Australian Internet Loans
For Fast, Flexible Online Loans
Australian Internet Loans :: Articles

Car Leasing

What is car leasing and how does it work?

Car Leasing

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Leasing is an often misunderstood car financing option so, in response to subscriber feedback, we've included this article to help give you a better understanding of what it is and how it works.

What's leasing all about?

Leasing is really just another form of borrowing to finance a car. 

But unlike loan finance - where you take ownership of the car and offer it or something else as security to the lender – lease finance sees a leasing company take ownership and give you the use of the car under contract for a specified period.

Lease contracts

Upon signing your lease contract you agree to make regular monthly lease payments, keep appropriate insurance, pay any vehicle taxes or fees, and take good care of the vehicle.

Car Loans - Quick & Easy
Image for Car Loans - Quick & EasyIf you are in the market for a new or used car, then we'd like to help you arrange the money. Our car loan & leasing service is backed by a national panel of car loan specialists who will establish your eligibility, find lender/s offering the best deals for your situation - and help you through the approval and settlement process. No charge to you - and no obligation to proceed with any recommendations offered.

Further, you agree that you'll keep the car for a specified period - typically two to five years - and you're expected to stick it out to the end of the lease contract.

At the end of the lease period, there is often an option to purchase your vehicle at a specified price. 

Or you may be able to use the car as a trade-in on a new car.

Otherwise, the leasing company will expect the vehicle to be returned with no more than normal wear and tear. 

You may have to pay them for any damage or extra mileage over and above a contract-specified limit.

Lease or buy?

Leasing may involve lower monthly payments than a car loan but this is often because you are only paying off a portion of the vehicle’s value, leaving a 'residual' amount at end of the lease period. 

And at lease end, you will not own the car.

Leasing is often promoted as a cheaper way to finance a car because of the tax advantages it can bring for the self-employed or those who take out a novated lease through their employer. 

This is not necessarily the case and really depends on how much mileage will be clocked up overall, what proportion is for work purposes, and what tax rate you are on.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori


Finance News

APRA's New Cap on High DTI Loans: What It Means for Investors
APRA's New Cap on High DTI Loans: What It Means for Investors
24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap restricting banks from issuing more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
RBA's Decision to Hold Cash Rate: Implications for Borrowers and Investors
RBA's Decision to Hold Cash Rate: Implications for Borrowers and Investors
24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In its December 2025 meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.60%. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in balancing inflation control with economic stability. - read more
Government's New Gas Reservation Scheme: What It Means for Australians
Government's New Gas Reservation Scheme: What It Means for Australians
24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In December 2025, the Australian government announced the implementation of a Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme, set to commence in 2027. This policy requires liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters to allocate a portion of their production for the domestic market, aiming to enhance supply security and alleviate rising gas costs for households, businesses, and industrial users. - read more

Finance Articles

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Fine-tuning Your Finances for Loan Approval
Debt-to-Income Ratio: Fine-tuning Your Finances for Loan Approval
When you embark on the journey of securing a loan, one pivotal factor that looms large in the eyes of lenders is your debt-to-income ratio, commonly known as DTI. This crucial metric measures the chunk of your monthly income that goes towards paying debts, and it serves as a barometer for financial stability. A lower DTI can swing the doors wide open to favorable loan terms, while a higher one might signal red flags for potential lenders. - read more
How to Decide Between Fixed and Variable Rates for Your Personal Loan
How to Decide Between Fixed and Variable Rates for Your Personal Loan
Personal loans in Australia are a popular financial tool for managing various expenses, from consolidating debt to funding major purchases or covering emergency costs. - read more
5 Key Steps to Take Before Applying for an Online Loan
5 Key Steps to Take Before Applying for an Online Loan
Applying for an online loan can be a convenient way to manage your finances from the comfort of your own home. With technology's advancement, borrowing money has shifted from traditional brick-and-mortar institutions to digital platforms, making the process quicker and more accessible. However, navigating through this online landscape requires an understanding of how it operates. - read more