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 Options
Lenders understand that paperwork isn’t always available or up to date for sole traders, 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 business or privately? We’ll handle the finance process no different to purchasing brand new.
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
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)
What affects how much you can borrow:
- How long you’ve been trading
- Your credit history
- Equipment value
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 10% depending on:
- Your credit history
- Time in business
- Loan amount and term
- Equipment type and age
- Documentation provided (full doc vs low doc)
Typical rate examples:
- Strong credit, established: 6-7% comparison rate
- Average credit, trading 1-2 years: 7-10% comparison rate
- Low-doc, newer business: 7-12% 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 (2025-26). 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
- Supply Documents (5 minutes) Consent form and ID – we’ll tell you exactly what we need
- Get Approval (24 hours) We submit to the right lenders and get you approved
- Receive Funds (1-2 days) We pay the supplier or reimburse you
Total time: 3-5 working days average
From Sole Trader to Pty Ltd
Your Trading History Comes With You
After two to five years of trading, many sole traders make the natural progression to a Pty Ltd structure, whether for tax efficiency or because larger clients require contractors to operate as registered companies. Here’s the good news: when you transition from sole trader to Pty Ltd, many of our lenders recognise the continuity of your business. Been trading for five years as a sole trader? Your new company is treated as having that same five-year trading history.
To give you a working example, we had a client Liam, who was a sole trader excavator operator for three years before moving to a company structure. When he needed to finance a new excavator, we secured approval based on his three years of sole trader history, even though the company structure was brand new. The bank recognised the continuity of his ABN and trading record.
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.
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Rates don’t always show the whole picture – our calculator does. Double check now.
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Get your questions answered
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions below.
Search for topics you’re interested in or sort by category.
My accountant has suggested I transition from a sole trader to a Pty Ltd company. Will my previous ABN be taken into account when applying for finance?
Yes, we have many lenders who will consider your business continuity and trading history when you transition from a sole trader to a Pty Ltd company. These lenders can assess and approve your application under low doc finance options, which are particularly suitable for newly incorporated companies.
Our Lenders:
