One of the best parts of the summer holidays is packing up the car and heading off on a family holiday.
A popular choice for many Australians is staying at caravan parks in iconic locations. These trips can get people thinking about whether they should take the next step and purchase a caravan or camper of their own.
Before starting this journey, it’s important to look at how you are going to finance your new caravan. Here are five crucial aspects to consider before looking into caravan finance.
Interest rates
Similar to car loans, caravan and camper loans offer a variety of products with different interest rates. The rates can range from low to relatively high depending on factors like the lender, loan configuration and your credit history.
The key distinction often lies in whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Secured loans tied to the asset (caravan), often have lower interest rates. On the other hand, unsecured loans – though offering higher interest rates – don’t link the loan to the asset, providing greater flexibility.
Loan terms and lengths
Caravan loan terms can vary, spanning from a couple of years to around seven years. Opting for a shorter term might mean higher monthly payments but less interest paid over the loan’s life.
Borrowers often decide based on their budgetary constraints, choosing repayment periods that align with their financial situation. Additionally, borrowers can opt for fixed or variable rates. Fixed loans provide payment certainty, while variable loans offer flexibility that can be beneficial but come with the uncertainty of market fluctuations.
Be mindful of options and extras
Caravan prices often only reflect the basic essentials. Caravans, much like cars, come with numerous optional accessories that can significantly impact the overall cost. From bedding areas to plumbing, sinks, ovens, showers and more, these optional extras can add thousands to the total. When applying for a loan, it’s crucial to account for these potential add-ons to avoid surprises down the road.
Bad credit?
Having a less-than-stellar credit history doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t secure financing for your caravan or camper. Taking steps to improve your credit report, such as timely repayment of existing loans and bills, can improve your chances of getting better interest rates. Working with your finance broker is another important step in comparing your options and seeing what is available to you.
In-house vs. external finance
Caravan dealers often offer in-house finance, similar to car dealerships. While this may seem convenient, it’s crucial to look closely at the interest rates and loan terms. In many cases, these in-house loans are white-labelled products from external lenders, potentially carrying steeper interest rates and restrictive repayment terms. Exploring external financing options with your finance broker allows you to shop around, securing the best rate and loan terms tailored to your specific needs.
