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Low Doc Equipment Finance

Apply for low doc equipment finance through Savvy if you need funding and your latest financials are still on their way.

No obligation. It won't affect your credit score.
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, updated on August 29th, 2023       

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Equipment finance is a vital component for many companies. Without a facility to fund expensive machinery, vehicles, tools, and plant, commerce would grind to a halt. Low doc equipment finance is designed for those times when your business needs to expand or when you have to upgrade the tools of your trade, but your accountant has yet to complete your latest financials.

Sometimes, the best way to find the ideal finance solution is to let a broker approach the right lenders for you. Savvy works with a diverse lender panel to offer a range of low doc options for companies. That’s why so many business customers come to Savvy when they want to unlock specialist low doc finance options – our commercial finance brokers canvas a broad spectrum of lenders, so we can help you maximise your potential and make the most of opportunities.

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Why businesses choose Savvy for low doc equipment loans

More on low doc equipment finance

Who uses low doc equipment finance?

Low doc equipment finance is a commercial lending option that gets used by sole traders and small, medium, and larger companies in many sectors. Low doc loans are not ‘no doc’ options; they’re more like alternative documentation loans. Often, businesses turn to low doc lending solutions when an opportunity arises to grow, but there are many times when a company might need low doc finance – replacing worn out machines or purchasing new vehicles, for instance. In every business circumstance, speed can be an important factor in gaining new business, pouncing on a market gap, or continuing to operate efficiently. Low doc finance gets accessed regularly by business owners in a broad range of sectors:

  • Owner-driver haulage operators buy trucks, trailers and equipment with low doc truck loans
  • Café and restaurant owners purchase expensive kitchen and coffee-making equipment with low doc hospitality finance
  • Tradies buy tools, vehicles, and other necessary plant or equipment with self-declaration finance
  • Farmers buy agricultural machinery like harvesters or tractors with low doc loans
  • Contractors by excavators or vans with chattel mortgages
  • Couriers purchase commercial vehicles with equipment finance

Do I need a deposit with low doc equipment finance?

Some lenders will require you have a deposit. Other low doc loan providers may even waive that requirement if you have equity in a property, because that represents less risk. No deposit low doc equipment loans are available, but the interest rate will reflect that lack of collateral. 

How exactly does low doc equipment finance work?

With any form of business finance, it’s crucial to weigh up every aspect of repayment and tax implications , and choose terms that suit your trading goals. Savvy partners with low doc equipment finance providers that primarily operate via the chattel mortgage lending framework. We do that because being short on documentation shouldn’t mean unfair terms, and the chattel mortgage model offers many benefits in terms of tax savings and cash flow:

  • You own the asset or equipment from the start of your agreement so that you can claim depreciation on machines, vehicles, or heavy plant
  • When you’re GST-registered, you get to claim back all the GST on the asset when you next file a business activity statement
  • There’s no GST on regular repayments throughout the agreement
  • Interest on regular repayments is tax-deductible
  • Finance equipment over one to seven years

What can I buy with low doc equipment finance?

You can purchase any business equipment such as commercial coffee machines, computers, or manufacturing equipment, vehicles like trucks or cars, or farm machinery via a low doc equipment loan. They can be new or second-hand assets with most lenders, they will also accept private sellers or dealers. 

What documents will I need to apply for low doc equipment finance?

That depends on which lender you choose, as all have their own requirements. Some lenders will let you apply with just ID and an application form, but it’s essential to understand all lending gets charged for based on risk – so the more information you can supply in lieu of financials, the better.

Some equipment finance lenders will ask to see more alternative documentation than others, but a general rule of thumb is the more you supply, the cheaper your finance will be. It’s a big plus if you can come up with anything on the following list:

  • Business bank account statements
  • A letter, projections, or appraisal from your accountant
  • Evidence of future orders
  • Your previous business activity statements
  • Some lenders will ask you to fill out a business income declaration form

Your first step to securing a successful low doc equipment finance application should be to talk with a Savvy consultant. We can quickly ascertain your situation and requirements and narrow down your search to finance providers who fit that bill.

Can I qualify for low doc equipment finance?

Again, lenders differ, but there’s generally a low doc option for all circumstances. While one provider might insist your ABN has been active for two years, others may accept a few months if you were working in the same industry prior to starting your business. Some lenders specify GST registration, while some don’t. The key to success is narrowing down your lender choice, and that’s where a broker like Savvy can help you qualify for a low doc equipment loan faster. We can also assist if you have bad credit.  

The pros and cons of low doc business finance

PROS

Lack of available paperwork

Access to funding when you need to grab an opportunity for business expansion or replace or upgrade outdated equipment or vehicles . Responsible lenders that base decisions on the financial strength and health of your enterprise, even when your latest tax return or other financials aren’t yet available.

Out-of-date financials

It’s important to have access to finance when your business is growing. If things have taken off in the current financial year and last year’s financials don’t reflect that, low doc lenders base decisions on your interim accounts.

More lenders and flexibility

Savvy works with a wide selection of low doc business finance lenders, so no matter how short you are on documentation, we’ll try and find a solution.

Tax and GST-efficient solutions

Low doc chattel mortgage finance provides tax and GST benefits and can help you maintain cash flow until your investment begins to pay off.

CONS

Higher rates

Lenders generally charge slightly higher interest rates with a low doc equipment loan.

Deposits

A low doc business financier may ask for a substantial deposit before approving your loan application.

Equity in property

Some low doc loan providers will insist you have equity in residential or commercial property, others won’t. Either way, it’s worth noting property is a risk indicator for such lenders, and they won’t use your property as security.

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