For businesses investing in income‑producing equipment, getting the finance structure right is just as important as choosing the asset itself. A chattel mortgage can be an attractive option for businesses seeking flexibility, security, and tax benefits. By securing the mortgage over the equipment, the borrower takes immediate ownership of the asset and can begin using it straightaway.
A well‑structured chattel mortgage can materially reduce repayments, improve cash flow, and deliver long‑term cost efficiency - but only if it’s structured strategically from the outset.
At Quadrent, we see many businesses overpay simply because key structuring considerations were missed early in the process. Below are some practical ways to optimise a chattel mortgage for vendor‑financed equipment:
One of the most effective ways to reduce borrowing costs is to ensure current and complete financials are available. This allows lenders to assess the business properly and opens access to larger and more competitive financiers, rather than relying solely on non‑bank or specialist lenders.
Larger institutions typically offer sharper interest rates, longer tenures, and more flexible structuring, but they require transparency. Even a few basis points reduction in interest can significantly lower total repayments over the life of the loan.
Key takeaway: The better your financial position is presented, the more leverage you have.
If the asset is a relatively large purchase or core to revenue generation, providing cash flow forecasts can materially improve your funding outcome.
Cash flow projections demonstrate how the asset will support repayments and future growth, helping lenders justify:
For assets that directly drive income, such as plant, machinery, and commercial vehicles, forecasts signal lower risk and improve deal quality.
Forecasting your cash flow can lead to more competitive structuring for your chattel mortgage by strengthening your business case at the origination of a loan.
GST can be an unnecessary drag on working capital if not handled correctly. With a chattel mortgage, businesses generally have two options:
If cash reserves allow, paying GST at settlement avoids financing that component and reduces ongoing interest costs.
Many lenders allow the loan to be structured so the GST portion is funded initially, then repaid back into the loan once the taxation office refunds it to offset your business activity statement (BAS) GST bill.
This preserves cash when you need it most, particularly during asset commissioning or ramp‑up phases.
Whichever option you choose, the right GST strategy balances immediate liquidity with overall loan cost.
Including a balloon or residual payment at the end of the loan term can significantly reduce monthly repayments.
This approach:
For businesses planning growth or asset rotation, a residual structure can make sense, provided exit options are planned in advance.
Where possible, contributing a deposit can:
However, the deposit should never compromise working capital. Liquidity is critical for day‑to‑day operations, and tying up too much cash in an asset purchase can create unnecessary pressure later.
The goal is balance for your business, not maximum contribution.
A commonly overlooked strategy is setting up repayments to start at settlement rather than in arrears.
By making the first payment immediately, the principal reduces sooner, total interest over the loan term is lower, and regular repayments are reduced across the life of the loan.
This simple structuring decision can deliver meaningful savings, especially on larger facilities.
A chattel mortgage is not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution. Interest rates matter, but so does a structure that allows your business to mitigate monthly repayments as much as possible.
We work with businesses to design funding solutions that:
If you’re considering vendor financing for equipment, early planning and expert structuring assistance can make all the difference in achieving a truly cost‑effective outcome. Find out more here.