Every “will you lend to me if…” we've answered

Possibly, and property is usually the deciding factor.

Often, yes. At six months you usually have two quarters of bank statements and one or two BAS lodgements, which gives a lender a real pattern to read.

With property, yes, it can work. A brand-new ABN tells a lender the business has little or no trading record yet, so unsecured lenders generally can't size a limit.

Often, yes. When you've just bought an established business, a lender can look at two histories: the business's track record under the previous owner and your own background.

Yes. Being a sole trader doesn't stop you getting a business loan.

It's case by case. A lender sees a recent industry change as a partial reset: your old track record shows you can run a business, but not necessarily this one.

Usually, yes, if you can show the link. Moving from sole trader to a company creates a new entity with a new ABN and ACN, so on paper it looks brand new.

Only with property security, in most cases. Without any revenue there's no turnover for an unsecured lender to size a loan on, so those options are generally closed.

Often, yes. A default doesn't automatically rule you out of a business loan. Lenders look at how big it was, how old it is, whether it's been paid and what's happened since.

Yes, often. Being on an ATO payment plan that you're keeping up with shows a lender you've faced the tax debt and are managing it.

Case by case. Unmanaged ATO debt worries lenders because it can escalate — credit bureau reporting, garnishees, director penalty notices.

Possibly, once you've been discharged. Lenders generally won't lend to someone who is still bankrupt, but a discharged bankrupt can be considered, especially with property security.

It's limited while the agreement is running, and case by case after it ends.

Case by case. A court judgment tells a lender a creditor went to court to recover a debt, which is more serious than a default.

Often, yes.

Usually, yes, with an explanation. A cluster of recent credit enquiries makes lenders wonder whether others have already said no, or whether you're taking on several debts at once.

Case by case. A past liquidation doesn't automatically stop you borrowing for a new business, especially if you weren't disqualified and there are no personal debts left over from it.

Often, yes. Many non-bank lenders don't rely on tax returns.

Often, yes. A loss on paper doesn't always mean the business can't repay.

Possibly, but lodge first. Overdue BAS worry lenders more than most paperwork gaps, because BAS are official turnover evidence and unlodged ones can hide GST and PAYG debt.

Case by case. A drop in revenue makes lenders look harder, because unsecured limits are sized on turnover and a falling trend shrinks what the business can support.

It depends on what's banked and declared.

Yes, with context. Relying on one major customer is common for subcontractors, suppliers and service businesses, and lenders see it all the time.

Often, yes. Having existing business debt is normal, and lenders simply factor your current repayments into what the business can afford.

For smaller amounts, often yes. Unsecured and cash-flow lenders size limits on turnover, so a smaller business can usually access a smaller facility, provided deposits are steady.

Yes, if your business is trading. Unsecured, cash-flow and line-of-credit options for trading businesses — typically $5,000 to $500,000 — don't need property.

Yes, with their genuine agreement. A partner, parent or other family member can offer their property as security for your business loan, usually by giving a mortgage and a guarantee.

Often, yes. Property-secured business loans lean mainly on the equity in residential or commercial property and a clear plan to repay, rather than income alone.

Case by case.

Usually, yes.

Case by case. Vacant and rural land can secure a business loan, but lenders are more cautious because land usually earns no income, can take longer to sell and is harder to value.

Often, yes.

Yes. Commercial property — shops, offices, factories, warehouses and similar — can secure a business loan through a first mortgage, second mortgage or caveat.