Business Loans Australia :: Articles

Car Leasing

What is car leasing and how does it work?

Car Leasing

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Leasing is an often misunderstood car financing option so, in response to subscriber feedback, we've included this article to help give you a better understanding of what it is and how it works.

What's leasing all about?

Leasing is really just another form of borrowing to finance a car. 

But unlike loan finance - where you take ownership of the car and offer it or something else as security to the lender – lease finance sees a leasing company take ownership and give you the use of the car under contract for a specified period.

Lease contracts

Upon signing your lease contract you agree to make regular monthly lease payments, keep appropriate insurance, pay any vehicle taxes or fees, and take good care of the vehicle.

Car Loans - Quick & Easy
Image for Car Loans - Quick & EasyIf you are in the market for a new or used car, then we'd like to help you arrange the money. Our car loan & leasing service is backed by a national panel of car loan specialists who will establish your eligibility, find lender/s offering the best deals for your situation - and help you through the approval and settlement process. No charge to you - and no obligation to proceed with any recommendations offered.

Further, you agree that you'll keep the car for a specified period - typically two to five years - and you're expected to stick it out to the end of the lease contract.

At the end of the lease period, there is often an option to purchase your vehicle at a specified price. 

Or you may be able to use the car as a trade-in on a new car.

Otherwise, the leasing company will expect the vehicle to be returned with no more than normal wear and tear. 

You may have to pay them for any damage or extra mileage over and above a contract-specified limit.

Lease or buy?

Leasing may involve lower monthly payments than a car loan but this is often because you are only paying off a portion of the vehicle’s value, leaving a 'residual' amount at end of the lease period. 

And at lease end, you will not own the car.

Leasing is often promoted as a cheaper way to finance a car because of the tax advantages it can bring for the self-employed or those who take out a novated lease through their employer. 

This is not necessarily the case and really depends on how much mileage will be clocked up overall, what proportion is for work purposes, and what tax rate you are on.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori


Business Loans Articles

Unlocking Cash Flow: How Equipment Leasing Can Benefit Your Australian Business
Unlocking Cash Flow: How Equipment Leasing Can Benefit Your Australian Business
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian business, equipment leasing has emerged as a pivotal financial tool for companies across the spectrum. Whether you're a small start-up or a well-established corporation, the agility to pivot and adapt to market changes is critical. This introduction seeks to shed light on the concept of equipment leasing and its significance in bolstering the operational efficiency of Australian businesses. - read more
From Application to Expansion: The Complete Roadmap to a Successful Business Loan Journey
From Application to Expansion: The Complete Roadmap to a Successful Business Loan Journey
For many Australian entrepreneurs, a business loan is a vital step towards achieving growth and success. Access to capital can fuel expansion, help manage cash flow, and provide the necessary resources to capitalize on new opportunities. However, navigating the journey from application to approval, and eventually, to expansion, presents its own set of challenges. - read more
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine finance represents a sophisticated instrument within the realm of corporate finance, often utilized as a strategic tool when more traditional forms of capital are not ideally suited or are insufficient for a firm's needs. Inherently, it serves as a hybrid between debt and equity financing, tailored to support growth initiatives such as business acquisitions. - read more
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company?
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company?
Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it often requires a significant amount of funding to get off the ground. Whether it's for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or marketing your new venture, securing the right type of financing is crucial for success. - read more
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Business Loan
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Business Loan
Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders examine when you apply for a loan. It acts as a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, helping lenders to determine the risk involved in offering you a loan. Essentially, it helps them predict your ability to repay the loan based on your past financial behaviour. - read more
Customized Leasing Solutions: Finding the Right Terms for Your Business Needs
Customized Leasing Solutions: Finding the Right Terms for Your Business Needs
Equipment leasing presents a strategic financial opportunity for Australian businesses seeking to maximize operational efficiency without the hefty price tag of purchasing. As many companies strive to stay competitive and agile in a bustling economic landscape, the importance of flexible asset acquisition cannot be understated. - read more
Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business
Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business
When it comes to starting or expanding a business in Australia, securing funding is often a top priority. However, traditional funding options, such as bank loans or government grants, can be difficult to obtain for small businesses. - read more

Finance News

Australian SMEs Ramp Up Borrowing Ahead of Payday Super Changes
Australian SMEs Ramp Up Borrowing Ahead of Payday Super Changes
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are experiencing a significant uptick in borrowing, driven by a shift from survival to expansion. This trend emerges as the impending Payday Super reforms, set to commence on 1 July 2026, pose potential challenges to cash flow and borrowing capacity. - read more
Rise of Non-Bank Lenders in Australian SME Financing
Rise of Non-Bank Lenders in Australian SME Financing
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to non-bank lenders to meet their financing needs, driven by the demand for faster credit decisions and more flexible loan terms. This shift reflects a broader trend of SMEs seeking alternatives to traditional banking institutions. - read more
Australian SMEs Boost Asset Finance to Drive Productivity
Australian SMEs Boost Asset Finance to Drive Productivity
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In the face of economic uncertainty, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly investing in long-term productivity through asset finance. This trend underscores a strategic shift towards enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness. - read more
Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Court Actions as Major Banks Withdraw
Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Court Actions as Major Banks Withdraw
07 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent years, Australia's financial sector has witnessed a notable shift in lending and enforcement practices. Non-bank lenders have significantly increased their court enforcement actions, while major banks have concurrently reduced their involvement in such proceedings. This trend underscores a changing dynamic in creditor behaviour and raises important considerations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking financing. - read more
APRA Chairman Warns of Australia's Exposure to Global Financial Shocks
APRA Chairman Warns of Australia's Exposure to Global Financial Shocks
07 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a recent address at the 2026 AFR Banking Summit, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) Chairman John Lonsdale highlighted the nation's susceptibility to global financial shocks. His remarks underscore the need for heightened vigilance within Australia's financial system. - read more
Digital Transformation Revolutionises Australia's Mortgage Industry
Digital Transformation Revolutionises Australia's Mortgage Industry
07 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian mortgage industry is experiencing a profound transformation driven by technological advancements. As customer expectations shift towards instant, digital-first experiences, lenders are compelled to adapt to remain competitive. - read more
Renown Lending Boosts SME Funding Pool to $400 Million
Renown Lending Boosts SME Funding Pool to $400 Million
30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia, Renown Lending has expanded its funding pool from $250 million to $400 million. This increase aims to provide fast and flexible financing solutions to businesses nationwide, addressing the growing demand for accessible funding options. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM):
A type of mortgage in which the interest rate applied on the outstanding balance varies throughout the life of the loan.