More self-employed Aussies are rethinking how they borrow, and brokers are stepping in to fill the gap.
Western Australia’s tradies are rethinking their relationship with the big banks. With rising costs, tighter compliance, and more pressure on cash flow, many self-employed operators are turning to finance brokers who understand the day-to-day realities of running a small business.
Nathan Hanna, Director of Hanna Lending Services, says the shift is long overdue.
“Most tradies didn’t go into business to chase paperwork. They need finance that works fast, supports their tax position, and grows with them. That’s not always what they get from the bank.”
While banks can be slow to respond to self-employed borrowers, brokers are offering something different: speed, flexibility, and tailored solutions that reflect how tradies actually work.
From Plumbers to Electricians, the Broker Advantage Is Clear
Brokers like Hanna Lending work with a panel of more than 30 lenders, including niche providers that offer low-doc options, shorter terms, or unsecured loans. According to Hanna, that matters for a few key reasons:
- Faster approvals. Many applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours
- Flexible terms. Tradies often need early payout options or short-term loans that banks don’t typically offer
- Smarter tax outcomes. Loan structure can directly impact deductibility at tax time.
“A lot of tradies are still on high-interest car or equipment loans they took out when starting their business,” says Hanna. “A broker can look at where you are now, not just where you were when you first signed that loan. By refinancing into a more competitive facility, we can often lower your repayments, improve your tax position, and make sure the finance actually suits your business today.”
Policy Shift Makes Timing Even More Critical
The instant asset write-off scheme has been extended for eligible small businesses, allowing them to immediately deduct the cost of assets up to $20,000 each. Both major parties are backing further increases, with the Coalition pushing for a permanent $30,000 threshold.
For tradies, this means the right loan structure could significantly reduce tax payable this financial year. But Hanna warns that not all loans are treated equally by the ATO.
“If you use a personal loan or credit card to buy business gear, you might miss the full benefit. Structuring it properly matters.”
A Wake-Up Call for WA’s Self-Employed
WA is home to tens of thousands of sole traders in construction and technical services, many of whom are feeling the pinch of rising regulation, interest rates, and tax pressure.
“These are the people building our homes, wiring our cities, and keeping the economy moving,” says Hanna.
“They deserve finance that’s built for them, not against them.”
With short-term opportunities like the instant asset write-off in play, and long-term consequences for ignoring poor loan structures, now is the time for self-employed tradies to take a closer look.
About Hanna Lending Services
Hanna Lending Services is a WA-based finance brokerage helping Australians secure vehicle, equipment and personal finance with clarity and confidence. With over a decade of experience and thousands of loans funded, Hanna Lending focuses on real outcomes, not just interest rates.
