Sole Trader Vehicle & Equipment Finance
Fast approvals, low-doc options, competitive rates for tradies and sole traders.
2+ years ABN
GST registration
Good credit
Don’t meet all the above? No stress, we’ve still got options.
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Why Sole Traders Choose Finlease
We Understand Sole Traders
Most banks treat sole traders like high-risk borrowers. We don’t.
We’ve been helping tradies and sole traders for 35+ years and we know your situation.
What makes us different:
Low-Doc Specialists
80% of our loans are low-doc, no need for loads of paperwork.
Fast Approvals
Same-day pre-approval for straightforward situations. No waiting weeks.
40+ Lender Access
We find lenders who actually approve sole traders, not just the ones who prefer big business
Private Sale Experts
Buying from another tradie? We handle it safely and professionally.
Real Support
Talk to a real person who understands sole trader challenges & who answers the phone outside the 9-5pm.
What is Sole Trader Equipment Finance?
Equipment and vehicle finance designed specifically for self-employed Australians. Whether you’re a tradie needing a ute, a contractor buying machinery, or a sole trader upgrading equipment – we get you approved fast.
What you can finance:
- Work utes and trucks
- Tools and equipment
- Machinery and trailers
- Second-hand or brand new
- Dealer or private sale
Quick facts:
- Finance from $5,000 to $500,000+
- Loan terms: 2-5 years generally
- No deposit options available
- Same-day pre-approval possible
- Low-doc options (80% of our loans)
What Sole Traders Can Finance
Equipment & Vehicles We Finance
Vehicles:
- Work utes (Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, etc)
- Vans and light commercials
- Trucks and tippers
- Trailers and car carriers
- Specialty vehicles
Trade Equipment:
- Arborist equipment
- Small plant equipment
- Pipe locating equipment
- Generators and compressors
- Workshop equipment
Machinery:
- Excavators and bobcats
- Forklifts and pallet jacks
- Concrete equipment
- Landscaping machinery
- Agricultural equipment
Other Equipment:
- Office equipment and technology
- Hospitality equipment
- Medical equipment
- Office fit outs
- Fitness equipment
Finance Options for Sole Traders
Types of Finance Available
Chattel Mortgage (Most Popular for Sole Traders)
- You own the equipment from day one
- Claim depreciation and interest
- Potential instant asset write-off (under $20k)
- Claim GST upfront if registered
Commercial Hire Purchase
- Straightforward ownership path
- Fixed repayments
- Simple tax treatment
Finance Lease
- Equipment stays off your balance sheet
- Lease payments fully tax deductible
- Option to buy at end of term
Which is right for you? Talk to your accountant about your specific tax situation.
How Much Can Sole Traders Borrow?
Loan Amounts & Requirements
Typical Borrowing:
- Minimum: $5,000
- Maximum: $500,000+ (depending on situation)
- Average sole trader loan: $35,000-$75,000
What affects how much you can borrow:
- Your income (shown in bank statements)
- How long you’ve been trading
- Your credit history
- Equipment value
- Deposit (if any)
No deposit? We can often finance 100% of the equipment value.
Interest Rates for Sole Traders
What Rates Can Sole Traders Expect?
Typical rates range from 6% to 15% depending on:
- Your credit history
- Time in business
- Loan amount and term
- Equipment type and age
- Documentation provided (full doc vs low doc)
Rate examples:
- Strong credit, established: 6-9% comparison rate
- Average credit, trading 1-2 years: 9-12% comparison rate
- Low-doc, newer business: 12-15% comparison rate
Always ask for the comparison rate – it includes all fees and shows true cost.
Tax Benefits for Sole Traders
Instant Asset Write-Off Assets under $20,000 may qualify for instant write-off (2024-25). Claim the full cost immediately.
Depreciation For assets over $20,000, claim depreciation on your tax return.
Interest Deductions Interest payments are tax deductible as business expenses.
GST Claims If GST registered, claim GST on equipment purchases in your next BAS.
How to Get Approved
Getting Approved as a Sole Trader
Our approval process:
- Quick Call or Online Quote (10 mins) Tell us what you need, we’ll give you an initial indication
- Submit Documents (1 hour) Upload bank statements and ID – we’ll tell you exactly what we need
- Get Approval (1-3 days) We submit to the right lenders and get you approved
- Receive Funds (1-2 days) We pay the supplier or reimburse you
Total time: 3-7 days average
Tips to strengthen your application:
- Keep business and personal accounts separate
- Show consistent income in bank statements
- Have ABN active for 6+ months
- Maintain good personal credit
- Know what equipment you’re buying
Real Sole Trader Stories
Sole Traders We’ve Helped
Jake – Electrician “Needed a ute for my first year solo. Bank said no because I didn’t have two years of tax returns. Finlease got me approved in 3 days using my bank statements.”
- $45,000 ute | Low-doc approval
Sarah – Landscaper “Bought a second-hand mower from another landscaper privately. Finlease made the settlement easy and safe.”
- $22,000 equipment | Private sale
Tom – Plumber “8 months into my sole trader journey, needed tools. Got approved same day, equipment delivered that week.”
- $15,000 tools | New business
Equipment Finance Loan Calculator
Find your estimated loan repayments. Quick, simple finance calculations without the paperwork or commitment.
Tap ‘Free Detailed Quote’, tell us a few quick details, and we’ll personalise your quote – no credit checks or obligation.
Got another quote? Double check it here first.
Rates don’t always show the whole picture – our calculator does. Double check now.
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Sole Trader Finance FAQs
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions below.
Our Lenders:
