Benefits of a Chattel Mortgage for Business Equipment Financing

Utilising A Chattel Mortgage for Business Finance

What are the benefits of using a Chattel Mortgage for business equipment financing?

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

A Chattel Mortgage loan is a simple yet effective finance option designed for business plant and equipment purchases. Here are six rules to consider when arranging finance for your business that will ensure that you retain full control over the loan process and save money in the process.

A well constructed Chattel Mortgage loan can give you a real competitive edge! The six rules to follow when negotiating a Chattel Mortgage are set out below.

Rule #1

Understand the mechanics of a Chattel Mortgage.

Basically, the Lender takes a security over the assets to be financed. The borrower owns the assets. A Chattel mortgage loan is a very old financial instrument and is well proven and documented. If you are going to finance your house or business, it's worth-while doing the research on chattel mortgages - and finding out more about them.

The difference between a hire purchase loan and a chattel mortgage loan is . .

Business Plant & Equipment Finance

Looking for the best way to finance your business plant & equipment? Well, you need look no further! Simply submit our 2-minute business loan enquiry form ... and we'll help get you qualified for the best rate Plant & Equipment loan available from our national panel of independent business finance brokers. We also have access to the best rates & options for Business Cashflow finance. So, why not give us a go ... no charge, no obligation!

... get a business loan quote ...

with a chattel mortgage, the ownership of the goods stay with the borrower ... i.e. the assets must be owned by the client.

This is similar to a property mortgage loan. The borrower owns the property and the lender registers an interest in the property by having the mortgage loan registered in the title.
with a hire purchase loan, the lender owns the asset/s until the borrower has repaid the loan with interest. The borrower has full use of the asset but does not own it. The borrower also has contractual obligations in relation to the maintenance, insurance, etc. of the asset.

Rule #2

Understand the difference between a well-constructed Chattel Mortgage and a dealer-bundled loan offering.

The best way to buy goods is to separate the purchase of the goods from the loan that finances them. Obviously not all, but many in-house loan finance deals can be very expensive - and they are not transparent.

It can be quite difficult, even if you know what you are looking for in ascertaining how much interest you are paying, to establish the true cost of the goods that you are borrowing against.

What often happens is, the loan interest rate is discounted - so it appears to offer savings ... and then the dealer margin is loaded back up into the goods ... or the other way around. Unless you can unbundle a package from the seller of the dealer be very careful of the package.

What may seem like a bargain could turn out to be very expensive when you unravel the transaction and look at the individual components.

Handling trade-ins in a dealer or sellers bundled loan solution.

It's important that you do not allow the trade-in to be put into the loan bundles solution. This is where dealers and sellers make a lot of money at your expense. If there are well established second-hand markets for the goods that are being bought (Gumtree, Ebay, etc.), then the buyer should ascertain the market value of the goods to be traded. Once this is established then you are in a position to negotiate with the trade in value. It'll help you see how much flexibility that the seller really has on price - and how the deal is being structured.

If the purchase amount is significant (if you need to finance the purchase, we'll assume it's significant) then it would be a good idea to run the numbers past your accountant. There can be some significant tax implications if the deal is not well-structured.

Better still, talk to a finance or mortgage broker. He or she will know precisiely how to structure a deal to your specific business needs.

Rule #3

Get pre-approval for the loan before you buy the stuff!.

No instructions here ... this is simple, contact a Mortgage Broker to design the right package for you - and he/she will be able to lodge an application for 'assessment'. Having the finance pre-approved will also give you a bit more control in negotiating the purchase.

Rule #4

Understand the T&Cs.

It's important that you know and understand the terms and conditions of your Chattel Mortgage loan, particlarly as they relate to your obligations under the loan contract.

The lender has a clear claim to the goods in the event of default - and has many rights as the borrower has obligations! If you are involved in a large transaction, you should seek legal advice to explain the roles and obligations on all parties t the transaction. The cost of the advice could be very cheap compared to the cost of litigation of a loan that goes bad.

The fact that a Chattel mortgage loan is registered with a Government or Financial regulator under a Bill of Sale gives some idea of the legal structure and status of a Chattel Mortgage loan.

As with Hire Purchase loans, the loan period can be negotiated - usually somewhere between 12 and 60 months. However, in larger transactions, they can be for negotiated for longer periods of time.

Rule #5

Structure your payments to suit your cash flow.

One of the biggest mistakes when applying for loan finance and, particularly with Chattel Mortgage loans, is in not knowing the flexibility the lender can have on your specific circumstances.

Many businesses and householders are subject to seasonal, variable or contract payments. If this is you, ask your broker if the the repayments for the Chattel Loan can vary to fit around your seasonal income.

A lender can adjust the loan repayment schedule quite easily. There may or may not be an adjustment in interest on the loan ... but for the convenience of marrying your loan payment to your cash flow is something worthy of consideration.

At the first interview (with your broker and/or the lender), have evidence of your receipts on the pattern of income payments over a few years. Bank statements showing deposit and any contracts stating terms and conditions of payment will be necessary for a lender to consider.The reason for doing it at the first interview is - it sets the posture and they will be more inclined to look at it in a positive light.

Rule #6

Consider a balloon payment to keep your monthly loan payments down.

As with a Hire Purchase loan, or an equipment lease agreement, balloon (aka residual) payment options should be available. A balloon, or residual payment is the last payment in a loan that can represent a substantial portion of the original loan. Loans can be structured this way to keep your payments low. This is because you are paying off only a smaller portion of the loan in your monthly repayments.

However there are some traps:

Ensure that the sale cost of the goods at the end of the loan is likely to be at least equal to the balloon payment. This is a common mistake made by many. It can lead to you having to re-finance the goods at the end of the initial loan - when they may be only half the value of the loan. Worse still, having to financing goods that you do not own!

Always seek financial and taxation advise when entering into a legal agreement. A Chattel Agreement is a legal document and you need to obtain the correct financial advice at all times.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 150

Personal Loans Articles

Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit

Smart budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It helps you understand where your money is going and empowers you to make informed financial decisions. In Australia, like everywhere else, a well-managed budget can significantly improve your quality of life and financial stability. - read more

Debt Consolidation Strategies: How to Regain Control of Your Finances

Debt can often feel like a formidable obstacle on the path to financial stability. Many individuals battle with various forms of debt, from high-interest credit cards to significant loans that seem to have an unyielding grip on their financial lives. Recognizing the challenges that debt presents is the critical first step towards regaining control of your personal finances. - read more

Bad Credit? No Problem! How to Get a Small Personal Loan Fast

Bad credit, often resulting from late payments, high debt levels, or other financial missteps, can feel like a major roadblock. It typically means that your credit score falls below a certain threshold and may reflect a history of financial challenges. - read more

Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan

In the landscape of modern finance, credit scores can often feel like gatekeepers to our goals, barring or granting access to essential funding when we need it most. The truth is, debt is as common as it is complex, threading through the lives of many with silent tenacity. Understanding its prevalence is the first step in navigating the choppy financial waters it can create. - read more

Quick Fixes for Common Credit Score Issues in Australia

Credit scores play a crucial role in your financial life, influencing your ability to access loans, credit cards, and even housing rentals. In Australia, your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, which lenders use to assess the risk of lending to you. - read more

How to Create a Budget That Really Works for You

Budgeting is a foundational skill in the realm of personal finance, and as crucial as setting the sails is to a captain navigating through treacherous waters. Just as steady winds propel a ship towards its destination, a well-structured budget guides individuals towards their financial goals with confidence and control. - read more

Budgeting Basics: How to Create a Stress-Free Financial Plan

Budgeting is often seen as a restrictive practice, something that curtails fun and spontaneity. However, the truth is quite the contrary. Proper budgeting is a fundamental aspect of nurturing financial well-being. It's about understanding your income, controlling your spending, and ensuring that you prioritize saving and investing. A well-crafted budget can lead to a stress-free financial life by giving you a clear view of where your money is going and where you can potentially save. - read more

How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Personal Loan

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending you money. - read more

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Loan for Your Financial Situation

Loans can play a significant role in shaping our financial landscapes. For many Australians, they are vital tools for achieving milestones like buying a home, financing education, or starting a business. However, selecting the wrong type of loan can have a detrimental impact on your financial health, leaving you with unwanted debt and stress. - read more

Finance News

APRA's New Lending Cap: What Homebuyers Need to Know

25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more

ASIC's Findings on Private Lending Practices

25 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, uncovering several areas of concern. The investigation revealed inconsistent and unclear reporting, downplayed risks, opaque fee structures, conflicts of interest, and poor valuation practices within the industry. - read more

OnDeck Australia's Broker-Originated SME Loans Skyrocket by 246%

17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's small business sector, OnDeck Australia has reported a remarkable 246% year-on-year increase in broker-originated small business loans funded in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This surge underscores a renewed confidence among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in leveraging broker channels for their financing needs. - read more

AFCA Alerts Small Businesses to Dangers of Unregulated Lending

17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a cautionary advisory to small businesses regarding the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This warning comes in response to a notable increase in complaints that fall outside AFCA's jurisdiction, leaving many business owners without recourse when disputes arise. - read more

So Money Launches Tailored Lending Solutions for SMEs and Self-Employed

17 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to Australia's burgeoning small business sector, non-bank lender So Money has unveiled new lending solutions specifically designed for self-employed borrowers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic expansion aims to simplify the income verification process and provide more flexible financing options to a traditionally underserved market. - read more

Non-Bank Lenders Capture 26% of SME Loan Market

09 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In recent years, non-bank lenders have significantly increased their presence in the Australian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing sector. As of early 2025, these lenders account for 26% of smaller loans to SMEs, marking a notable shift in the financial landscape. - read more

Australian SMEs Navigate Cashflow Struggles Amid Cost Increases

09 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently grappling with significant cashflow challenges, primarily driven by rising operational costs. Factors such as increased wages, inflation, and higher interest rates have placed considerable strain on these businesses, affecting their financial stability and growth prospects. - read more

OnDeck Australia Sees Significant Growth in Broker-Originated SME Loans

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

OnDeck Australia has reported a remarkable 246% year-on-year increase in broker-originated small business loans funded in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This substantial growth underscores a renewed confidence among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in seeking financial support through broker channels. - read more

AFCA Issues Caution to SMEs on Unregulated Lending Practices

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a warning to small businesses regarding the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This caution comes in response to a notable increase in complaints related to lenders not covered by the Credit Act and who are not members of AFCA. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Need Help Finding a Loan?

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase

Compound Interest:
Interest calculated on the initial principal, which also includes all accumulated interest from previous periods.