Frequently asked questions

Ownright Custom Finance is an Australian finance broking brand that specialises in solutions for loans other brokers and banks find hard. That includes difficult home loans, private first and second mortgages, caveat and bridging finance, rural and farm lending, business and commercial loans, and vehicle and personal finance. The head office is in Knoxfield, Victoria, and we arrange finance Australia-wide.

Trevor Scott is the director of Ownright Custom Finance and has more than 40 years of experience in finance. He leads the team and takes a hands-on interest in the trickier deals, the ones where a bank has said no or the situation does not fit a standard box. Clients get plain-English guidance from someone who has seen most scenarios before.

Our head office is Ground Floor, Suite 6, 1488 Ferntree Gully Rd, Knoxfield VIC 3180, and you can call us on 03 7043 7233. We arrange finance in every state and territory, from capital cities to regional and remote areas, and most of the process is handled by phone and online, so location is rarely a barrier.

Ownright is a broker, not a bank. We work out what you need, then look across a range of lenders, including private lenders and specialist non-bank options, to find a structure that suits your situation. Because we are not tied to one product, we can look at solutions that a single bank branch would never offer you.

We arrange difficult and low-doc home loans, refinances, private first and second mortgages, caveat loans, bridging and short-term finance, rural property and farm loans, farm debt refinance, business and commercial property loans, and car, truck, equipment, renovation and personal loans. If your situation does not fit neatly in a category, tell us anyway. Unusual is our speciality.

The process is simple. You tell us what you need, either by phone or through our short enquiry. We call you to talk it through and ask the right questions once. Then we email you a secure online application to complete, and we take it from there with the lender. Once approved and documented, funds are paid at settlement.

No. To begin, we only need to know what you are trying to achieve, what the property or asset is, and how to reach you. We then phone you to fill in the details together. The fuller online application comes after that conversation, so you are not typing out your life story before you know whether we can help.

We aim to respond promptly to every enquiry, and we make the call ourselves rather than leaving you with an automated reply. How fast the loan itself can happen depends on the loan type, the lender, the security and how quickly your documents arrive. Some urgent private lending can be possible quickly, but we never promise a set timeframe.

We explain the costs of your particular loan before you commit to anything. Depending on the loan, there can be lender fees, valuation and legal costs, and a broker fee or lender-paid commission. Because every deal is structured differently, we do not publish a price list. We walk you through the full picture in plain English so there are no surprises.

That is exactly where we do our best work. A decline from a bank usually means the loan did not fit that lender's policy, not that no finance exists. We look at the reason for the decline, then explore other lenders and structures, including private options. We cannot promise approval, but we often know pathways that people do not realise are available.

We focus on solutions, especially for complicated or time-sensitive deals. Under Trevor Scott's 40-plus years in finance, the team has built a wide knowledge of lenders and structures that many brokers simply never use. Our own line is that if Ownright cannot find the solution, no one can, and we back that with real effort rather than a sales script.

Ownright operates as an Australian Credit Representative of My Local Broker, which holds the licence under which we arrange credit. Credit representatives and licensees are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Our credentials are listed in the footer of this site, and you can check any credit representative on ASIC's public registers.

An Australian Credit Representative is a person or business authorised by a credit licensee to carry out credit assistance activities on the licensee's behalf. ASIC maintains a public register of them. It means we work under a licensed framework with obligations to act properly, which is different from an unregulated finder. Our guide to Australian Credit Representatives explains it in more detail.

No. Our clients range from people with clean files and unusual circumstances, such as self-employed owners with messy tax returns, to people with defaults or arrears. Some need speed, some need a structure a bank will not offer, and some just want a broker who will keep trying. Credit history is only one of many reasons people come to us.

Yes. You are welcome to call 03 7043 7233 or send an enquiry and have a no-pressure chat about your situation first. We will tell you honestly whether we think a loan is realistic, which options might apply and what we would need from you. There is no obligation to proceed with an application after talking to us.

We only share the information needed to arrange your finance, and we explain which lenders we are approaching and why. Documents and details go to lenders as part of your application, with your agreement. Our privacy policy sets out how personal information is collected, used and stored, and you can ask us about it at any time.

We cover residential homes and investment properties, vacant land, rural and farm land, commercial and industrial property, mixed-use buildings, development sites and lifestyle properties. We work in every state and territory, including regional areas, where some mainstream lenders are cautious. If you are unsure whether your property type is workable, ask us before assuming it is not.

Yes, many self-employed people do, but lenders look at income differently. Instead of payslips, they may assess tax returns, notices of assessment, BAS statements, accountant letters or bank statements, depending on the loan. Where a bank finds your taxable income too low, a specialist or low-doc option may fit better. Ownright can match your paperwork to the right lender.

A low doc home loan lets self-employed borrowers verify income with alternative evidence, such as BAS statements, bank statements or an accountant's declaration, instead of full tax returns. It suits people whose recent paperwork is incomplete or does not show true earnings. The lender will still look at your deposit or equity, credit history and ability to repay. See our low doc home loans page.

It depends on the type and age of the credit issues, how they were resolved, your equity and your current income. Some specialist and non-bank lenders will consider applicants with defaults or past arrears, and private lenders look closely at the property as security. Honest disclosure up front helps us choose the lender with the best chance. Talk to us about your file.

Often there is another route. A bank decline can reflect rigid policy about income type, property, credit history or loan purpose rather than your whole picture. We look at why you were declined, then approach other lenders, including non-bank and private options if needed. We cannot guarantee a result, but a decline from one lender is rarely the end of the road.

A difficult home loan is one that does not tick the standard boxes of a major bank. Examples include self-employed income that is hard to document, defaults on your credit file, an unusual property, a very quick settlement, owing the ATO, or a recent change in work. Ownright specialises in these cases and finds the lender whose policy fits.

It can be harder, but it is sometimes possible. Lenders look at whether you have a payment arrangement and whether it is being kept up, how large the debt is relative to your income and assets, and the security available. Some borrowers refinance to clear the debt. See our page on home loans when you owe the ATO and talk to us.

Yes, though lenders often treat contract and gig income more cautiously than permanent PAYG salary. They typically want to see a consistent history of contract work, tax returns or bank statements, and sometimes the length of your current contract. Policies vary a lot, so the right lender matters. We help contractors and gig workers find the one that suits.

Often yes. Many lenders will consider casual and seasonal income once it shows a stable pattern over time, and some will assess it more flexibly than others. They usually look at your payslips or tax returns over a period and your industry. If your income rises and falls through the year, tell us so we can explain it well.

It is possible, but trickier, because most lenders like to see a history of trading. Some assess income from your previous employment or industry experience, and others will consider alternative documents or take security-based approaches. The structure depends on your deposit or equity and your credit profile. Our page on home loans for new business owners covers this.

A non-bank home loan comes from a lender that is not a traditional deposit-taking bank. Non-bank lenders often have more flexible policies for self-employed borrowers, credit blemishes or non-standard property, and may assess applications differently. Pricing and conditions vary by lender and circumstances, so it pays to compare. Ownright can explain where a non-bank option may suit you.

No doc and alt doc home loans are for borrowers who cannot supply standard income evidence. Instead, lenders may rely on alternative evidence of income and, importantly, on the strength of the security and your equity. The options available have narrowed over the years, so policies vary widely. We can tell you what is realistically on offer for your situation.

Yes, many homeowners release equity by refinancing for a larger amount than the current balance, and use the extra for renovations, debt consolidation, investing or business needs. The lender will look at your income, credit history, the value of the property and the purpose of the funds. Our cash-out refinance page explains how this works.

A home equity loan lets you borrow against the portion of your property you already own, being the difference between what it is worth and what you owe. It can be arranged as a top-up, a refinance or a second mortgage, depending on your lender and circumstances. Ownright can compare these routes for you.

Sometimes refinancing is possible even when you are in arrears, but it is harder and time matters. Lenders will want to understand why you fell behind, what has changed and whether the property has enough equity. In some cases, a private lender can step in. Contact us early, and see our page on mortgage arrears help.

Yes. Construction loans release funds in stages as building progresses, and the lender checks the build at each progress claim. Specialist options exist if the builder, your income or your credit does not fit standard policy. We also arrange land and construction packages, and renovation finance. See our construction loans page for how stages work.

Yes, though a low deposit, irregular income or credit issues may narrow the lender choice. First home buyers with hard cases, such as being self-employed or having a default, can still be possible with the right lender and a well-prepared application. Government schemes may also apply, and we can point you to official information.

It depends on the lender, the complexity of your file, the property and how fast your documents and the valuation arrive. Straightforward files can move quickly, while complex ones take longer. We do not promise set timeframes, but we do keep things moving and tell you plainly what is holding up the process. Urgent refinances are worth raising early.

A private mortgage is a loan from a private lender, rather than a bank, secured against property. Private lenders focus on the value and equity in the security and the plan to repay, rather than a rigid income formula. This makes private mortgages useful when timing is tight, credit is imperfect or the deal is unusual. Our guide to private mortgages covers the detail.

Often yes, because second mortgage lenders pay close attention to the equity in your property, the first mortgage position and your plan to repay. A credit blemish does not automatically rule you out, though it can affect the options. A clear explanation of what happened and what has changed helps. Talk to us about your situation.

It varies with the lender, the security, the legal work and how quickly documents and valuations arrive. Private lending can be faster than a bank because decisions are often made quickly and policy is flexible. We never promise an exact timeframe, but urgent deals can sometimes be possible. See our guide on how fast private lending can settle.

A second mortgage is a loan secured against a property that already has a first mortgage. It sits behind the first lender and uses your available equity. People use them to raise funds without disturbing their existing home loan, for example for tax debts, business needs, renovations or debt consolidation. Our second mortgages page explains how it works.

A fast second mortgage is built for speed and is usually short-term, aimed at urgent needs and settled quickly, with a clear exit plan. A longer-term second mortgage is structured to run for an extended period, with a repayment profile that suits ongoing cash flow. Which is better depends on timing, purpose and exit. We can compare them for you.

Yes, that is one of the main attractions. A second mortgage leaves your existing first mortgage in place, which is helpful if its terms suit you or if refinancing would be slow or impossible. The first lender may need to be informed or consent in some cases, depending on the loan contract. We handle that side.

It depends on your circumstances. Second mortgages can be a practical way to access equity without refinancing, but there are costs, a second charge on your property and the need for a realistic exit. We give general information, not personal advice, and walk you through the trade-offs. Our second mortgage pros and cons guide is a good start.

A caveat loan is a short-term loan where the lender lodges a caveat on the title of your property to protect its interest, rather than registering a formal mortgage straight away. It is often used when speed matters. A caveat can later be converted into a registered second mortgage. See our caveat loans explained page.

A caveat loan can sometimes be arranged faster than a registered mortgage because documentation and registration steps are lighter. Actual speed depends on the lender, the property, the paperwork and how promptly you can supply documents. We do not guarantee a timeframe, but urgent situations are worth raising with us immediately.

Bridging finance is a short-term loan that covers the gap between a financial commitment and the funds that will repay it, for example buying a new property before your current one sells. The lender looks closely at your exit strategy, such as the sale of the property. Our bridging finance page and bridging loan exit strategies guide explain more.

It may be possible, because bridging lenders focus heavily on the security and the exit strategy rather than only on credit history. Defaults or arrears can limit choices, but a strong property position and a clear repayment plan help. We will tell you honestly how your profile looks to lenders.

A third mortgage is a loan secured behind both a first and a second mortgage. They are less common, and only some private lenders will consider them, since the lender sits further back in the queue if the property is sold. Equity is crucial. Our third mortgages page explains when they come up.

Sometimes. If a lender has started enforcing a mortgage, refinancing with a private lender may clear the arrears and halt the sale, but timing is critical and the property must have enough equity and a realistic path forward. Contact us as early as you can. See our guide on how to stop a mortgagee sale.

Yes, some people use a second mortgage or private refinance to clear tax debts, particularly when the ATO is pressing. The lender will assess your equity, your income or business position and your plan after the debt is cleared. Our guide on ATO debt and your property sets out the options.

Yes, a second mortgage can pay out credit cards, personal loans and other debts into one secured loan. It can simplify repayments, but it turns unsecured debt into debt secured against your home, so the trade-off matters. We explain it in general terms in our guide on consolidating debts with a second mortgage.

Private lenders usually want to understand the value of the security, and the way they do that depends on the lender, the property and the loan size. Some use a formal valuation, others a desktop or other assessment. We explain what is likely to be needed for your deal at the start so you are not caught out.

Yes. Private finance is often used to buy out a former partner after a property settlement, or to fund a transaction while a deceased estate is being finalised. Lenders look at the security and the exit plan. These situations are sensitive, and we handle them with care. See our property settlement and deceased estate pages.

Private lenders concentrate on the property used as security, how much equity there is, the purpose of the loan, your exit strategy and, to a lesser degree, your credit and income position. A clear explanation and well-organised documents speed things up. Our guide on how private lenders assess your loan covers this in detail.

Yes. Farmers can refinance farm debt, and many do when their current lender is unsupportive, their debt is spread over costly facilities or they want to simplify. A new lender looks at the farm's cash flow, equity, history and plan. Specialist and private options exist if mainstream lenders hesitate. See our farm debt refinance page.

Farm loans are typically secured by farmland and sometimes machinery or livestock, and lenders assess cash flow over seasons rather than a single year. Structures can include term loans, overdrafts and seasonal facilities. Because income is variable, lenders look at your history, equity and plan. Our guide on how farm loans work in Australia explains more.

Yes, a farm purchase can be financed by various lenders, with the structure depending on your deposit or equity, farming experience, off-farm income and the nature of the property. Specialist finance can help when a bank is cautious about a size, location or industry. See our farm purchase loans page and buying-a-farm checklist.

It may be possible. Farms often have significant equity, and some lenders weigh the land value and future plan more heavily than past credit problems. The type, age and explanation of the blemish matters. Contact us to discuss what you have and which lenders may be open to it. See our bad credit farm loans page.

Act early and speak to a broker or adviser as well as your lender. Options may include a restructure, refinancing, a temporary facility or private finance to clear arrears. The aim is to protect your equity and keep farming. Independent support like the Rural Financial Counselling Service can help, and so can we. See our farm loan arrears help page.

Yes, and off-farm income can strengthen an application, since it adds stability when farm income fluctuates. Lenders assess how reliable the off-farm income is and how it fits alongside farm cash flow. This is common for part-time farmers and families. Our off-farm income and farm lending guide explains how lenders treat it.

A farm second mortgage is a loan secured against farm property that already has a first mortgage. It lets you access equity without refinancing, which can be useful for working capital, equipment, debt, or buying more land. Lender policies vary, and there is a trade-off in having a second charge. See our farm second mortgages page.

Yes, farm bridging loans cover a gap, for example buying a new property before selling another, or waiting for harvest or livestock sales. The lender will focus on the security and the repayment source. Seasonal timing matters, so talk to us early. Our farm bridging loans page explains the common uses.

Options can include restructuring existing debt, refinancing, adding a working capital facility, or using farm equity through a second mortgage, depending on your position. Government support is also available, and official sources like the Department of Agriculture and Rural Aid list current programs. We can help you weigh the finance options. See our drought finance page.

Common routes include a chattel mortgage, equipment finance, lease or a loan secured against the farm. Which suits depends on the equipment, the cash flow, tax position and how long you will keep it. Our farm machinery lease vs loan guide and tractor finance page explain the differences.

Yes. Refinancing machinery debt can free up cash flow or consolidate several equipment loans into one. Lenders look at the age and condition of the equipment, what is owed and your trading position. We can review existing finance and see if a different structure helps. See our farm machinery refinance page.

Yes. Livestock can be financed through dedicated facilities or secured alongside other farm assets, depending on the lender and the operation. Lenders will look at the type of stock, your track record and the cash flow cycle. Cattle, sheep, dairy and poultry operations are all different. See our livestock finance page.

Lenders generally want a valuation of the farm, which considers land, improvements, water, location, productivity and comparable sales. Rural valuations can be more complex than residential. Understanding how valuers think helps you prepare. Our guide on what lenders look for in farm valuations covers the main factors.

Yes. Succession planning often involves buying out siblings, transferring land to the next generation or restructuring debt, and finance can be arranged for each. It is a sensitive area involving family and tax, so independent advice from your accountant and solicitor is wise. See our farm succession finance page and guide.

Yes. Finance is available for dams, bores, irrigation systems, fencing, sheds and other improvements, either as dedicated loans or as part of a wider facility. Lenders look at how the improvement supports productivity and cash flow. See our water and irrigation finance and farm development loans pages.

Yes. Lifestyle and hobby farms can be financed, though lenders treat them differently from commercial farms, particularly when income comes mostly from off-farm sources. The property size, location and use affect the options. Our lifestyle property loans page explains what lenders consider.

Yes. We arrange finance Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas, and work with lenders familiar with rural security. Remote properties can attract more cautious valuations and policy, so structure matters. Call us on 03 7043 7233 to talk about your property.

Speed depends on the lender, the loan type, whether it is secured and how quickly your documents arrive. Some business loans can be possible quickly, especially secured or short-term ones, while larger or more complex facilities take longer. We do not promise set timeframes, but we do move fast and tell you what is needed. See our fast business loans page.

It may be possible. Some lenders look beyond the credit file to the business's turnover, bank statements, security and plan. Defaults and arrears can narrow the choices and affect the structure. Our guide on getting a business loan with bad credit explains how lenders think, and we can talk through your situation.

A secured business loan is backed by an asset, such as property or equipment, which usually widens the options and lets lenders be more flexible. An unsecured loan has no specific asset behind it, so lenders rely more on trading history and cash flow. Our unsecured vs secured business loans guide compares them.

Some lenders offer low doc business loans that use bank statements, BAS or an accountant's declaration instead of full returns. They suit businesses whose paperwork is behind or does not show real turnover. Lenders still assess the business's ability to repay. See our low doc business loans page.

Working capital finance helps cover day-to-day costs such as wages, stock, rent and supplier payments, particularly when cash flow is uneven. It can come as a term loan, a line of credit or another facility. Our working capital loans and cash flow loans pages explain the options.

A business line of credit gives you access to a limit you can draw on as needed and repay, so you only use what you need. It suits businesses with fluctuating cash flow. Limits and conditions vary, and it may be secured or unsecured. See our business line of credit page.

Invoice finance lets a business access money tied up in unpaid invoices instead of waiting for customers to pay. A lender advances funds against the invoices, and repayment comes when the customer pays. It can help with cash flow in industries with long payment terms. See our invoice finance page.

Yes. Business acquisition loans can fund the purchase, and lenders may consider the business's earnings, the price, your experience and any security you offer. Some purchases combine business and property finance. Our guide on how to fund a business purchase covers the main approaches.

Start-ups can be harder to fund because there is little trading history. Lenders often rely on the owner's personal position, the security available, industry experience and the business plan. Options may include secured finance using property or equipment. See our start-up business loans page.

Yes, some businesses refinance or borrow to clear ATO debts, especially when the debt is growing or enforcement is a risk. Lenders look at the debt size, the business's trading and the security. The ATO's own payment plan information is worth reading too. See our page on business loans to clear ATO debt.

Yes. Refinancing can consolidate several debts, ease cash flow or replace a lender that is no longer supportive. The new lender assesses the business's current position, the existing debt and any security. Costs of exiting the old loan should be weighed. See our business loan refinance page.

Lenders generally look at how long the business has traded, turnover and profit, bank statements, existing debts, the owner's credit history, any security and the purpose of the loan. Documentation requirements vary. Our business loan documents checklist lists what to have ready.

Yes. Tradies and contractors often need finance for vehicles, tools, working capital or covering gaps between invoices and payments. Lenders look at their trading history, contracts and equipment. See our tradie and contractor loans page and our tradie ute finance page.

Yes, though lenders often treat these sectors cautiously because of thin margins and seasonal swings. Security, trading history and a clear purpose all help. Finance may be for fit-outs, stock, refurbishing or working capital. See our hospitality business loans and retail business loans pages.

Yes. Transport and logistics businesses can finance trucks, trailers, equipment and working capital, often against the assets themselves. Lenders consider contracts, utilisation and cash flow. See our transport and logistics finance page and our truck finance page.

Yes. Franchise finance can fund a purchase, fit-out or working capital, with lenders often liking the franchisor's established system. Seasonal businesses can use structures that match their cash flow cycle. See our franchise finance and seasonal business loans pages.

A short-term business loan is repaid over a brief period and suits urgent or temporary needs, such as bridging a payment gap, buying stock or seizing an opportunity. Repayments tend to be higher relative to the loan size because the term is short. See our short-term business loans page.

Same-day funding is sometimes advertised, but it depends on the lender, the loan type, the security and how complete your documents are. It is not available for every situation, and we do not promise it. We will tell you honestly what is realistic. See our same-day business loans page.

A commercial property loan is secured by commercial real estate, such as offices, shops, warehouses or mixed-use buildings. Lenders assess the property's value and income potential, as well as the borrower's financial position. Terms and structures differ from residential loans. Our guide on how commercial property loans work explains the basics.

It varies by lender, property type, location and borrower strength, and lenders often require a larger contribution than for residential property. We will tell you what is realistic for your deal rather than quoting a general figure. Our guide on commercial LVR and valuations explains how it works.

LVR means loan-to-value ratio, which is the loan amount compared with the lender's assessed value of the property. Commercial lenders often set lower LVRs for specialised or higher-risk property. The valuation matters because it determines how much a lender is willing to advance. See our guide on commercial LVR and valuation.

Yes, a self-managed super fund can buy commercial property, subject to the fund's trust deed, investment strategy and super law. Business real property can be bought from a related party under specific conditions. The ATO publishes guidance for SMSF trustees. See our SMSF commercial property loans page.

It may be possible, because commercial lenders often focus on the property and the income it generates. Credit issues can still affect the available options and structure. Honest disclosure at the start helps. See our commercial loans with bad credit page.

Commercial bridging finance is short-term funding used to bridge the gap between buying a commercial property and arranging longer-term finance or selling another asset. Lenders focus on the security and the exit plan. See our commercial bridging loans page, which includes a bridging cost guide.

Yes. Commercial loan refinance can reduce pressure, consolidate debts, release equity or replace a lender that will not extend. The new lender will review the property, income and existing arrangements. See our commercial loan refinance page.

Development finance funds property projects such as subdividing land, building units or converting buildings. Lenders assess the feasibility, the developer's experience, presales or exit plans and the security. Funds are often released in stages. Our guide on development finance for first-time developers covers it.

Yes. Commercial construction loans fund a build on a progress-payment basis, and lenders will review the plans, the builder, the budget and the end value. See our commercial construction loans page for how it works.

Owner-occupier commercial loans fund property your business uses, so lenders consider the business's income. Investment commercial loans fund property you lease out, so lenders focus on rental income and tenant quality. See our owner-occupier commercial loans and commercial investment property loans pages.

Yes. Industrial property is a recognised commercial category, and lenders consider location, building type, tenants and demand. Finance may suit owner-occupiers or investors. See our industrial property loans page.

Yes. Retail property loans consider the tenant mix, lease terms, location and income. Owner-occupiers may use the property for their own shop. See our retail property loans page.

Mixed-use property combines residential and commercial space, for example a shop with an apartment above. Lenders assess both uses, and policies differ on how they weigh each. See our mixed-use property loans page.

It depends on the lender, the type and complexity of the property, valuation and legal work, and how quickly documents arrive. Short-term or bridging finance can sometimes be quicker than a long-term facility. We do not promise timeframes. Ask us about your situation.

Lenders usually ask for identification, financial statements or tax returns, business or entity details, asset and liability information, a contract of sale if buying and details of the property. Lease details matter for investment property. Our business loan documents checklist is a good starting point.

Yes. Short-term commercial loans can help secure a property, cover a settlement gap or manage a transition while longer-term finance is arranged. Lenders will want a clear exit strategy. See our short-term commercial loans page.

Yes, many commercial purchases are made through companies, trusts or SMSFs. Lenders will look at the structure, directors or trustees and guarantors. Get independent legal and tax advice on the best structure for you. Talk to us about how it affects finance.

It may be possible. Some lenders specialise in applicants with defaults or past arrears, and they look at your income, stability and the vehicle. Terms depend on your circumstances. Our bad credit car loan guide explains how lenders assess these applications.

A chattel mortgage is a loan for a vehicle or equipment where the lender takes a security interest in the asset while you own it from day one. It is commonly used by businesses and can have tax implications, so check with your accountant. Our chattel mortgage guide explains it.

Yes. Lenders usually look at tax returns, ABN history or bank statements, and some offer low doc options. Using the car for business may open different finance structures. See our self-employed car loans page.

Yes. Truck finance can be arranged through a chattel mortgage, lease or hire purchase, depending on your business. Lenders consider the age and type of the truck, your trading history and contracts. See our truck finance page.

Yes. Heavy machinery is commonly financed against the equipment itself, and lenders consider age, condition, resale value and your business. See our excavator and heavy machinery finance page.

Equipment finance covers tools, machinery, vehicles and technology used in your business. Common structures are chattel mortgage, lease and hire purchase. The best option depends on cash flow, tax position and how long you will keep it. See our equipment finance page.

Yes. Caravan and camper finance is available, and lenders typically consider the age and type of the vehicle, your income and credit history. See our caravan and camper finance page.

Yes. Boat finance is available for many vessels, with lenders considering the boat's age, type and value, and your financial position. See our boat finance page.

Yes. Motorbike finance is available through specialist and mainstream lenders, depending on the bike and your situation. See our motorbike finance page.

Possibly. Some lenders consider applicants with credit issues, though options may be narrower and terms differ. Secured loans, using a car or property, can widen the choice. See our bad credit personal loans page.

Both can consolidate debts. A personal loan is usually unsecured, while a second mortgage is secured against property and may allow larger amounts. Each has trade-offs. Our guide on personal loan vs second mortgage compares them in general terms.

Yes. Car loan refinance can help if your current loan is unsuitable or you want to change terms. Check exit fees on the old loan first. See our car loan refinance page.

Yes. Tradie ute finance is common, and lenders understand work vehicles. Business use may open options like a chattel mortgage. See our tradie ute finance page.

Lenders generally consider your income, expenses, credit history, employment stability and the vehicle's age and value. Self-employed borrowers may need different documents. We help you present the application well.

Yes. A debt consolidation personal loan can combine multiple debts into one, which may simplify repayments. Lenders assess your income and credit. MoneySmart has general guidance on consolidating debts. See our debt consolidation personal loans page.

Yes. Renovation loans can be arranged through a refinance, top-up, personal loan or construction-style facility, depending on the size of the project. See our renovation loans page.

It varies by lender and how complete your documents are. Some applications are decided quickly, while others take longer. We do not promise set times, but we move fast and keep you informed.

It may be possible. Lenders consider the size and age of the default, whether it is paid, your explanation and your current stability. Specialist and private lenders are often more flexible. Our guide on getting a home loan with bad credit explains more.

In Australia you can request a free copy of your credit report from the credit reporting bodies, generally once every three months. MoneySmart explains how to do it. Checking before you apply lets you spot errors and be ready to explain issues.

General steps include checking your report for errors, paying bills on time, reducing unnecessary credit applications and not closing important accounts too hastily. Everyone's situation differs, so check MoneySmart and talk to us. Our guide on improving your credit before applying has more.

Each credit application can leave an enquiry on your file, and many in a short time can look concerning to lenders. This is why it helps to apply through a broker who targets the right lender first. We plan your applications carefully.

Typical documents include photo ID, proof of income, bank statements, details of assets and debts, and for property loans, a contract or rates notice. Business loans add financial statements or BAS. Requirements vary by lender and loan type.

Some lenders accept alternative evidence such as BAS statements, bank statements or an accountant's letter, particularly for low doc loans. Secured lending may rely more on the property. Tell us what you do have and we will find the right fit.

A notice of assessment is a document from the ATO confirming your assessed taxable income and tax for a year after you lodge your return. Lenders use it to verify tax returns. You can usually access it through your ATO online account.

A Business Activity Statement is lodged with the ATO to report GST, PAYG instalments and other obligations. Lenders use BAS to verify turnover, particularly for self-employed borrowers and low doc loans.

Not for every loan. Business loans and some self-employed applications may use business details, but we do not make an ABN or ACN a requirement for every enquiry. Tell us your situation and we will say what is needed.

No. We aim to gather information once, on the phone and in your online application, and then use it for everything. If a lender needs more, we ask only for what is missing.

Common reasons include income that does not fit the lender's policy, credit history, serviceability, the property type or location, or incomplete paperwork. Understanding the reason is the first step to finding another route. We can review a decline and suggest alternatives.

Serviceability is a lender's assessment of whether you can afford to repay a loan, based on income, expenses and existing debts. Different lenders calculate it differently, which is why one may decline and another approve.

A guarantor is a person who agrees to cover the loan if the borrower cannot. Guarantors may be used to strengthen an application. Because it carries real risk, a guarantor should get independent legal advice.

It does not automatically prevent borrowing, but it affects the options and timing. AFSA holds information on personal insolvency. Lenders look at how long ago it was, what has changed since and your current position.

Gather your documents, check your credit report, be upfront about any issues, and know what you want the loan to do. A clear explanation of your situation helps lenders. We guide you through this.

An exit strategy is your plan to repay a short-term loan, for example by selling a property or refinancing. Private lenders ask because they want to know how they will be repaid. Our bridging loan exit strategies guide explains common ones.

Look for a licensed or authorised broker, ask how they are paid, check ASIC's registers and see whether they listen to your needs. Our guide on how to choose a mortgage broker covers the questions to ask.