Asset finance · commercial vehicle finance
Vehicles that earn their keep deserve sensible finance.
Utes, vans, light commercial trucks, mini-vans for delivery. Almost always financed via chattel mortgage. We work with specialist commercial-vehicle lenders who price by industry and use case.
What it is, when it fits
Plain English, with the trade-offs.
Commercial vehicle finance is a tightly-defined sub-category of asset finance covering business-use vehicles: utes, vans, light commercial trucks, courier vans, service vehicles. Almost all commercial vehicle finance settles via chattel mortgage (the default ABN-holder structure: you own the asset, lender takes a mortgage, GST claimed upfront). The category exists as its own product because lenders price commercial vehicles by industry and use case (a tradie ute prices differently from a refrigerated delivery van even at the same price point), and because specialist commercial-vehicle lenders maintain dealer relationships and supplier accreditations that generic asset financiers don't. Pricing runs 6% to 12% p.a. for new vehicles with established borrowers, similar to broader asset finance but with sharper specialisation by trade. Terms 1 to 7 years, balloons common, $20K to $200K typical loan size.
Tradie checking measurements on a residential build site.
Typical scenarios
Tradie ute
Why: Sole trader buying his first work ute or upgrading.
Outcome: Chattel mortgage, 5-year term, 30% balloon, GST claim through next BAS.
Courier van fleet
Why: Delivery business adding 3 vans to fleet.
Outcome: Chattel mortgage per vehicle, 5-year term, no balloon, fleet-level dealer pricing.
Delivery driver fitting out a van
Why: Owner-driver buying a van plus internal fitout.
Outcome: Chattel mortgage for vehicle; separate equipment finance for fitout to keep tax treatment clean.
Professional services adding a service vehicle
Why: Mobile professional services adding a marked service vehicle.
Outcome: Chattel mortgage, 4-year term, no balloon, cost-of-vehicle claimed via depreciation.
Lenders for this product
Who we work with.
- Pepper Asset Finance
- Angle Finance
- Metro Finance
- Selfco
- Allied Credit
- Liberty Commercial
- Macquarie Leasing
Lender accreditation varies; not every lender is available for every deal. We pick from the panel based on your specific situation.
How it works
From brief to settlement.
- 01
Vehicle and use confirmation
We confirm vehicle (new or used, age, supplier), expected use, and your tax setup. Lender appetite varies sharply on these inputs.
- 02
Specialist lender match
Three to five specialist commercial-vehicle lenders typically fit each scenario. We submit to the strongest current rate fit.
- 03
Approval and dealer coordination
Approvals usually return inside 24 to 48 hours. We coordinate documents directly with the dealer.
- 04
Settlement and ongoing
Funds settle to the dealer, vehicle released, GST claim flows through next BAS. We check the rate at 12 months in case a refinance saves real money.
Indicative pricing & terms
Ranges, not promises.
Rate range
6 to 12% p.a.
Loan size
$20K to $200K typical
Term
1 to 7 years
Security
Registered mortgage over the vehicle
Indicative only; specific pricing depends on lender, security, and your business profile.
Frequently asked
Honest answers, plain English.
Best structure for tradies?
Chattel mortgage is the default. ABN holder, GST registered, claim GST upfront, depreciate the vehicle over its useful life. Hire purchase or operating lease only suit very specific situations.
Fitout finance roll-in?
Sometimes possible but often cleaner to finance vehicle and fitout separately. Vehicle as chattel mortgage, fitout as separate equipment finance or a small unsecured working-capital top-up. Tax treatment is cleaner that way.
GST and FBT considerations?
GST: claim upfront on a chattel mortgage. FBT: only relevant if private use is significant. Most commercial vehicles fall under exempt-vehicle rules for FBT (see ATO TR 2024/D2 for current guidance). Coordinate with your accountant.
Trade-in rollovers?
Most lenders allow trade-in rollovers where the existing finance rolls into the new vehicle. Useful for fleet refresh; needs early conversation because some lenders charge trade-in fees.
Dealer finance vs broker finance?
Dealer finance is convenient but usually a single lender with a single rate. Broker finance compares specialist lenders against your specific situation. For a sole trader or new ABN, broker finance often returns a meaningfully better rate.
Self-employed without ABN history?
Harder. Specialist lenders accept newer ABNs on commercial vehicles, particularly with documented prior PAYG experience in the same trade. Pricing is usually higher and the asset usually needs to be new.
Related products
If this isn't quite the fit.
Next step
Twenty minutes, no obligation.
Tell us the shape of the deal and the timing. We'll send a lender shortlist for commercial vehicle finance or, if it isn't the right fit, an honest signal of what is.