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If you own a small or emerging business, it can often be difficult to get approval for a business loan. Many lenders will ask you to provide detailed evidence of your trading history and revenue, as well as meet strict lending criteria to be eligible for a loan.
If you're unable to access other forms of business finance and have property you can use as security, a caveat loan can give you quick access to the funding you need.
Learn how caveat loans work, what to look out for, and compare business loans below.
A caveat loan is a short-term business finance option that gives businesses quick access to funding. Like payday loans for individuals, caveat loans offer short turnaround times and short loan terms, but higher interest rates than regular business loans.
A caveat loan is a secured business loan that requires you to use your property or land as security against the loan. You can generally borrow from $1,000 to $50 million, although this will depend on the value of the property you are using as security. Most lenders will let you borrow up to a certain percentage of the value of your property, generally between 70% and 90%, although some may allow you to borrow the full value of the property.
As such, a caveat loan functions much like a second mortgage, and the lender can take ownership of the property (or the amount of equity you used as security) if you fail to repay the loan. This also means you are unable to sell the property or use it as collateral elsewhere until you have paid off this loan.
Most caveat loans are approved within one or two days, and generally offer loan terms of between 1 and 12 months. Unlike other loan types, many caveat loans charge interest on a monthly basis, and interest rates are generally much higher than other business finance options. You are generally not required to provide the documentation that is required with regular business loan applications, such as proof of income, revenue forecasts or a property valuation.
The cost of your caveat loan is mainly determined by the loan amount, the interest rate and the loan term you are offered. Many caveat loans offer loan terms of up to one year and charge interest on a monthly basis, often from 1% per month.
Some lenders will also have a number of fees and charges that you will need to pay as part of your loan. These may include:
You should always confirm with the lender if you will need to pay any fees as part of your loan. You should also always calculate the overall cost of the loan before you apply, to ensure you find the one that is best suited to you and that you can afford to pay back.
A caveat loan is often a last resort for businesses that require finance. As such, it is important that you understand the terms of the loan and are confident you will be able to repay the loan before you apply. While it may seem like an attractive option if you are struggling to secure other funding, a caveat loan is generally only suitable if you meet the following criteria:
If you do not meet all of the criteria above, a caveat loan may not be an appropriate choice for your business.
Before applying for a caveat loan, you should determine if you may be eligible for a regular business loan, as these loans generally offer more flexible loan terms and lower interest rates. You can compare a range of business loans below.
100% confidential application
An unsecured business loan with fast application and funding turnaround. Interest rates determined by business circumstances and loan requirements.
If your business is struggling to manage its cash flow, invoice financing could be an option. This type of business loan is secured by outstanding invoices and comes with reduced risk, no asset requirements or interest payments. You can compare the invoice financing products below.
100% confidential application
Close cash flow gaps with Waddle. Borrow against your unpaid invoices with a line of credit up to $4m.
Purchase, replace or upgrade new or used equipment up to $500,000.
Stratton Finance offers a business car loan with high borrowing amounts and fixed interest rates.
Buying a Gong Cha franchise can be potentially lucrative. Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Gong Cha franchisee today.
Fund your business needs with Propell’s line of credit, providing up to $100,000 with fees based only on what you use.
This ANZ business loan aims to help businesses recover from the Coronavirus pandemic with a special, low interest rate. Rates will vary based on your situation. Find out if you're eligible to apply.
This loan from Westpac has secured and unsecured options to help your business recover from the Covid-19 lockdowns. Its variable rates are based on your circumstances and can be repaid over 10 years. Find out if you're eligible to apply.
This business recovery loan from NAB lets you choose between secured and unsecured options to help your business after the Covid-19 lockdowns. Interest rates will vary based on your situation. Find out if you're eligible to apply.
You can borrow up to $5 million to help your business recover from the coronavirus pandemic or the March 2021 floods.
