Chattel Mortgage — Own It From Day One
Business vehicle & equipment finance with real tax benefits, low-doc options, and rates from 6% p.a. Built for self-employed Australians.
A business loan where you own the asset and the lender holds it as security
"Chattel" means movable property — your work ute, your truck, your excavator. The "mortgage" is the lender's security interest on the PPSR until you've paid it off.
Unlike a finance lease where the lender owns your gear, a chattel mortgage gives your business full legal ownership from day one. It sits on your balance sheet and unlocks tax benefits leasing can't match.
Available to sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts with an ABN. Asset must be used 51%+ for business. Terms 1–7 years, amounts $10K–$2M+.
Pick your asset
New or used, dealer or private — vehicles, equipment, machinery.
We find the right lender
Matched from our panel — including low-doc options.
Lender funds it
Up to 100% finance, no deposit required in most cases.
You own it immediately
Full ownership. Lender registers interest on the PPSR.
Repay over 1–7 years
Fixed rate. Optional balloon payment to lower costs.
PPSR cleared — yours outright
Mortgage removed. Asset free and clear.
The reason your accountant said "get a chattel mortgage"
GST Credit Upfront
Claim full GST on the purchase price in your next BAS — not progressively like a lease.
Claim Depreciation
You own it, so you claim decline in value. Instant asset write-off (to 30 June 2026): under $20K written off immediately.
Deduct Interest
Interest on every repayment is tax-deductible. No FBT — unlike novated leases.
Always confirm with your accountant. See: One Doc Home Loan Glossary · Self-Employed Home Loans
Serial number? We can finance it.
Any tangible, movable business asset with a unique ID. Here's what clients actually buy.
Excavators, Cranes & Heavy Equipment
Excavators, bulldozers, bobcats, concrete pumps, scaffolding, cranes, tipper trucks.
Work Utes, Vans & Trailers
HiLux, Ranger, Triton. Tool trailers, canopies, service bodies.
Trucks & Fleets
Prime movers, rigids, tippers, refrigerated vans, B-doubles.
Dental Chairs & Imaging
Dental chairs, X-ray, autoclaves, ultrasound, practice fitout.
CNC, Lathes & Lines
CNC routers, press brakes, laser cutters, forklifts, packaging.
Cars, SUVs & Fleet
Sedans, SUVs, work vans — any ABN vehicle used 51%+ for business.
Food Trucks, Coffee Machines & Kitchen Fitout
Commercial espresso machines, ovens, cool rooms, the food truck itself, delivery vans.
Estimate your repayments
Adjust the sliders to see indicative repayments on your chattel mortgage. Results are estimates only — get a real quote for your situation.
This chattel mortgage calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute a quote, credit offer, or financial advice. Actual repayments depend on lender, credit profile, and asset. Rates are indicative. Confirm tax benefits with your accountant. Switchboard Finance is a credit representative of Finsure (ACL 384704).
Chattel mortgage vs everything else
Wrong structure = thousands in missed tax benefits. Pick a tab.
| Feature | Chattel Mortgage | Hire Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | From day one | After final payment |
| GST credit upfront | ✓ | ✓ |
| Depreciation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instant write-off | ✓ Eligible | ✓ Eligible |
| Typical rates | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Balloon option | ✓ Up to 60% | ✓ |
| Feature | Chattel Mortgage | Finance Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | From day one | Lender owns it |
| GST credit | ✓ Full upfront | Progressive |
| Depreciation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant write-off | ✓ Eligible | ✗ Not eligible |
| Payments deductible | Interest only | Full payment |
| Best for | Long-term ownership | Frequent upgrades |
| Feature | Chattel Mortgage | Novated Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | ABN holders & businesses | PAYG employees only |
| Ownership | From day one | Leasing company |
| Tax mechanism | GST + depreciation + interest | Salary sacrifice |
| FBT | No FBT | Yes (unless EV) |
| Employer needed | No | Yes — 3-way deal |
| Feature | Chattel Mortgage | Car Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Business (51%+) | Personal / any |
| NCCPA regulated | No — more flexible | Yes — consumer protection |
| Tax benefits | GST + depreciation + interest | ✗ None |
| ABN required | Yes | No |
| Rates | 6–10% p.a. | 6–12% p.a. |
Your income doesn't fit a spreadsheet. We get it.
Banks want two years of returns and a textbook income. That's not how tradies, truckies, and contractors operate.
We specialise in low-doc chattel mortgage approvals through lenders who assess actual business capacity.
- Low-doc approvals up to $150K without financials
- GST + ABN registered 12+ months — often enough
- Homeowners qualify with minimal paperwork
- Same-day conditional approval available
- Bad credit options via specialist non-bank lenders
What drives your interest rate
Typically 6–10% p.a. depending on your profile.
🚗 Asset type
New under 4.5t = best rates. Heavy/yellow goods: 2–6% loading.
📊 Business strength
3+ years = prime. Under 2 years pays more but still approvable.
🏠 Property
Homeowners get lower rates consistently.
📋 Credit
Min director score: 500–600. Specialist lenders for impaired credit.
🏷️ Dealer vs private
Licensed dealer = ~0.5–1% better rate.
🌿 Green discounts
Some lenders discount EVs. Ask about EV options.
Everything else you need to know
A lump sum due at end of term — lowers monthly repayments but increases total interest. Range: 0–60% of asset value. Can't pay? You'll need to refinance. Balloon terms usually capped at 5 years; 7-year terms need $0 residual.
Yes. Asset as security = easier than unsecured. Higher rate, but specialist non-bank lenders have products. Property + 10–20% deposit helps. See bad credit business loans.
Usually no — most lenders do 100% finance. Deposit lowers repayments and may get a better rate. Newer businesses/renters may need 10–20%.
Yes, but exit fees can be substantial. We match your holding period to a lender with manageable terms.
No. Outside the NCCPA — business-purpose credit. Less protection, more flexibility, faster approvals. Work with a reputable broker.
Same thing. "Chattel mortgage" — also called a chattel loan — is the legal term. NAB/ANZ call it "vehicle and equipment loan." Structure and tax treatment are identical. See equipment finance.
Yes. RBA data shows new rates are consistently lower than existing. We'll check if savings outweigh exit costs.
Ready to finance your next business asset?
No paperwork upfront. No credit score impact. Quick chat to see what you qualify for.
Check Eligibility →