Are you looking for a way to finance your business or purchase new equipment without depleting your cash reserves? A chattel mortgage may be the answer. It can provide the financial support you need while allowing you to keep ownership of the asset, giving you more control over how it is used and when it can be sold.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything there is to know about chattel mortgages. Whether you’re just starting out in business or have been operating for years, this article will help ensure that all your questions are answered so that you can make an informed decision about whether a chattel mortgage is right for your needs.
What is a Chattel Mortgage?
A chattel mortgage is a type of loan that can be used to finance the purchase of business equipment, machinery, or tools. With a chattel mortgage, the purchaser is able to keep ownership of the asset while making payments for it over an agreed-upon period of time.
Unlike other types of loans — such as hire purchase — the ownership of the asset is immediately transferred to the borrower. However, the loan is secured with the asset itself, meaning that if the borrower fails to make payments, the lender can repossess the asset.
When it comes to loan terms, chattel mortgages are typically short-term. This means you don’t see long terms — such as 25-30 years — with chattel mortgages that you can expect from some other loan types.
This is both a pro and con of a chattel mortgage. It’s beneficial because shorter terms mean you’ll pay out a lower amount in interest. On the other hand, payments are more frequent with a shorter term, which can be difficult to manage if you don’t have the cash flow to support it. For more information, see this article published by Westpac.
What can be financed with a chattel mortgage?
A chattel mortgage can be used to finance the purchase of a wide range of business assets. Examples include:
- Vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, and buses
- Industrial machinery and tools
- Office equipment such as computers and furniture
- Forklifts, pallet jacks, and other lifting equipment
- Agricultural equipment
It can also be used to purchase movable homes, which can’t be financed via traditional loans. That’s because you don’t own the land they’re on, which is a requirement for traditional home loans.
How much down payment does a chattel mortgage need?
The amount of the down payment on a chattel mortgage can vary depending on the lender and the amount of the loan.
Generally, however, you can expect to put down anywhere from 10-30% of the cost of the asset. The more you’re able to put down, the lower your interest rate might be, as lenders view higher down payments as less of a risk.
Where can you get a chattel mortgage?
Chattel mortgages are typically available from banks, credit unions, and other lenders. However, it’s important to note that not all lenders offer them, so you might have to shop around to find one that does.
It can also be beneficial to consider working with an online lender as they may be able to provide better rates and more flexible terms. Online lenders typically have fewer restrictions, making them a good option if you are looking for more personalized loan terms.
In some cases, they may also allow you to make extra repayments on your loan, reducing its term and the amount you have to pay in interest.
When is a chattel mortgage not ideal?
A chattel mortgage isn’t the best option if you’re looking to finance a large purchase. That’s because interest rates tend to be on the higher side for chattel mortgages and the terms are shorter.
If you’re looking to buy a piece of equipment that will cost a significant part of your budget or you want better terms in a loan, you may be better off looking at other types of financing.
You should also bear in mind that if you’re looking to purchase an asset for use outside of business, a chattel mortgage won’t be the most appropriate loan option.
For instance, if you’re looking to purchase a car for personal use, getting a chattel mortgage may not be the most cost-effective option. Instead, you may be better off looking at a hire purchase loan.
That’s because when you take out a hire purchase loan, the lender retains the ownership of the asset. This means they’re responsible for all maintenance costs of the asset, which can be helpful in the case of a car.
Chattel mortgages summarized
A chattel mortgage can be a great option for businesses looking to purchase assets, such as vehicles or office equipment. It’s defined as a loan that is secured against the purchased asset itself and can be offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders.
However, it’s important to understand that chattel mortgages typically come with higher interest rates and shorter terms.
For any large purchases, it may be worth considering other financing options. But ultimately, the best option will depend on your individual needs and circumstances so it’s important to do your research and consider all your options before making a decision.
