Equipment Finance in Sydney, Compared Across Our Lender Panel
Glenclair Financial is an independent Sydney broker that arranges equipment finance (chattel mortgages, leases and hire purchase) for vehicles, machinery and technology, comparing options from our lender panel.
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What equipment can be financed?
Most income-producing business assets can be financed, subject to the lender's policy on the asset type, age and value.
- Vehicles: cars, utes and vans. See car finance.
- Trucks and trailers: prime movers, rigid trucks and trailers. See truck finance.
- Earthmoving and construction: excavators, loaders and attachments. See excavator finance.
- Manufacturing and machinery: CNC, fabrication and production equipment. See machinery finance.
- Medical and dental: chairs, imaging and clinical equipment. See medical and vet finance.
- IT and technology: servers, hardware and telephony.
- Fit-outs: shop, office, clinic and hospitality fit-outs. See fit-out finance.
Finance options compared
The right structure depends on ownership, cash flow and your tax position. GST and depreciation treatment differs between options: speak with your accountant and check current ATO rules.
| Option | Who owns the asset | GST and tax | Balloon / residual | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattel mortgage | You, from the start; the lender takes security over it | Speak with your accountant | Optional balloon | Businesses that want ownership |
| Finance lease | The financier, during the lease | Speak with your accountant | Residual value at the end | Businesses that prefer to lease, with an option to buy at the end |
| Hire purchase | The financier, until the final payment | Speak with your accountant | Optional final payment | Businesses that want ownership at the end of the term |
| Rental / operating lease | The financier or rental provider | Speak with your accountant | Usually none; asset returned or upgraded | Technology and assets you upgrade regularly |
Chattel mortgage
You buy the equipment and own it from day one, and the lender registers a security interest over it. Repayments can be structured with or without a balloon payment at the end.
Finance lease
The financier buys the equipment and leases it to your business for a set term. At the end you may pay the residual and keep the asset, refinance it, or return it, depending on the agreement.
Hire purchase
The financier owns the asset while you pay it off in instalments. Ownership passes to you when the final payment is made.
Rental / operating lease
You pay to use the equipment without the intention of owning it. This can suit technology and assets you expect to replace regularly.
Tax note: instant asset write-off, depreciation and GST rules change and depend on your circumstances. We don't give tax advice. Check the current position on ato.gov.au and speak with your accountant before you choose a structure.
New, used, dealer, private sale or auction?
Lenders can finance new and used equipment bought from dealers, and many will also consider private sales and auctions. For used assets, lenders look at the asset's age, condition and type, and may ask for an inspection, a valuation or a tax invoice. Policies on private sales and older equipment vary, so we check before you commit to a purchase.
Low-doc and new-ABN options
Some lenders offer low-doc equipment finance using BAS, bank statements or an accountant's letter instead of full financials. Some also consider businesses with a new ABN, often where there is a deposit, a strong asset position or property ownership. These options can cost more and are subject to the lender's assessment. We'll tell you honestly whether a lender is likely to consider your application before you apply. See also plant and equipment finance.
How it works: 4 steps
- Talk to us. Tell us what you're buying, the price and how you'd like to structure it.
- Compare. We compare suitable options from our lender panel on structure, total cost and policy fit.
- Apply. We prepare and submit your application to the lender you choose.
- Settle. If approved, you sign the documents and the lender pays the supplier.
What to prepare
- ABN, business name and how long you've been trading
- Tax invoice or quote for the equipment (or seller details for a private sale)
- Recent financials and tax returns, or BAS and bank statements for low-doc options
- Details of existing finance and assets
- Driver licence or ID for directors and guarantors
Why use a broker rather than dealer finance?
Dealer finance can be convenient, but it is usually limited to the lenders the dealer works with. A broker can compare options across a panel of lenders and help you look at the total cost, not just the repayment. Brokers are commonly paid a commission by the lender, and some charge a fee. Glenclair Financial discloses any fee in writing before you proceed.
Areas we serve across Greater Sydney
We're based at 1F, 235 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW and work with businesses across Greater Sydney.
Meet your broker: Alasdair King
Alasdair King is an independent commercial finance broker at Glenclair Financial, working with businesses across Greater Sydney.
Equipment finance FAQs
What is equipment finance?
Equipment finance is a loan or lease that lets a business buy or use equipment and pay for it over time. The equipment itself usually serves as security for the finance.
Chattel mortgage or lease: which is better?
It depends on whether you want to own the equipment, how you will treat GST and depreciation, and your cash flow. A chattel mortgage means you own the asset from the start; a lease means the financier owns it while you use it. Discuss the tax side with your accountant.
Can a new business get equipment finance?
Some lenders consider businesses with a new ABN, often with a deposit, an asset-backed position or property ownership. Policies vary between lenders, so it is worth comparing before you apply.
Can I finance used equipment or a private sale?
Many lenders will, subject to the asset's age and type and an invoice or inspection. Some lenders have limits on private sales or older assets.
How fast is approval?
Timing depends on the lender and your documents. We won't promise a timeframe, but we'll tell you up front what each lender needs so you can prepare.
Talk to a Sydney equipment finance broker
Tell us what you're buying and we'll compare suitable options from our lender panel.
Book a Free 15-Minute Finance Assessment