Helping you achieve your business goals sooner

Buying & Expanding a Business

There's nothing quite as exciting as taking the plunge and buying a business. But from the paperwork to the people and assets, it can also get overwhelming. At Trebla, we're focused on educating you every step of the way through a new investment — so you can be sure of the right decisions going forward.

Buying an Asset

Investing in a business means buying assets. From inventory stock to branded vehicles, and raw material to buildings, you've got to spend money to make money. But how do you know which are the right assets to invest in? We can help you find the best asset finance to grow your business.

Buying a Commercial Property

Buying a commercial property can come with its fair share of challenges — but it's also a great way to expand your business operations. At Trebla, our goal is to make the ride smooth — bringing you rates and packages from every bank on the market and helping you decide which one is right for you.

Business Term Loan

A lump-sum loan repaid over a set period — typically 1 to 15 years — with either fixed or floating interest rates, or a mix of both. Used for significant one-off investments where you want structured, predictable repayments.

Best for: Buying a business, purchasing commercial property, major capital expenditure, or refinancing existing debt into a single facility.

Watch out for: Early repayment fees on fixed-rate loans. Make sure the term aligns with the life of what you're funding.

Business Overdraft

A revolving credit limit attached to your business transaction account. You draw down and repay freely within the limit — interest is charged only on what you use, daily.

Best for: Managing day-to-day cash flow gaps — covering wages, stock, supplier payments, or timing mismatches between invoicing and receipts.

Watch out for: Overdrafts are typically reviewed annually, not guaranteed long-term. Avoid running at the limit — lenders see a maxed overdraft as a warning sign.

Asset Finance

Finance specifically structured around a physical asset — a vehicle, piece of equipment, plant or machinery. The asset itself often serves as security, which can make approval easier and rates more competitive than unsecured lending.

Best for: Vehicles, forklifts, fit-outs, machinery, technology hardware — anything with a defined useful life that supports the business's income generation.

Watch out for: Loan terms should not exceed the useful life of the asset. Consider residual value and depreciation when structuring repayments.

Commercial Property Finance

Lending secured against commercial real estate — whether you're buying premises to operate from, purchasing an investment property, or refinancing an existing commercial mortgage. Terms are typically longer and LVRs (loan-to-value ratios) are lower than residential.

Best for: Owner-occupied premises, commercial investment properties, land purchases for development, or using existing commercial equity to release capital.

Watch out for: Banks apply more scrutiny to commercial valuations and tenancy structures. A strong lease in place improves serviceability in the lender's eyes.

Flexible Business Facility

A pre-approved credit limit you can draw from, repay, and redraw as needed — similar to a revolving credit mortgage but for business. Interest accrues only on what's drawn.

Best for: Businesses with variable or seasonal income who need flexible access to capital without locking into fixed repayments. Also useful for bridging between invoicing and payment.

Watch out for: Requires discipline. The flexibility to redraw can slow debt reduction if not managed deliberately.

Using Residential Property as Security

Many business owners use equity in their home or investment property to secure business lending. This can unlock better rates and larger limits than unsecured business finance — but it puts personal assets at risk if the business struggles.

Best for: Established business owners with significant residential equity who need a cost-effective facility and are comfortable with the security arrangement.

Watch out for: Understand the full implication before cross-securing business and personal lending. This decision deserves careful thought and good advice.

Profit and Loss Trends

Lenders typically want to see at least two to three years of financial statements. They're looking for consistency — whether profits outweigh losses over time, whether the trend is improving or declining, and whether the business generates enough surplus to comfortably cover repayments.

One bad year isn't necessarily fatal if the context is clear. Be ready to explain anomalies — a major client loss, COVID impact, or one-off capital expenditure all have legitimate explanations.

Equity and Debt Position

Higher equity relative to debt signals lower default risk. Lenders assess your debt-to-equity ratio alongside how much personal or business capital you have invested in the venture. The more skin in the game, the more confidence a lender has.

Retained profits kept in the business rather than distributed build equity over time — and this directly improves your borrowing position and the rates available to you.

Cash Flow Forecasting

Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business — and lenders know it. A well-prepared cash flow forecast demonstrates that you understand your business, have planned for debt repayment, and have a buffer for the unexpected.

If you're approaching a lender without a cash flow forecast, you're starting at a disadvantage. We can help you prepare this before the conversation begins.

Security and Collateral

Secured lending — backed by property, vehicles, or equipment — carries lower rates than unsecured lending because the lender has recourse if repayments stop. The quality, liquidity, and value of your security directly affects both approval likelihood and the rate you're offered.

Not all security is equal in a lender's eyes. Residential property is generally preferred. Commercial property, plant, and equipment carry more scrutiny around valuation and realisability.

Payment History and Conduct

How you've managed existing debt tells a lender a great deal. Consistently paying bills, suppliers, and tax on time — and keeping overdrafts well below their limit — signals financial discipline. Overdue tax, maxed-out facilities, or arrears are significant red flags.

It's worth getting your house in order before applying. Even a few months of clean conduct can meaningfully improve how your application is received.

Prepare before you apply

The strongest borrowers don't just turn up and hope. They arrive with clean financials, a clear purpose for the funds, a cash flow forecast, and an adviser who can present their case in the best light. That's exactly where we can help.