Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about finance? We’ve grouped the most common queries by service type so you can quickly find what matters to you. Whether you’re after equipment finance, exploring property options or just trying to understand how it all works, you’ll find clear, straightforward answers right here.

Cant find the answer you’re looking for?

Reach out to our friendly team at Atlas Broker who will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Equipment Finance

What equipment can I finance with Atlas Broker?

We can help you finance a wide variety of business equipment, including:

  • Vehicles & trucks
  • Construction and earthmoving machinery
  • IT equipment and software
  • Medical and dental equipment
  • Hospitality and cafe fit-outs
  • Manufacturing machinery
  • Office fit-outs and furniture

Basically, if the equipment is used for business purposes,  whether it’s new or used, we can usually arrange finance for it.

How fast can I get finance approved?

Many straightforward equipment finance applications can be approved in 24 to 48 hours, provided all the required information is submitted upfront.

More complex applications may take longer. Turnaround times generally depend on:

  • Whether the equipment is new or used
  • The size and complexity of the application
  • Your financial situation and credit history

We’ll clearly outline what’s needed from the start and keep you updated throughout the process to get you approved as quickly as possible.

Do I need to pay a deposit for equipment finance?

Not always. We can often arrange 100% financing with no deposit, depending on your credit profile and the equipment.

In some cases, lenders may ask for a 10–20% deposit.

We’ll review your situation and let you know upfront what deposit (if any) is required.

Does using a broker cost me anything?

No. Using a broker (including Atlas Broker) costs you nothing in most cases.

We’re paid a commission directly by the lender once your finance is approved and settled. You won’t pay any broker fees.

We’ll always be transparent if any rare fees ever apply.

What is commercial equipment finance?

It’s a finance solution that allows businesses to acquire essential equipment without paying the full cost upfront. The asset is funded via structured repayments over time, helping you maintain healthy cashflow.

What types of businesses can apply for equipment finance?

We work with most Australian businesses, including:

  • Sole traders
  • Partnerships
  • Companies (Pty Ltd)
  • Trusts

From startups and small businesses through to established and larger companies, as long as the business has a genuine need for finance and a reasonable credit profile, we can usually help.

We tailor solutions to suit your industry and entity structure.

What documents will I need to give to get started with a Equipment Finance loan?
Australian driver’s licence or passport Active ABN

  • Business trading address and contact details

Bank statements (3 months)

  • Latest financial statements (profit & loss + balance sheet)
  • Business tax returns (last 1–2 years)
  • BAS statements (if registered for GST)
I am a new business, can you still help me with finance?

Yes, we can still help you.

Being a new business doesn’t stop you from getting finance. Lenders will just look at things like your business plan, your bank activity so far, your credit history, and the equipment you want to buy.

At Atlas Brokers, we work with lenders who support new businesses and first-time setups. We’ll help you understand what you can apply for and guide you through it step by step, so it feels simple and clear from the start.

Property Finance

How much can I borrow for a home loan?

It depends on your income, expenses, deposit, and current lending criteria.

The fastest way to know exactly how much you can borrow is to speak with us. We’ll run a proper borrowing power assessment across multiple lenders and give you a clear, realistic figure tailored to your circumstances.

Do you help first home buyers?

Yes. We help first home buyers every day.

We guide you through the entire process from figuring out what you can afford, getting pre-approval, understanding government schemes, right through to settlement.

We compare options across our lender panel to find the right loan for your situation.

Does using a broker cost me anything?

No. Using a broker (including Atlas Broker) costs you nothing in most cases.

We’re paid a commission directly by the lender once your finance is approved and settled. You won’t pay any broker fees.

We’ll always be transparent if any rare fees ever apply.

How much deposit do I need for a home loan?

You don’t always need a large deposit. Many first home buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit, and in some cases even less with the help of government schemes.

However, the more deposit you have, the better your interest rate and loan options usually are.

How long does a pre-approval last?

Ninety days (three months)

What happens if my pre-approval expires before I purchase a home?

Submit a new pre-approval application.

If I’m a subcontractor with an ATO tax debt, can I still get a home loan?

Yes, it may still be possible, but approval depends on the size of the tax debt, whether it is currently due and payable, and — most importantly — your ability to service the new home loan plus any ATO repayment obligations.

Every situation is different, which is why we strongly recommend speaking to a broker.

Business Loans & Cashflow Finance

What can a business loan be used for?

A business loan can be used for almost anything that helps your business grow, improve cash flow, or operate smoothly.

  • Cash flow support (covering expenses during slower periods)

  • Buying equipment or machinery

  • Purchasing vehicles for business use

  • Fit-outs or renovations

  • Stock and inventory purchases

  • Hiring staff or scaling operations

  • Expansion into new locations or markets

  • Refinancing existing business debt

If it helps your business run better, grow stronger, or stay stable, a business loan can usually be structured to support it.

Do I need to provide financial history or documents to get a loan?

Yes, in most cases you will need to provide some financial history and supporting documents.

Lenders typically ask for:

  • Bank statements (usually the last 3–6 months)
  • Tax returns and Notice of Assessment
  • Proof of income (payslips or financial statements)
  • BAS statements (for businesses)

However, we can often access low-doc or alternative options, especially for self-employed applicants or established businesses with strong credit.

We’ll review your situation and clearly tell you exactly what’s required upfront so there are no surprises.

How will the repayments affect my cash flow?

We carefully structure repayments to minimise impact on your cash flow.

We can offer longer terms, seasonal repayments, or interest-only periods where suitable. Our aim is to keep monthly repayments comfortable so you can run and grow your business without strain.

Can I get business finance if my company is new?

Yes. Many newer businesses can still get finance.

We can often arrange approval for companies trading 6–12 months or more, depending on your personal credit, industry, and the asset being financed. We work with specialist lenders who are more flexible with newer businesses.

Insurance

Do I need insurance to secure finance?

Yes. For asset-based lending such as equipment, vehicles, or property, lenders will generally require appropriate insurance to protect the asset, as it forms part of the loan security.

Can you help arrange business insurance too?

Yes. Alongside equipment finance and mortgages, we help businesses with tailored insurance options to protect assets, income, and operations. This can include cover such as business, asset, and liability-related insurance, depending on your needs.

Does using a broker cost me anything?

No. Using a broker (including Atlas Broker) costs you nothing in most cases.

We’re paid a commission directly by the lender once your finance is approved and settled. You won’t pay any broker fees.

We’ll always be transparent if any rare fees ever apply.

How do I know I’m getting the right insurance for my business?

The right cover isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about understanding your risks and your business. We work with you to assess what really matters, compare options from multiple insurers, and make sure every policy fits your needs. You’ll walk away confident, not confused.

General Questions

How quickly can finance be approved?

Approval times vary depending on the type of finance:

  • Equipment finance & vehicle finance: Often approved in 1–5 business days
  • Personal loans: Usually 1–3 business days
  • Home loans / Mortgages: Typically 2–6 weeks

Many straightforward applications can be fast-tracked. The actual time depends on how complete your documents are and the lender’s requirements.

For the most accurate timeframe for your situation, contact Atlas Broker. We’ll review your needs and give you a clear indication of expected turnaround times.

What equipment can I finance with Atlas Broker?

We can help you finance a wide variety of business equipment, including:

  • Vehicles & trucks
  • Construction and earthmoving machinery
  • IT equipment and software
  • Medical and dental equipment
  • Hospitality and cafe fit-outs
  • Manufacturing machinery
  • Office fit-outs and furniture

Basically, if the equipment is used for business purposes,  whether it’s new or used, we can usually arrange finance for it.

What's the difference between using a mortgage broker and going direct to a bank?

We give you access to many lenders, not just one.

Instead of being limited to a single bank’s products, we compare options across a wide panel of lenders to find the best fit for your situation.

You also get a dedicated broker who personally guides you from start to finish, handling paperwork, negotiations, and support, rather than dealing with different people each time at a bank.

Our service is free for you.

Does using a broker cost me anything?

No. Using a broker (including Atlas Broker) costs you nothing in most cases.

We’re paid a commission directly by the lender once your finance is approved and settled. You won’t pay any broker fees.

We’ll always be transparent if any rare fees ever apply.

What types of businesses can apply for equipment finance?

We work with most Australian businesses, including:

  • Sole traders
  • Partnerships
  • Companies (Pty Ltd)
  • Trusts

From startups and small businesses through to established and larger companies, as long as the business has a genuine need for finance and a reasonable credit profile, we can usually help.

We tailor solutions to suit your industry and entity structure.

If I’m a subcontractor with an ATO tax debt, can I still get a home loan?

Yes, it may still be possible, but approval depends on the size of the tax debt, whether it is currently due and payable, and — most importantly — your ability to service the new home loan plus any ATO repayment obligations.

Every situation is different, which is why we strongly recommend speaking to a broker.

Cant find the answer you’re looking for?

Reach out to our friendly team at Atlas Broker who will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Meet The Team

We’re a team of problem solvers, relationship builders and straight talkers.

Our Story

Explore the journey from a small brokerage to a national team of experts helping Australians build their future.
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