Equipment Finance Perth | Vehicles, Machinery and Business Assets — Natloans

Equipment finance is a form of commercial lending used to purchase or refinance assets required for business purposes. Instead of paying the full purchase price upfront, a business borrows the required amount and repays it over an agreed term. In many arrangements, the asset being purchased provides security for the finance. Natloans assists sole traders and businesses across Perth and Western Australia to compare finance options for vehicles, trucks, machinery, tools, technology and other income-producing assets.

General information only. This article does not constitute personal financial, taxation or legal advice or credit approval. Lending criteria, rates, fees, terms and conditions apply and vary between lenders. Businesses should obtain appropriate professional advice before entering into a credit arrangement.

Why Perth Businesses Use Equipment Finance

Perth businesses operate across construction, mining services, transport, manufacturing, trades, healthcare, hospitality, professional services and many other industries. These businesses often depend on reliable vehicles and specialised equipment to generate income.

Paying cash for a commercial vehicle, machine or major piece of technology can significantly reduce the funds available for wages, inventory, suppliers and everyday operating expenses. Equipment finance may allow an eligible business to acquire the assets it needs while spreading the cost over an agreed period.

Equipment finance may help a business:

• Preserve working capital.
• Replace ageing or unreliable assets.
• Increase production or service capacity.
• Take on larger projects or contracts.
• Add vehicles or machinery to support growth.
• Upgrade technology.
• Spread the cost over the asset's useful life.
• Acquire an asset without using property as security where suitable asset-backed finance is available.

Finance is not automatically preferable to paying cash. The benefits of retaining cash should be compared with the interest, fees and repayment obligations of any finance arrangement.

What Equipment Can Be Financed?

Lenders finance a broad range of business assets, although policies vary between lenders. The available structure will depend on the business, asset type, intended use and lender requirements.

Commercial Vehicles

Finance may be available for passenger vehicles used for business, utes, work vans, light commercial vehicles, trucks, prime movers, trailers, refrigerated vehicles and specialist service vehicles. The lender may consider the vehicle's age, value, condition and intended business use.

Construction and Trade Equipment

Builders and tradespeople may seek finance for excavators, skid-steer loaders, access equipment, generators, compressors, trailers, tools and other equipment required for their work.

Machinery and Industrial Equipment

Perth manufacturers, workshops and industrial businesses may require finance for production machinery, fabrication equipment, forklifts, materials-handling assets and other specialised equipment.

Technology and Professional Equipment

Eligible assets may also include computers, communications systems, medical equipment, dental equipment, security systems and commercial point-of-sale technology. Highly specialised or rapidly depreciating equipment may need a different finance structure from conventional vehicle finance.

Other Eligible Assets

Agricultural machinery, hospitality equipment and renewable-energy assets may also be eligible, subject to lender assessment.

Examples of Commonly Financed Business Assets (Source: Natloans, published 2026-09-18)

Category	Examples
Commercial vehicles	Cars (business use), utes, vans, trucks, prime movers, trailers, refrigerated vehicles
Construction & trade	Excavators, skid-steer loaders, access equipment, generators, compressors
Machinery & industrial	Production machinery, fabrication equipment, forklifts, materials-handling assets
Technology & professional	Computers, medical equipment, dental equipment, security systems, POS technology
Other	Agricultural machinery, hospitality equipment, renewable-energy assets

Common Equipment-Finance Structures

Several finance structures may be available depending on the business, asset and lender. Businesses should obtain accounting or tax advice before selecting a structure based on anticipated taxation outcomes.

Chattel Mortgage

A chattel mortgage is commonly used for vehicles and equipment acquired for business purposes. The business generally owns the asset from the beginning, while the lender registers an interest over it as security. Once the loan has been repaid and all obligations have been satisfied, the lender's security is removed. The finance may be structured with or without a final balloon payment.

Finance Lease

Under a finance lease, the lender generally purchases the equipment and leases it to the business for an agreed period. The business makes regular payments to use the asset. The agreement may contain end-of-term options or obligations involving the residual amount. Legal ownership and accounting treatment differ from a conventional equipment loan.

Commercial Hire Purchase

With commercial hire purchase, the lender purchases the asset and the business uses it while making repayments. Ownership generally transfers to the business after the final payment and all contractual obligations have been completed. Availability varies between lenders and asset types.

Equipment or Business Loan

A business may also acquire an asset using an equipment loan or another commercial lending facility. The asset may provide security, although additional security or director guarantees may be requested in some circumstances.

Should You Include a Balloon Payment?

A balloon payment is an amount left owing at the end of the finance term. Including a balloon may reduce regular repayments, but it leaves a larger final payment and can increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

Before selecting a balloon payment, consider:

• The expected future value of the asset.
• How long the business intends to retain it.
• Whether it will be sold or traded.
• How the final payment will be funded.
• The effect on regular cash flow.
• The total amount payable over the loan term.

The balloon should be based on a realistic view of the asset and the business's plans—not simply the desire to obtain the lowest possible monthly repayment.

New and Used Equipment Finance

Finance may be available for both new and used assets. Used equipment can reduce the purchase price, but lenders may examine its age, condition, value and remaining useful life more closely.

The lender's assessment may consider:

• Whether the asset is purchased through a dealer or private seller.
• Its current market value.
• Service and maintenance history.
• Expected working life.
• Availability of invoices or valuations.
• The requested loan term.
• Whether specialist inspections are required.

An older asset may still qualify, but the lender, deposit or maximum loan term available may differ from those offered for new equipment.

Can New Businesses Obtain Equipment Finance?

Potentially. A newer business may have fewer options than an established one, but lenders may consider the owner's industry experience, financial position, the asset itself and its intended purpose.

Supporting information that may assist a newer business's application could include:

• ABN and GST registration.
• Business bank statements.
• BAS records.
• Financial statements.
• Tax returns.
• Current contracts.
• Evidence of industry experience.
• An equipment quotation or invoice.
• Details of existing debts.
• Information about how the asset will generate income.

Some lenders offer streamlined or low-documentation assessment options for eligible businesses. Low-doc does not mean no assessment or guaranteed approval.

Equipment Finance for Self-Employed Applicants

Sole traders and self-employed professionals may use equipment finance to purchase assets essential to their work. The lender will consider both the applicant's financial position and the commercial purpose of the asset.

Examples of self-employed applicants who may seek equipment finance include a tradesperson requiring a new ute and tools, a transport operator needing another truck or trailer, a healthcare practice needing diagnostic or treatment equipment, a hospitality business needing commercial kitchen equipment, or a contractor needing machinery to secure or complete a project.

Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and lender requirements. Pre-qualification does not establish final approval.

Refinancing Existing Vehicles and Equipment

The source describes reviewing an existing loan to change the rate or payment structure, manage an approaching balloon, replace an unsuitable arrangement, consolidate eligible commercial facilities or align payments with cash flow. It also mentions releasing equity from an unencumbered asset: where no debt exists to replace, this is a new borrowing or another asset-finance transaction, not refinancing an existing loan. Confirm the actual structure, ownership, security, permitted use of funds and net proceeds.

A refinance should produce a meaningful overall benefit. Early-repayment costs, new fees, asset value and any extension of the loan term must be considered before proceeding.

What Will a Lender Assess?

A commercial lender may assess a range of factors when considering an equipment-finance application. Requirements vary between lenders, making it important to match the application with an appropriate lender.

Common Lender Assessment Factors (Source: Natloans, published 2026-09-18)

Factor	Notes
Business operating history	How long the business has operated
Revenue and cash flow	Demonstrated income and ability to service repayments
Existing financial commitments	Current debts and obligations
Credit history	Business and/or personal credit profile
Asset details	Type, age, condition and value of the equipment
Intended use	How the asset will be used in the business
Loan structure	Requested amount, deposit, balloon and term
Industry experience	Applicant's background in the relevant industry
Financial documents	Tax returns, BAS, bank statements, financial statements
Security and guarantees	Asset security, additional security or director guarantees if required

What Should You Compare When Reviewing Finance Options?

The interest rate is important, but it is not the only cost to consider. Businesses should also compare:

• Establishment and documentation fees.
• Brokerage fees, where applicable.
• Regular repayment amounts.
• Loan term.
• Deposit requirements.
• Balloon or residual payments.
• Early-repayment conditions.
• Security and guarantee requirements.
• Ongoing fees.
• Total amount repayable.
• Conditions applying when the asset is sold or replaced.

A lower regular repayment may be the result of a longer term or a larger balloon payment rather than a lower overall cost. Comparing the total amount repayable over the full term provides a more complete picture.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

The accounting, GST and taxation treatment of equipment finance depends on the finance structure, ownership, business use and the applicant's individual circumstances. Potential considerations may include interest expenses, depreciation, lease payments and GST treatment. These outcomes vary and should be confirmed with a qualified accountant or tax adviser.

A finance broker can explain lending structures but should not replace professional accounting or taxation advice.

How a Perth Equipment-Finance Broker Can Help

Different lenders have different policies concerning industries, asset types, business history and financial documentation. A Natloans equipment-finance specialist can assist with:

• Identifying potentially suitable finance structures.
• Comparing options from a broad lender panel.
• Understanding lender documentation requirements.
• Structuring the term, deposit and balloon payment.
• Financing eligible new or used equipment.
• Considering dealer and eligible private-sale purchases.
• Reviewing existing vehicle or equipment finance.
• Understanding fees, repayments and important conditions.
• Coordinating the application through to settlement.

The Natloans Group provides specialist expertise across equipment finance, truck finance, business car loans, commercial vehicles, business lending, home loans, car loans and personal loans. This allows clients to receive assistance from a broker with relevant specialist experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is equipment finance?

Equipment finance is a form of commercial lending used to purchase or refinance assets required for business purposes. Instead of paying the complete purchase price upfront, the business borrows the required amount and makes repayments over an agreed term. In many arrangements, the asset being purchased provides security for the finance. (Source: Natloans, published 2026-09-18; confirm current details with Natloans.)

What equipment can a Perth business finance?

Eligible assets may include vehicles, trucks, trailers, machinery, construction equipment, tools, medical equipment, hospitality equipment, agricultural machinery and business technology. The available structure depends on the business, asset, intended use and lender requirements. (Source: Natloans, published 2026-09-18.)

Can I finance used equipment?

Potentially. The lender will consider the asset's age, condition, value, useful life and method of purchase. An older asset may still qualify, but the lender, deposit or maximum loan term may differ from those available for new equipment.

Can a sole trader obtain equipment finance?

Yes, eligible sole traders may apply. The lender will assess income, business history, credit profile, existing commitments and the asset being purchased.

Is low-doc equipment finance available?

Some lenders offer streamlined documentation options for eligible businesses. Credit assessment and supporting evidence are still required. Low-doc does not mean no assessment or guaranteed approval.

Can I finance equipment purchased from a private seller?

Some lenders permit eligible private-sale transactions. Additional ownership, valuation, identification or inspection requirements may apply. Confirm availability with Natloans.

Can I refinance business equipment I already own?

Potentially. Available options depend on the asset, its current value, existing finance and the business's financial position. Early-repayment costs and fees should be considered alongside any potential benefit.

Should I include a balloon payment in my equipment finance?

A balloon payment may reduce regular repayments but leaves a larger final payment and can increase total interest paid. The decision should be based on the asset's expected future value, the business's plans and how the final payment will be funded—not solely on achieving the lowest possible monthly repayment.

What finance structures are available for business equipment?

Structures that may be available include chattel mortgage, finance lease, commercial hire purchase and equipment or business loans. The appropriate structure depends on the business, asset type and circumstances. Accounting or tax advice should be obtained before selecting a structure.

Are there tax benefits to equipment finance?

The accounting, GST and taxation treatment depends on the finance structure, ownership, business use and individual circumstances. Potential considerations may include interest expenses, depreciation, lease payments and GST. These outcomes vary and should be confirmed with a qualified accountant or tax adviser.

Can a new business apply for equipment finance?

Potentially. A newer business may have fewer options than an established one, but lenders may consider the owner's industry experience, financial position, the asset and its intended purpose. Supporting documentation such as bank statements, BAS records, contracts and evidence of industry experience may assist the application.

Does Natloans assist businesses throughout Perth and Western Australia?

Yes. Natloans provides equipment and business-finance assistance across the Perth metropolitan area and throughout Western Australia.

Next Steps

If your business needs a vehicle, machinery, tools or technology, reviewing finance before committing to the purchase can help you establish a realistic budget and avoid preventable delays.

Natloans assists businesses across the Perth metropolitan area and throughout Western Australia. To discuss your business requirements, speak with a Natloans equipment-finance specialist or call 1300 955 791.

You may also find the following Natloans resources useful:

• Equipment Finance
• Truck Finance
• Business Car Loans
• Self-Employed Home Loans Perth

General information only. This article does not constitute personal financial, taxation or legal advice or credit approval. Lending criteria, rates, fees, terms and conditions apply and vary between lenders. Businesses should obtain appropriate professional advice before entering into a credit arrangement. Article originally published by Mary Nebotakis, Managing Director, Natloans, B. Eco, Dip. Financial Services, 2026-09-18. Rates, thresholds and lender policies should be confirmed directly with Natloans as current conditions may have changed.

Build an equipment decision pack

Area	Questions to resolve before committing
Asset and supplier	What exactly is included in the quote, who owns it, and are age, serial identifiers, service history and condition documented?
Operational readiness	When can it be delivered, installed and used; what training, maintenance, insurance and downtime costs sit outside finance?
Cash flow	Can the business service payments if a project starts late or receipts are lower than forecast?
Contract	Who owns the asset, what security or guarantees apply, and what are all payments, fees, early-exit and final obligations?
Useful life and exit	Will it still be useful before the loan ends, and how would the business fund a balloon if resale is lower than expected?
Evidence	Which business, tax and asset documents does the selected lender actually require?

This is an editorial planning checklist, not a Natloans lending policy. ABN/GST records in the source’s document examples do not mean every applicant must be GST-registered or that registration guarantees approval. Asset-backed lending does not eliminate all personal guarantees or other security. A lender’s valuation or inspection is not a substitute for the buyer’s operational and condition checks.

Cash released and total cost are different questions

Suppose an existing equipment loan has a $30,000 payout, and a proposed replacement facility advances $40,000 with $1,500 of costs deducted from those proceeds. Available cash would be $8,500 before any other adjustments, while the new borrowing would be $40,000. Compare the old remaining payments against the new full schedule and final obligation. This hypothetical example is not a client transaction, approval, tax calculation or Natloans quote.

A lease requires particular care at the end: ask whether a residual, purchase offer, return cost or extension applies, rather than assuming the asset becomes yours automatically. Cash purchase, repair, hiring temporarily, or delaying the acquisition may also be worth comparing where they meet the business need. Finance approval and asset delivery or commissioning are separate milestones.

Source, service coverage and independent context

The public Natloans source calls this service “Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans” and states that it assists across metropolitan Perth and Western Australia. This records service coverage; the article does not establish a particular office address, site-visit promise or guaranteed response time. It is by Mary Nebotakis, Managing Director, B. Eco, Dip. Financial Services, published 18 September 2026 and captured 15 October 2026.

Business.gov.au compares buying and leasing commitments, and NAB explains asset-loan ownership and lease end obligations. Checked on 16 October 2026 (Melbourne time). These are general references, not confirmation of current Natloans products or an applicant’s tax outcome. Private client information was not used.

The original article also links to the First Home Buyer Melbourne Guide as adjacent reading. It concerns a separate home-loan topic and does not establish equipment-finance eligibility.