Guide to Caravan Loans
With caravans becoming more and more expensive, a lot of aspiring caravaners and holidaymakers are hesitant to finally make the move to finally buy one. The good news is caravan loans were created to provide a simple and easy solution to this dilemma.
But what are caravan loans and how can they help own your dream caravan? In this quick guide, we provide an overview of caravan loans, how they work, and other essential information.
What is a caravan loan?
A caravan loan is a type of finance option used for the express purpose of buying a new or used caravan. This loan is ideal for those who may not have enough funds to get a caravan but want to own one immediately. Or for people who don’t want to spend a chunk of their savings on a single caravan purchase.
Note that the kind of vehicle you can buy with a caravan loan depends on the lender. The caravan loans from loans.com.au, let you purchase different caravans (e.g., classic caravans, off-road caravans, etc.), as well as towed trailers such as campers, pop-ups, wind-ups, and the like.
How does a caravan loan work?
Essentially, a caravan loan is an agreement between you and the lender. The lender will help finance your caravan purchase by providing the funds. After buying your caravan, you will pay the lender back the original amount borrowed plus interest.
Your caravan loan repayments will occur monthly, fortnightly, or weekly over the span of one to seven years. The exact repayment scheme and loan term depends on your agreement with the lender.
If you’ve taken out a home loan or a personal loan before, you can expect a similar process with a caravan loan. Caravan loans may have differences in interest rates, loan terms, loan features, and fees based on the lender.
Is a caravan loan a secured loan?
Some are, while others are not. Just like other types of loans, caravan loans can be secured or unsecured. It all depends on the lender you choose. At loans.com.au, for instance, we only offer secured caravan loans which generally have lower interest rates and are easier to qualify for compared to unsecured loans.
With a secure caravan loan, you are required to put up an asset as a guarantee or collateral. For caravan loans, the caravan you purchased will be used as collateral. If you fail to make the repayments or default on the loan, the lender could repossess the caravan.
Do I need a deposit for a caravan loan?
You’re not required to provide a deposit when applying for a caravan loan. Unlike a home loan, you can take out a caravan loan without a down payment. However, there are some benefits to putting down a deposit such as lowering your interest rates and improving chances of loan approval.
How to find the right caravan loan?
An ideal caravan loan would be one with low-interest rates and favourable terms. Because caravan loan rates, features, terms, and fees can vary significantly depending on the lender, it makes finding the perfect loan a challenging task.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect caravan loan, here are some tips to help you:
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Know the types of caravan loans available.
The best way to find the best caravan loan is to know what’s in the market right now. Look at different lenders and see what they have to offer. Figure out if a fixed or variable caravan loan rate is better for your situation. Also, weigh the pros and cons of a secured versus an unsecured caravan loan. -
Look at the interest rates.
Finding a caravan loan with a low-interest rate is a top priority among borrowers. But beware of loans that boast a zero-interest fee as they usually make up for it with high ongoing fees. When shopping around for a caravan loan, note the interest rates of different lenders to understand what the typical range is. -
Consider ongoing and hidden fees.
The interest rates are only half the battle when it comes to the perfect caravan loan. You also have to look at ongoing fees, administrative fees, and other hidden costs. These additional expenses may seem insignificant at first glance but can rack up the overall cost of your caravan loan. -
Consider the loan duration carefully.
The length of your loan has a big impact on your loan’s total cost. A longer loan term could mean lower repayments but, you’ll be paying more interest over the life of the loan. The frequency of your repayments can also play a significant role in the affordability of your loan. Make sure to take these into account while considering your caravan loan options. -
Learn about loan features.
Loan features such as balloon payments, extra payments, and redraw facilities can be helpful when managing your finances. Check out different lenders and look at what type of loan features they have available for caravan loans.
Looking for caravan loans? Get in touch with loans.com.au!
If you want a caravan loan with low-interest rates, great loan features, and no ongoing fees, loans.com.au is the way to go. Talk to our friendly lending specialists to learn more about our caravan loan options.
About the article
As Australia's leading online lender, loans.com.au has been helping people into their dream homes and cars for more than 10 years. Our content is written and reviewed by experienced financial experts. The information we provide is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives or needs. If you'd like to chat to one of our lending specialists about a home or car loan, contact us on Live Chat or by calling 13 10 90.