What is asset finance?

Asset finance allows Australian businesses to acquire equipment, vehicles, or machinery by spreading costs over time rather than paying upfront. The financed asset is used as security, helping businesses maintain cash flow while securing essential tools.

How does equipment finance work in Australia?

Equipment finance in Australia allows businesses to fund the purchase of machinery, vehicles, or technology through products like chattel mortgage, finance lease, or commercial hire purchase. A broker like Asset Finance Partners matches you with the right lender from a panel of 40+ banks and non-bank lenders.

How quickly can I get pre-approved for asset finance?

Asset Finance Partners typically provides pre-approval responses within 24 hours for standard applications. Same-day responses are available for qualified borrowers.

Do I pay a fee to use Asset Finance Partners?

No. Asset Finance Partners charges no broker fee to clients. Our fee is paid by the lender upon settlement.

What types of assets can be financed?

Asset Finance Partners finances vehicles, trucks, trailers, construction equipment, excavators, cranes, agricultural machinery, medical and dental equipment, manufacturing equipment, technology, and fitouts across all major industries.

Does Asset Finance Partners operate across all of Australia?

Yes. While our team is based in Bondi Junction, Sydney, we arrange asset finance and equipment finance for businesses across all Australian states and territories including NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, and regional areas.

What is a chattel mortgage?

A chattel mortgage is a common business finance product in Australia where the lender takes a security interest over the asset while you own it from day one. It offers potential tax advantages including GST claims and depreciation deductions for eligible businesses.

Can I get vehicle finance for my business through Asset Finance Partners?

Yes. Asset Finance Partners arranges business car finance, commercial vehicle finance, truck finance, ute finance, van finance, and fleet funding for ABN holders across Australia.

Lease or Buy? Medical & IT Equipment Finance for Australian Practices

Asset Finance Partners

5 days ago

3 min read

For Australian medical practices, dental clinics, allied health providers and professional firms, technology moves faster than ever. An ultrasound machine, a CBCT scanner or a fleet of laptops can feel cutting-edge on delivery day and dated within a few years. That is why the question of whether to lease or buy medical and IT equipment has become a strategic decision, not just an accounting one.

At Asset Finance Partners, we specialise in equipment finance for practices and firms that need the latest technology without tying up the capital they need to grow.

Upgrade your practice without draining cash flow. Ask Asset Finance Partners about medical and IT equipment leasing today.

The Obsolescence Problem in Medical and IT Equipment

Technology obsolescence is real, but it does not apply equally to every asset. Understanding where your equipment sits on the obsolescence curve is the first step to choosing the right finance structure.

High obsolescence risk

Diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, digital X-ray, CBCT, MRI)
Surgical lasers and aesthetic devices
Servers, network infrastructure and cybersecurity hardware
Laptops, workstations and clinical software platforms

Lower obsolescence risk

Examination tables and patient chairs
Sterilisation equipment and autoclaves
Basic vital signs monitors
Office furniture and fit-out

As a rule of thumb, assets in the high-risk group are often better suited to leasing or shorter-term finance, while low-risk, long-life items can make sense to own outright or finance over a longer term.

Leasing vs Buying: Key Differences

The case for leasing

Access to current technology: upgrade at the end of the term instead of being locked into ageing equipment.
Preserve working capital: 100% finance options mean little or no upfront outlay.
Predictable budgeting: fixed monthly repayments make it easier to plan cash flow.
Potential tax benefits: lease payments may be deductible as a business expense. Confirm with your accountant.
Upgrade flexibility: some structures allow you to swap or upgrade equipment mid-term as new models become available.

The case for buying

Full ownership: the asset is yours with no end-of-term decisions.
Depreciation claims: you may be able to claim depreciation, and eligible small businesses may access the instant asset write-off for assets under the threshold.
Lower total cost on long-life assets: for equipment you will use for many years, ownership can be more economical.

The Instant Asset Write-Off: What Practices Should Know

The 2026-27 Federal Budget announced that the $20,000 instant asset write-off would be made permanent from 1 July 2026 for businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million. The threshold applies per asset, so a practice may be able to write off several eligible items, such as workstations or smaller clinical devices, in the same year. Assets above the threshold generally go into the small business depreciation pool.

Check the current legislative status and your eligibility with your accountant before relying on the write-off.

Common Finance Structures for Practices and Firms

Finance lease

The lender owns the equipment and you lease it for an agreed term, with a residual at the end. Ideal for imaging and diagnostic equipment where you want the option to upgrade.

Chattel mortgage

You own the equipment from day one, with the lender holding security over it. GST-registered practices can generally claim the GST credit upfront, and depreciation and interest may be deductible.

Technology rental or operating lease

Common for IT hardware. Equipment is returned and refreshed on a set cycle, typically every two to four years, keeping your systems current and secure.

Who We Help

General practices and specialist clinics
Dental, orthodontic and oral surgery practices
Physiotherapy, chiropractic and allied health providers
Veterinary clinics
Radiology and diagnostic imaging centres
Accounting, legal and professional services firms upgrading IT infrastructure

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

How quickly is this equipment likely to be superseded?
Will I want to upgrade at the end of the term, or keep the asset?
How do the repayments compare with the extra revenue the equipment will generate?
What are the end-of-term options and residual obligations?
How does each structure affect my tax position and BAS?

Equipment Finance Across Australia

We support practices and firms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as well as fast-growing regional centres such as Newcastle, Geelong, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

Stay Ahead of the Technology Curve

The right finance structure means your practice can adopt better technology sooner, improve patient outcomes and protect cash flow. Asset Finance Partners will compare lenders and tailor a solution to your equipment and growth plans. Contact our team today.

This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Speak with your accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions.

0425 658 060