CHATTEL MORTGAGE

What Is a Chattel Mortgage and How Does It Work?

Chattel mortgages are available for any business equipment purchased for income producing purposes. Trucks, trailers, excavators, tractors, forklifts, cranes, vehicles, and virtually any other business asset can be financed this way. You must be registered for GST and have an ABN to qualify.

A chattel mortgage is a business loan where the equipment you purchase acts as security for the loan. Unlike a finance lease where the lender owns the asset, with a chattel mortgage you take ownership immediately at settlement. The lender registers a mortgage (charge) over the chattel (moveable property) until the loan is fully repaid. Once the final payment is made, the charge is removed and you own the asset free and clear.

The right finance structure saves thousands over the life of your loan.

Choosing a chattel mortgage over other structures can provide significant upfront cash flow benefits through the GST claim, plus ongoing tax deductions for interest and depreciation. Our brokers model the numbers for your specific situation to confirm it is the best option.

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WHY CHOOSE US

Tax Benefits of a Chattel Mortgage

Chattel mortgages offer three distinct tax advantages that make them the preferred choice for most GST registered Australian businesses purchasing equipment.

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Claim GST upfront

The full GST component of the purchase price can be claimed as an input tax credit on your next BAS return. On a $220,000 truck (inc GST), that is a $20,000 credit back in your pocket within weeks of purchase.

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Depreciation deductions

As the owner of the asset, you can claim depreciation as a tax deduction. Depending on the asset and your business structure, you may be eligible for accelerated depreciation or the instant asset write off.

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Interest is tax deductible

The interest component of your chattel mortgage repayments is a tax deductible business expense, reducing your taxable income each financial year.

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Balloon payment flexibility

A chattel mortgage can include a balloon (residual) payment at the end of the term. This reduces your regular repayments during the loan, improving cash flow while the equipment earns revenue.

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OUR SERVICES

What Can You Finance With a Chattel Mortgage?

Virtually any business equipment or vehicle purchased for income producing purposes qualifies for a chattel mortgage.

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    Prime movers and rigid trucks
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    Trailers and semi trailers
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    Refrigerated transport vehicles
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    Tippers and tautliners
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    Light commercial vehicles
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    Buses and coaches

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    Excavators and loaders
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    Dozers and graders
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    Cranes and telehandlers
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    Concrete pumps and mixers
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    Compactors and rollers
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    Site vehicles and equipment

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    Tractors and harvesters
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    Headers and balers
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    Sprayers and seeders
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    Irrigation equipment
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    Livestock handling equipment
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    Farm vehicles and utes

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    Forklifts and warehouse equipment
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    Manufacturing machinery
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    Medical and dental equipment
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    IT and technology equipment
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    Printing and packaging machines
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    Office and retail fitouts
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

How to Get a Chattel Mortgage

A straightforward process that typically takes 2 to 5 business days from application to settlement.

01
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Complete the Form
In 60 Seconds

Provide us with some basic information about your business and financing requirements via our secure website.

02
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Speak With an
Industry Specialist

Your brokers assess your requirements and guide you through gathering the right documents to secure approval quickly.

03
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Get Pre-Approved
Over the Phone

Receive a clear pre-approval with transparent terms and repayment options that suit your cash flow.

04
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Financing
Secured

Your finance broker will work with you to source the best funding offers available and guide your application to success.

RECENT SETTLEMENTS

Real Chattel Mortgage Approvals

See how we help Australian operators.

Barinder Singh

Transport Operator

user Non-property owner dollar-circle No deposit clock 24hr turnaround

2025 Tipper Trailer

Transport

$150,000

Barinder needed a new tipper trailer to keep up with growing contract work but didn’t own property and didn’t have a deposit available. Traditional lenders declined the deal based on security requirements.
We structured the finance around the strength of the business income and the asset itself, delivering approval and settlement within 24 hours so the trailer could be put straight to work.

Neil Johnson

Earthmoving Contractor

document-text Low Doc clock 24hr approval

2005 CAT Excavator

Contractor

$60,000

Neil was purchasing a used excavator to support ongoing civil jobs but needed a simple low-doc solution without extensive financials slowing the process down.
We secured approval within 24 hours using a streamlined low-doc structure , allowing him to secure the machine before another buyer stepped in

Bradley Moore

Owner-Driver

user Private sale document-text Low Doc clock 24hr approval

2019 Scania Truck

Contractor

$100,000

Bradley found the right truck through a private seller and needed fast finance to avoid losing the deal. The transaction structure made traditional lenders hesitant.
We arranged a low-doc facility tailored to a private sale purchase and delivered approval inside 24 hours, enabling Bradley to secure the vehicle and get back on the road generating income.

Barinder Singh

Transport Operator

user Non-property owner dollar-circle No deposit clock 24hr turnaround

2025 Tipper Trailer

Transport

$150,000

Barinder needed a new tipper trailer to keep up with growing contract work but didn’t own property and didn’t have a deposit available. Traditional lenders declined the deal based on security requirements.
We structured the finance around the strength of the business income and the asset itself, delivering approval and settlement within 24 hours so the trailer could be put straight to work.

Neil Johnson

Earthmoving Contractor

document-text Low Doc clock 24hr approval

2005 CAT Excavator

Contractor

$60,000

Neil was purchasing a used excavator to support ongoing civil jobs but needed a simple low-doc solution without extensive financials slowing the process down.
We secured approval within 24 hours using a streamlined low-doc structure , allowing him to secure the machine before another buyer stepped in

Bradley Moore

Owner-Driver

user Private sale document-text Low Doc clock 24hr approval

2019 Scania Truck

Contractor

$100,000

Bradley found the right truck through a private seller and needed fast finance to avoid losing the deal. The transaction structure made traditional lenders hesitant.
We arranged a low-doc facility tailored to a private sale purchase and delivered approval inside 24 hours, enabling Bradley to secure the vehicle and get back on the road generating income.

Not Every Business Fits a Bank Template

Major banks often apply rigid policies that do not reflect how transport, construction or agricultural businesses actually operate.

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Asset value & condition

We consider the value, age, and condition of your asset, not just your credit history.

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Business use

Finance solutions tailored to how your equipment supports daily business operations.

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Deposit position

Low-deposit and zero-deposit options available for eligible applicants.

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Repayment capacity

Repayment plans structured around your cash flow and business revenue.

Check Your Eligibility
clock30-second check. No impact on your credit score.
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REVIEWS

What Our Clients Say

 Thousands of Australian business owners trust us for fast approvals, flexible terms, and exceptional service. 

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Quick quotes, fast approvals

Ready to Apply for a Chattel Mortgage?

Complete the form below to fast track your application.

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FAQs

Chattel Mortgage FAQs

What is the difference between a chattel mortgage and a car loan?
A chattel mortgage is specifically for business use equipment and vehicles. Unlike a consumer car loan, it allows you to
Can I get a chattel mortgage on a used vehicle or equipment?
Yes. Chattel mortgages are available for both new and used equipment. The rate and term may differ based on the asset's
What is a balloon payment on a chattel mortgage?
A balloon (residual) is a lump sum payable at the end of the loan term. It reduces your regular repayments during the te
Do I need to be registered for GST?
You do not need to be GST registered to get a chattel mortgage, but the GST upfront claim benefit only applies if you ar
What deposit do I need for a chattel mortgage?
Many lenders offer zero deposit chattel mortgages for qualifying applicants. A deposit can reduce your rate and repaymen
How long is a typical chattel mortgage term?
Terms range from 1 to 7 years depending on the asset type and age. New equipment from major brands typically qualifies f

Still Have a Question?

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, give us a call and our team will be happy to help straight away.

phone 1300 464 805