Finance question
Can I get finance as a subcontractor or labour hire?
Yes. Subcontractors and labour-hire operators can get equipment finance as long as you hold an active ABN. Being contracted rather than a large employer does not stop a deal, because the asset you are buying secures the loan, subject to lender assessment.
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The short answer
An ABN and an asset are what count
Subcontractors and labour-hire operators are a huge part of the trades, transport and construction economy, and lenders finance them constantly. If you hold an active ABN and you are buying a vehicle, tool of trade or machine, the fact that you work under contract to others rather than running a big payroll is not a barrier to equipment finance.
The asset carries the risk. Because the equipment secures the loan, the lender is looking at the machine as much as at your income mix. That suits contractors well, since your work may come through several head contractors or agencies rather than one steady employer, and the security in the asset offsets that variability.
Low-doc structures fit the way contractors trade. Many subcontractor deals are assessed on an ABN, the asset and a simple view of the work you do, without full financials. Across our panel of 40+ lenders we place your application with the ones most comfortable with contractor and labour-hire income.
Do you qualify?
What makes a contractor deal fundable.
An active ABN
Sole trader, company or trust contractors all qualify.
A tool of trade
The ute, truck, trailer or machine that secures the loan.
Ongoing work
Contracts or a steady flow of jobs support the case.
A deposit can help
Not always required, but it can widen your options.
Why contract work is not a barrier
The asset secures it
The equipment carries the risk, not a single employer relationship.
Low-doc fits
Contractor income is often assessed simply, without full financials.
Lenders differ
Some are very comfortable with labour hire. A broker finds them.
A real example
A subcontract carpenter working across three builders needs a $40,000 ute and trailer. Income comes from several head contractors, not one employer. Placed on low-doc, secured on the vehicle, approved on the ABN and the work in hand. Illustrative only.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a company to qualify?
No. Sole trader subcontractors qualify too. An active ABN and the asset are the core of it.
My income comes from several contractors. Is that a problem?
Usually not. The asset secures the loan, and lenders comfortable with contractor income look at the work as a whole.
Do I need financials as a subcontractor?
Often no. Many contractor deals are assessed on low-doc, using the ABN and the asset.
What can I finance?
Utes, trucks, trailers, tools of trade and machinery, up to $500,000, subject to lender assessment.