Business loans for optometry practices

Ardent Capital Group brings the same method to every client: execution and strategy, clear advice for smart lending, and long-term growth. That means the right lender, structure and timing, straight advice so you borrow with confidence, and today's deal built toward where you want to be tomorrow. We are specialists in helping business owners secure finance to purchase their own property, and we understand the complex structures that often sit around it, including multiple trusts, holding companies and self-managed super funds. Through that work we also understand what the business needs from its cash flow, and where an overdraft or line of credit fits for working capital. For an optometry practice, where the business is half clinical billing and half retail stock, that means the desks among our 60-plus lenders that lend on the strength of the business rather than property alone. We stay on as the practice grows. Every figure is subject to serviceability, lender appetite and approval.

It depends on how quickly you need it and what you are willing to offer as security. Unsecured facilities are assessed mainly on trading strength and can be arranged in days, which suits a limit of $100K to $500K. Secured facilities, backed by property or plant, support larger amounts and price better, and make sense once you are funding a major purchase or an acquisition. Most established operators end up with a mix, and we shape which sits where.

It depends on your trading, your structure and the purpose, but lending here commonly runs from $100K to well into seven figures, and our range extends to $100M for larger operators. Lenders that recognise the profession will lend against practice goodwill and cash flow, and frame stock supports a facility of its own. The binding constraint is usually serviceability rather than security, and we shape the funding early so you know your number before you commit.

Yes, and the equipment is normally the security rather than your home. OCT, field analysers, phoropters and lens edging and a full dispensary fit-out can all be funded new or refurbished. Terms are typically matched to the life of the asset, and established businesses can often be assessed on bank statements and BAS rather than full financials. Dealer and manufacturer finance programs are available too, and we compare them against a bank facility.

Yes, and it is exactly what a revolving line is for. Frames are paid for months before they sell, and carrying the ranges patients expect can tie up a serious share of your working capital. A line sized to your stock turn lets you hold the range and repay as it moves, with interest charged only on the drawn balance. It also lets you take a supplier deal when one is genuinely worth taking, subject to serviceability and approval.

No. Plenty of operators fund growth without touching the family home, either through unsecured facilities assessed on trading, or by securing against the equipment being purchased. Property security widens the range of lenders and structures open to you, so it is worth considering once you are borrowing well into seven figures. The choice is yours, and we will show you what each option costs before you commit.

An unsecured facility can often be approved within 48 hours and funded inside a week where the business is established and the BAS and bank statements are current. Secured facilities take longer, typically two to four weeks, because a valuation is involved. The practical advice is to open the limit before you need it, ideally when you are planning the spend rather than when the invoice is already due. Timeframes are indicative and subject to lender appetite and approval.

Yes. Many lenders assess established businesses on 6 to 12 months of bank statements and recent BAS rather than full year-end financials, which suits operators whose accounts lag the current run rate. It works best where the trading account shows regular receipts and the ATO position is current. If you have a payment plan in place, say so early, because several lenders will still proceed when it is disclosed and being met.

Yes, and it is a commercial property deal rather than a working capital one. An optometry practice depends on foot traffic as much as referrals, so owning the site protects a location and a fit-out you have invested heavily in. Owner-occupiers can generally borrow a higher proportion of the purchase price than an investor would. Our commercial property team handles these end to end through our optometry practice property loans service.

Yes. Acquisition is one of the most common reasons optometrists come to us, whether you are buying your first practice, buying out a partner or adding a second location. Lenders that recognise the profession will lend against goodwill, patient base and cash flow rather than bricks and mortar alone. Stock and equipment usually transfer as part of the deal and can be funded separately, which often improves the overall structure. Subject to serviceability and approval.

Most of the time, no. We are paid a commission by the lender once your facility settles. Where a deal requires significant preparation or involves unusual complexity, a small mandate fee may apply. We will always be upfront about this before any work begins.

Although we are based in Sydney, we service clients across all major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart, along with their surrounding regional areas. Wherever your business is located, we can arrange your finance.

Although our main speciality is property loans for business owners, such as a property loan to buy your optometry practice, we also assist with optical equipment finance and working capital. On asset finance, that covers clinical equipment, dispensary fit-out and commercial vehicles. On working capital, we arrange business overdrafts, lines of credit and cash-flow funding. We also arrange commercial mortgages if you are buying or refinancing your premises.