Construction Business Loans Australia | Compare 12+ Lenders | Esteb and Co
Construction & Tradie Specialists • Credit Assistance

Construction Business Loans — Finance for Builders & Tradies

From excavators to working capital, we match you with lenders who understand progress claim cycles, asset-backed lending, and the realities of running a construction business.

$5M+
Loan Amounts
24hrs
Fast Approvals
100%
Equipment Finance

🔒 No credit score impact • No cost to you • ASIC Credit Rep #574070

Important Information

Esteb and Co provides credit assistance services. We are licensed credit representatives (ASIC Credit Rep #574070) who help you compare loan options from our panel of lenders. We do not lend money directly. All loan approvals are made by lenders, subject to their criteria and responsible lending assessments. Our service is free to you - we receive commissions from lenders. Read our Credit Guide

Can You Qualify? Quick Assessment

Key requirements for construction business finance

Requirement Minimum Ideal
ABN Active 6 months 2+ years
Annual Revenue $75,000 $500K+
Credit Score 500+ 650+
GST Registered Preferred Required for chattel mortgage
ATO Debt Payment plan Clear

Don't meet all criteria? Options still exist. Asset finance is often available for newer businesses. Start your assessment — we'll find lenders that fit.

Which Finance Product Fits Your Need?

Compare construction finance options at a glance

Product Loan Size Speed Security Best For
🚜 Equipment Finance $20K – $2M+ 24-48 hrs Asset itself Excavators, loaders, cranes, tools
🚛 Vehicle Finance $15K – $500K Same day Vehicle Utes, trucks, trailers, fleet
💵 Working Capital $20K – $1M 24-48 hrs Unsecured/light Payroll, materials, subcontractors
📄 Invoice Finance $50K – $5M+ 24 hrs Invoices Unlocking cash from slow payers
🏗️ Project Finance $100K – $5M+ 2-4 weeks Contract + assets Large contracts, retention funding
🔄 Line of Credit $50K – $2M 1-2 weeks Property/assets Ongoing flexible access

Construction Finance Options

Tailored solutions for builders, contractors and tradies

🚜

Equipment & Machinery

Finance excavators, loaders, cranes, scaffolding and power tools.

100% finance available
  • ✓ $20K – $2M+ per asset
  • ✓ Up to 100% finance (no deposit)
  • ✓ Chattel mortgage or lease options
  • ✓ Terms 2-7 years

Tax Benefits: Chattel mortgage lets you claim GST upfront + depreciation

🚛

Utes, Trucks & Fleet

Finance work vehicles from a single ute to a full fleet.

Same-day approvals
  • ✓ New and used vehicles (up to 15 years)
  • ✓ Fleet financing available
  • ✓ Balloon/residual payments
  • ✓ Same-day approvals available

Popular: HiLux, Ranger, Triton, tippers, truck & dog combos

💵

Working Capital

Bridge the gap between progress claims and expenses.

24-48 hr approval
  • ✓ $20K – $1M
  • ✓ Approval in 24-48 hours
  • ✓ Unsecured options to $500K
  • ✓ Secured options for larger amounts

Uses: Payroll, materials, subcontractors, bond funding

📄

Invoice Finance

Turn outstanding invoices into immediate cash.

Scales with revenue
  • ✓ Up to 85% of invoice value in 24 hrs
  • ✓ Remaining 15% when debtor pays
  • ✓ Disclosed or confidential options
  • ✓ Scales with your revenue

Best for: Slow-paying builders, developers, government contracts

🏗️

Project Finance

Funding tied to specific construction contracts.

For large contracts
  • ✓ Finance secured against contract value
  • ✓ Progress-based drawdowns
  • ✓ Retention funding (5-10% held back)
  • ✓ Bank guarantee facilities

Covers: Mobilisation, materials, labour, retention release

🔄

Business Line of Credit

Revolving facility — draw, repay, redraw as needed.

Flexible access
  • ✓ $50K – $2M limits
  • ✓ Only pay interest on drawn amount
  • ✓ Redraw as often as needed
  • ✓ Secured against property or equipment

Best for: Established builders with fluctuating project pipelines

Finance Structures Explained

Understanding chattel mortgage vs lease options

Feature Chattel Mortgage Finance Lease Operating Lease
Ownership You own from day 1 Lender owns, you have option Lender owns throughout
GST Claim 100% upfront Claim on each payment Claim on each payment
Depreciation You claim Typically cannot claim* Cannot claim
Balance Sheet Asset + liability shown Asset + liability shown Off balance sheet
Best For Tax efficiency, long-term Lower payments, upgrading Short-term, uncertain need

*Consult your accountant for specific tax advice. Recommendation: Chattel mortgage for equipment you'll keep 3+ years.

Construction-Experienced Lender Network

We compare lenders who understand the construction industry

🏦 Major Banks

Commonwealth Bank NAB Westpac ANZ

Best for: Lowest rates, established businesses with strong financials, large facilities

🏦 Equipment & Asset Specialists

Angle Finance Finance One Metro Finance Pepper Money Liberty Commercial

Best for: Fast approvals, flexible criteria, construction-specific experience

🏦 Working Capital & Cash Flow

Scottish Pacific Prospa Judo Bank Moula OnDeck

Best for: Invoice finance, unsecured working capital, fast turnaround

Lender availability and criteria may vary. Not all lenders suitable for all circumstances.

Real Examples: Construction Finance

See how we've helped builders and tradies

🚜 Equipment: Civil Contractor

Marcus needed a 20-tonne excavator for a council contract.

  • Asset: Kobelco SK210 Excavator
  • Purchase Price: $285,000 + GST
  • Trading History: 4 years
  • Annual Revenue: $1.2M

Result: Chattel mortgage, 100% finance, 5-year term at 7.4% fixed. GST claimed upfront ($28,500). Monthly: $5,680.

📄 Invoice Finance: Electrical Contractor

James had $360K tied up in receivables from a tier 2 builder.

  • Monthly Invoicing: ~$180K
  • Payment Terms: 60 days
  • Cash Gap: $360K in receivables
  • Annual Revenue: $2M

Result: Invoice finance facility. 80% advance within 24 hours. Fee: 2.1% of invoice value. No property security required.

All approvals subject to lender assessment

Results shown are indicative only. Individual circumstances, lender criteria, and market conditions will affect actual outcomes. We provide credit assistance to help you compare options.

Common Construction Finance Challenges

Problems we help solve

Challenge Impact Solution
Slow progress payments 30-60+ day waits drain cash Invoice finance or working capital
Retention holdbacks 5-10% held for 12+ months Retention funding products
Seasonal work Income dips in wet season Line of credit for flexibility
Upfront material costs Cash out before cash in Trade finance, short-term funding
Bank guarantee needs Ties up capital Bank guarantee facilities
ATO debt from GST timing Limits lending options Lenders who accept payment plans

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about construction business finance

What deposit do I need for equipment finance?

Often none. Many lenders offer 100% finance for equipment. Newer businesses or weaker credit may require 10-20% deposit.

Can I get finance with ATO debt?

Possibly. Some lenders accept applications with ATO payment plans in place. Significant debt (>$50K) limits options. Best to address tax debt before or during application.

How does chattel mortgage GST work?

You claim the full GST on the purchase price upfront (at your next BAS). The loan is for the GST-exclusive amount. You'll need to be GST registered.

Do subcontractors qualify for business loans?

Yes. Sole traders and subcontractors can access equipment finance, vehicle loans, and some working capital products. ABN time and income evidence assessed.

How fast can I get working capital?

Unsecured under $150K: Often 24-48 hours. Larger or secured facilities: 1-2 weeks typically.

Ready to Compare Construction Finance Options?

Get matched with construction-friendly lenders. Equipment, vehicles, working capital and more.

Start Your Free Assessment →

No credit impact • No cost to you • Fast approvals available

Ricky Esteb - Licensed Mortgage Broker
Richard (Ricky) Esteb
Licensed Mortgage Broker & Founder
Credit Rep #574071 ACN 681 636 056 83+ Lender Panel

With direct experience helping Australians secure home loans, car finance, and business funding, Ricky founded Esteb and Co to bring transparency and technology to mortgage broking. Every piece of content is written from real-world lending experience.

✓ Verified & Last Reviewed: January 2026 | Content meets ASIC regulatory requirements
Powered by Clickbrat