ASSET LOANS
The dealer said sign here.
You don’t have to.
Dealer-arranged finance is fast and convenient. It’s also frequently the most expensive option available. High interest rates, add-on insurance products you may not need, and repayment structures designed around the dealer’s margin rather than your budget are standard practice in the industry.
The Mortgage Guy arranges asset loans for vehicles, boats, caravans, motorcycles, and business equipment through a panel of lenders, not a single dealership. We find you a fair rate, structure the loan around your situation, and handle the process so you can focus on what you’re actually buying.
One conversation before you sign could save you thousands over the life of the loan.
The rate is only part of what you’re agreeing to.
What most borrowers don’t find out
until it’s too late
Asset finance in New Zealand has a transparency problem. Borrowers focus on the weekly repayment figure. Dealers and finance companies focus on the total cost of the contract, which includes the interest rate, the term, upfront fees, and add-on products, which can transform a reasonable-looking weekly payment into a very expensive loan.
A $20,000 vehicle financed at 19% over five years costs dramatically more than the same vehicle financed at 12% through a bank or non-bank lender arranged by a broker. The weekly repayment difference looks small. The total cost difference does not.
The add-ons worth questioning:
- Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI): Often presented as essential at the dealership. Dealer commissions on MBI average several hundred dollars per loan. The cover itself may duplicate existing policies or offer poor value for the premium.
- GAP insurance: Covers the difference between what your insurer pays and what you owe the finance company if the vehicle is written off. Legitimate product, but often overpriced when arranged through the dealer rather than an independent provider.
- Payment protection insurance: Covers repayments if you lose your income. Again, a genuine need for some borrowers, but the premiums sold through dealerships rarely represent the best available option.
None of these products are necessarily wrong.
The problem is they’re bundled into the deal at the moment you’re most excited about what you’re buying and least likely to scrutinise the paperwork. We look at all of it before you commit.
Asset finance for the things that move your life forward.
We arrange lending for a wide range of personal and business assets through a panel of banks and specialist non-bank lenders. That means we can match the right lender to your situation, including your credit history, income structure, and what you’re buying, rather than putting every application through the same channel.
What we can finance:
- Your bank says you’re at your limit but you know you have equity sitting unused
- You’re cash-flow neutral or negative and want to understand whether your loan structure is the problem
- You own your home and want to use your equity to get into your first investment property
- You already have one or more investment properties and want to grow the portfolio without the one-bank trap
- You didn’t realise your properties were cross-collateralised until it became a problem
- You want a mortgage broker who understands investor lending, not just standard home loans
For business borrowers, the May 2025 Budget introduced an immediate 20% tax deduction on eligible new business assets. If you’re financing equipment or commercial vehicles through the right structure, this is a genuine incentive worth factoring in. We can talk through how it applies to your situation.
Ashley is a financial adviser.
The guidance you receive on loan structure is regulated advice, not a commission-driven recommendation.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This is for you if:
- You’re buying a vehicle, boat, caravan or equipment and want to know your options before you sign anything at the dealership
- Your bank said no and you assumed that was the end of it
- You signed dealer finance and are now paying a rate that doesn’t feel right
- You want business equipment or vehicle finance structured to work with your cash flow
- You have a credit history that isn’t perfect and want to know what’s actually possible
- You want someone to look at the full cost of the loan, not just the weekly repayment
A single bank decline is not a final answer. Different lenders assess asset finance applications differently. We know which ones suit which situations and how to present your application so it has the best possible chance.
How it works
Fast, broker-managed, and done properly.
01
Book a free
15-minute assessment
Tell us what you’re looking to finance and roughly what you’re expecting to pay. We’ll ask a few questions about your income and credit position and let you know what’s realistic before you walk into a dealership.
02
We find
the right
lender
We approach lenders across our panel to find the best rate and structure for your situation. We look at the full cost: rate, term, fees, and any add-ons, not just the headline number.
03
We structure the loan around your situation
Asset loans should fit how you actually use money. Whether that means aligning repayments with pay cycles, structuring a business loan to suit cash flow, or keeping the term short to minimise total interest, we set it up correctly from the start.
04
You
buy with
confidence
When you walk into the dealership or make the purchase, you already know your finance is sorted. No pressure to take what’s offered. No signing something you haven’t read properly. Just clarity on what you’re paying and why.
Based in Christchurch, proudly helping Kiwis become homeowners across New Zealand.
From Cape Reinga to Bluff
What Our Homeowners Have To Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dealer finance always more expensive than broker-arranged finance?
Not always, but frequently. Dealerships act as introducers for finance companies and earn commission on the products they place, including the interest rate margin, add-on insurance, and fees. That creates an incentive to place business with lenders who pay the most commission rather than the ones who offer the best deal. A broker working across a panel of lenders has a wider view and a different incentive structure. We get paid when you settle a loan that works for you, not when a dealer closes a sale.
My bank knocked me back for vehicle finance. Are there other options?
Yes. A bank decline is one lender’s decision based on their criteria at that moment. Specialist asset finance lenders assess applications differently and are often more flexible on credit history, income structure, or asset type. We know which lenders suit which profiles and how to present your application well. In many cases, a decline from one source leads directly to an approval elsewhere.
Can I refinance existing asset finance I’m unhappy with?
In most cases, yes. If you’re paying a high rate on existing vehicle or equipment finance, we can look at whether refinancing makes sense once any early repayment penalties are taken into account. Sometimes the saving is immediate. Sometimes it makes more sense to wait until a penalty period expires. We run the numbers and give you a clear answer either way.
What documents do I need to apply?
For most personal asset loans: proof of identity, recent payslips or evidence of income, and three months of bank statements. For business loans, we’ll also need to understand your business structure and may request financial statements or GST returns depending on the lender. We tell you exactly what’s needed upfront so there are no surprises mid-application.
How quickly can asset finance be arranged?
For straightforward applications, often within a few business days. Complex applications or those going through specialist lenders may take a little longer. If you have a time-sensitive purchase, let us know upfront and we’ll prioritise accordingly. We coordinate the process so you’re not chasing paperwork at the last minute.
Our Financial Services
Your mortgage success is just the beginning.
As your financial advisers, we’re here for every lending decision you’ll face.
First-Home Buyer Coaching
Stop feeling lost in the process. We’ll transform your confusion into confidence with clear guidance from pre-approval through to settlement day. Together we’ll check your KiwiSaver eligibility, structure your deposit mix, and map out every step so you walk into open homes knowing exactly what you can afford and how to win.
You’ll go from “Is this even possible?” to “Here are my keys” with someone genuinely fighting for your success every step of the way.
Investment Property Lending Support
We help structure lending for property purchases beyond your first home. This includes understanding borrowing capacity, equity use, deposit structures, and how different loan setups can impact cash flow and future flexibility.
Our role is to support the lending side of your investment journey, so your finance is set up correctly and sustainably from day one.
Mortgage Warrant of Fitness
Think of it as an annual health check, but for your finances. Just like you’d service your car to keep it running smoothly, your mortgage needs regular attention to make sure it’s still the best fit for you.
A quick review can uncover savings or smarter strategies you might otherwise miss. It’s about keeping your mortgage in top condition, so you can focus on building your future, not stressing over repayments.
Asset Loans
From cars and boats to caravans, motorcycles, and work vehicles, asset finance helps you enjoy the things that make life easier and more rewarding. We’ll help you secure tailored lending with flexible terms, fair rates, and a smooth approval process that fits your lifestyle or business needs. So whether it’s hitting the road, the water, or the next job site, you can move forward with confidence knowing your finance is working for you.
Self-Employment Lending
Traditional banks often struggle to understand self-employed income, making it harder for business owners, contractors, and freelancers to secure finance. We partner with lenders who specialise in self-employed clients, helping present your income in the best light and structuring solutions that reflect the reality of running a business, so your hard work opens doors to homeownership, not roadblocks.
Construction & Business Loans
From building your dream home to tackling major renovations or fueling your business growth, the right loan structure makes all the difference. We help you secure tailored finance solutions that provide the flexibility, staged funding, and competitive rates you need. So whether it’s a new build, an upgrade, or expanding your business, you’ve got the support to bring your plans to life.
Refinancing & Top-Ups
Whether you’re looking to secure a better rate, reduce repayments, or unlock equity for renovations, investments, or life’s big opportunities, refinancing and top-ups can give you more flexibility and control. We’ll review your current loan, compare options across lenders, and structure a solution that supports your goals. So your mortgage works harder for you, not the other way around.
Ready to Turn your Dream into Reality?
Stop wondering “what if” and start planning “when.”
Get the straight answers you need to move forward with confidence.
Book Your Complimentary 15-Minute Assessment.
Find out what you can actually borrow.
No paperwork, no pressure, just clarity.