCE FOR TRADIES

Get Your Equipment Finance Sorted

The right equipment can be the difference between taking a job and turning it down. Ausfirst Lending Group can compare structures, terms and lenders so the finance fits the asset and the business, not just the purchase price.

Discuss Your Equipment Finance
ASSET FINANCE FOR TRADIES AND BUILDERS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is finance used to buy business equipment such as machinery, trailers, tools, scaffolding and fit-out items. The asset usually helps secure the loan, and the structure is matched to the asset and how the business earns.

This page provides general information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Lending is subject to lender criteria, terms, conditions and eligibility. Speak with a qualified accountant, solicitor or finance professional before making tax, legal or business decisions.

What Our Clients Say

You Are Looked After By Someone Who Treats As His Own.

What Makes Ausfirst Lending Group Different?

Finding the right home loan as an optometrist often requires a lending solution that reflects your profession, career stage, and long-term financial goals. At Ausfirst Lending Group, we take the time to understand your individual circumstances and compare suitable home loan options from our panel of lenders.

Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading to a new property, refinancing your existing mortgage, or building your property investment portfolio, we provide personalised guidance throughout every step of the process. We can also assess whether you may be eligible for professional lending benefits available to eligible optometrists, including reduced or waived Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and other lender-specific offers, where applicable.

Our goal is to make the home loan process straightforward and stress-free by providing clear advice, regular communication, and dedicated support from application through to settlement. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, we focus on helping you secure a lending option that aligns with your financial goals, borrowing needs, and future plans.

Visit Your Local Mortgage Broker on the Sunshine Coast

Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring loan options through a trust or SMSF, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As your trusted Mortgage Broker on the Sunshine Coast, we offer personalised advice tailored to your needs.

Office Hours

Monday
9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday
9 AM - 5 PM
Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
Location: Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551

Explore Other Loan Solutions We Offer

We provide a wide range of lending options designed to suit different property goals, financial situations, and investment strategies. Whatever your needs, our team is here to guide you to the right loan solution.

Home Ownership Loans

For buyers and homeowners managing their own property needs.

First Home Loans

Get started on your homeownership journey with our first home loan options, crafted to help you secure your dream home.

Second Home Loans

Finance your next property with ease using our second home loan options.
How to Release Home Equity in Australia for Property or Renovations

Home Equity Loan

Leverage the equity in your home to unlock funds for renovation, investment, or other financial needs.

Refinancing

Review and enhance your current mortgage terms with our refinancing options, designed to save you money.

Changing Home Loans

Adapt your mortgage to suit your changing life circumstances with ease.
Engineers

Bridging Loans

Bridge the gap between buying and selling with short-term loan solutions.

Investment Loans

Investment Loans

Explore our investment loan solutions designed to help you build and grow your property portfolio.

SMSF Loans

Utilise your self-managed super fund to invest in property with our specialised SMSF loan options.
trust structure for property investment

Trust Loans

Secure funding for your trust's investment needs with our trust loan solutions, tailored for optimal outcomes.

Sophisticated Investor

Unlock exclusive lending opportunities tailored for sophisticated investors ready to scale.

Rentvesting

Live where you love and invest where it counts with our rentvesting strategies.

Holiday Home Loans

Own your dream holiday retreat with our tailored holiday home loan solutions.

Property Improvement

Renovation Loans

Transform your property with renovation loans tailored for projects of any size.
Green Home Loans

Green Home Loans

Finance eco-friendly homes or upgrades with our green loan products.

Commercial & Construction Loans

Commercial Property Investment

Commercial Loans

Secure finance for your business property needs with our commercial loan options.
Disaster relief and support

Construction Loans

Access funds in stages as construction progresses.

Property Improvement

Green Home Loans

Green Home Loans

Finance eco-friendly homes or upgrades with our green loan products.

Renovation Loans

Transform your property with renovation loans tailored for projects of any size.

Tailored Loan Solutions for Professionals Across All Industries

We provide tailored lending options for healthcare workers, educators, tradespeople, legal professionals, and business owners—designed to suit the way you earn and work.

LMI Waived Loans For Medical & Healthcare Professionals

At Ausfirst Lending Group, we understand that medical and healthcare professionals need more than just a loan—they need a lending partner who appreciates their unique journey. Whether you're a doctor, nurse, dentist, or allied health specialist, we provide tailored home loan solutions with personal guidance, LMI waivers, and flexible options that fit your career and lifestyle. With Richard’s 30+ years of hands-on broking experience, we ensure your loan process is managed with care, transparency, and expertise from start to finish

Home Loans for Doctors

Designed to accommodate complex income structures like private practice, hospital rosters, and ABNs.

Home Loans for Nurses

Flexible loan terms aligned with shift work schedules and frontline service benefits.

Home Loans For Chiropractor

Mortgage options that recognise the cash flow patterns of clinic-based professionals.

Home Loans For Dentists

Lending solutions tailored for high-earning professionals with private practice considerations.

Home Loans For Pharmacists

Designed to support pharmacists navigating retail, hospital, or business ownership income structures.

Home Loans For Physiotherapists

Tailored lending for physiotherapists in private clinics or mobile practices.

Home Loans For Psychologists

Loan programs suited to private practice psychologists and those in multidisciplinary clinics.

Education Professionals

Educators play a vital role in shaping future generations, and we’re here to ensure their home loan journey is just as rewarding. Whether you're a school teacher, early childhood educator, university lecturer, or support staff member, we offer home loan solutions designed to recognise your dedication to the community. From exclusive lending benefits to flexible loan structures, we simplify the process so you can focus on what you do best—teaching and supporting others.

Home Loans for Teachers

Mortgage solutions that support educators with steady incomes and eligibility for LMI waivers.

Law Enforcement & Legal Professionals

For those who serve and protect—whether in law enforcement, emergency services, legal professions, or defence—navigating the home loan process should be as straightforward as possible. We offer tailored mortgage solutions that acknowledge the unique demands of your profession, providing structured lending benefits, flexible options, and personalised support.

From police officers and firefighters to lawyers and defence personnel, we’re here to simplify your path to homeownership with solutions designed around your service.

Home Loans for Lawyers

Structured home loans for legal professionals with scalable borrowing capacity as careers progress.

Home Loans for Police Officers

Reliable mortgage options designed for law enforcement with steady service incomes and allowances.

Specialised Loan Solutions

Low-Deposit Home Loans

Tailored for self-employed professionals and business owners who may not have traditional income verification.

100% Offset Home Loans

Take advantage of a 100% Offset Home Loan to minimise the interest you pay by linking your savings directly to your mortgage.
Cheerful loving multi generational Family Guarantee smiling together

Family Guarantee Home Loans

With a Family Guarantee Home Loan, your parents or close family members can help you enter the property market by using their home equity as security.

Profession-Specific Home Loan Services

tradies looking at their future

Home Loans for Tradies

Flexible lending for self-employed tradies with fluctuating incomes and contractor work history.
self-employed

Self Employed Loans

Flexible lending tailored to business owners and freelancers with variable documented income.

Home Loans For Accountants

Structured loan solutions designed for accountants with layered income sources and business deductions.
two engineers male and female

Engineers

Lending options structured for engineers with contract-based or salaried employment structures..

Our Service Process

Understand

We begin by understanding your unique goals and needs through an initial consultation (via phone, Zoom, or in person).

Gather

We gather key information to validate your financial situation and lay the foundation for the right loan strategy.

Analyse & Plan

We carefully review your options and craft a lending strategy tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

Apply

We prepare and submit your application to the lender, ensuring everything is in order.

Finalise

We manage the settlement process, keeping you informed every step of the way and making sure everything proceeds seamlessly.

Support

We provide continuous support and review, offering updated loan options as your needs evolve over time.

Quality

We don’t just find you a loan that fits; we aim to get one that exceeds your expectations in terms of rates, options, and service.

Choice

We work with over 40 lenders, including big banks and non-bank lenders, giving you unparalleled mortgage choice—you have plenty of options to choose the most suitable home loan for you.

Support

Our team is dedicated to guiding you throughout your homeownership journey, whether it’s securing your first home or an additional investment property. We provide ongoing support, including a 6-month review process to keep your loan competitive.

Experienced Brokers

Every mortgage broker on our team has over 10 years of industry experience, ensuring expert advice every step of the way.

Personalised Approach

We tailor home loan solutions that prioritise your best interests, not the bank’s.

Simple Process

Our entire process is transparent and easy to understand, making the entire journey hassle-free.

Our Lenders

Start your

journey

Memberships