Asset Finance UK
For Growing Businesses
Spread the cost of equipment, vehicles, and machinery with flexible hire purchase and leasing solutions. Access funding from £5,000 to £10 million+ with competitive rates from our panel of 50+ UK lenders.
What is Asset Finance?
Asset finance is one of the most popular ways for UK businesses to fund equipment, vehicles, and machinery purchases without depleting working capital. Instead of paying the full cost upfront, you spread payments over an agreed term — typically 2 to 7 years — making budgeting predictable and preserving cash for day-to-day operations.
The asset itself serves as security for the finance, which often makes approval easier and rates more competitive than unsecured business loans. Whether you're a sole trader buying your first van, a manufacturer investing in new production equipment, or a haulage company expanding your fleet, asset finance provides the flexibility to acquire what you need when you need it.
At AssetFund, we work with over 50 UK and international lenders to find the right asset finance solution for your business. Our panel includes high street banks, specialist asset financiers, and alternative lenders — giving you access to competitive rates and flexible terms whatever your circumstances.
Finance Options
Types of Asset Finance
Different structures suit different needs. We help you understand the options and choose the right one for your business.
Hire Purchase (HP)
The most popular form of asset finance for businesses who want to own their equipment. You pay fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term, then make a small final payment to take full ownership.
You own the asset at the end
Businesses wanting to build asset value on their balance sheet
Key Features
- Fixed monthly payments for easy budgeting
- Claim capital allowances including Annual Investment Allowance
- Asset on your balance sheet from day one
- Flexible deposit options from 0-20%
- Terms typically 2-7 years
Finance Lease
A rental agreement where you use the asset for an agreed period. At the end, you can return it, continue renting at a reduced rate, or sometimes purchase at market value.
Lender owns; you have use
Businesses preferring to expense payments and wanting flexibility
Key Features
- Payments typically 100% tax-deductible
- Off balance sheet treatment possible
- Flexible end-of-term options
- Often lower monthly payments than HP
- Good for assets that depreciate quickly
Operating Lease
True rental of an asset for a fixed period, often including maintenance and servicing. Ideal for equipment you don't need long-term or want to upgrade regularly.
Pure rental; return at end
Businesses wanting latest equipment without ownership commitment
Key Features
- Lowest monthly payments
- Maintenance often included
- Upgrade to newest models easily
- No residual value risk
- Fully off balance sheet
Asset Refinancing
Release cash tied up in equipment you already own. Useful for raising working capital or funding growth without selling valuable business assets.
You retain ownership
Businesses with valuable unencumbered assets needing capital
Key Features
- Unlock equity in existing assets
- No need to sell operational equipment
- Flexible use of released funds
- Continue using the asset normally
- Often faster than traditional loans
Equipment Types
Assets We Finance
From a single van to an entire production line — we arrange finance for virtually any business asset.
Commercial Vehicles
Vans, pickups, minibuses, company cars
HGVs & Trailers
Rigid trucks, artics, flatbeds, refrigerated
Construction Plant
Excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, cranes
Manufacturing
CNC machines, lathes, production lines
Agricultural
Tractors, harvesters, irrigation, livestock
Print & Packaging
Presses, folders, finishing equipment
IT & Technology
Servers, hardware, telecoms, software
Catering Equipment
Ovens, fridges, coffee machines, fit-outs
Don't see your asset type listed?
We finance almost any business asset with commercial value. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Why Choose Asset Finance?
Benefits for Your Business
Asset finance is about more than just spreading costs. It's a strategic tool that helps businesses grow smarter.
Preserve Working Capital
Keep cash in your business for operations, payroll, and opportunities. Don't tie up thousands in equipment when you could spread the cost.
Tax Efficient
Claim capital allowances on HP purchases or deduct lease payments as a business expense. Consult your accountant to maximise benefits.
Predictable Budgeting
Fixed monthly payments make cash flow planning straightforward. Know exactly what you'll pay each month for the life of the agreement.
Easier Approval
Because the asset provides security, lenders often approve asset finance when unsecured loans might be declined. Good for newer businesses.
Example: Van Finance
Estimated Monthly Payment
£636/month
Representative example. Your rate depends on circumstances. Total amount payable £41,660. Rates from 5.9% APR for qualifying applicants.
Calculate Your PaymentHow It Works
Simple Process, Fast Funding
From first enquiry to driving away your new equipment — typically within days.
Get a Quote
Tell us what you need to finance. Use our calculator or speak to an advisor for a tailored quote.
Compare Offers
We search 50+ lenders and present you with the best options for your situation.
Get Approved
Submit minimal documentation. Most applications are approved within 2-3 business days.
Receive Funding
Once approved, funds are released directly to the supplier or dealer.
"We needed to replace three vans quickly but didn't have £100k sitting in the bank. AssetFund arranged hire purchase with monthly payments that actually improved our cash flow compared to the old vehicles' running costs. The whole process took less than a week."
David Mitchell
Mitchell Electrical Services, Bristol
Frequently Asked Questions
Asset Finance FAQs
Common questions about asset finance, answered clearly.
Asset finance is a way of funding business equipment, vehicles, or machinery by spreading the cost over time rather than paying upfront. The asset itself acts as security for the finance, which often makes approval easier than unsecured borrowing. You make regular monthly payments over an agreed term (typically 2-7 years), and depending on the type of agreement, you may own the asset at the end or have options to return, upgrade, or purchase it.
With hire purchase, you make regular payments and own the asset outright at the end of the agreement (often after a small final "option to purchase" payment). The asset appears on your balance sheet from day one, and you can claim capital allowances for tax purposes. With a finance lease, the finance company owns the asset throughout. You make rental payments and can return, upgrade, or purchase the asset at the end. Lease payments are typically fully tax-deductible as a business expense. The best option depends on your accounting preferences and tax situation.
Deposits typically range from 0% to 20% of the asset value, depending on the lender, your credit profile, and the type of asset. A higher deposit generally results in lower monthly payments and may improve your chances of approval or help secure a better interest rate. However, many businesses prefer minimal deposits to preserve working capital. We can help you find options that match your deposit preferences.
Yes, we work with specialist lenders who consider applications from businesses with less-than-perfect credit. Because the asset provides security, lenders often take a more flexible view than with unsecured lending. Factors like the asset value, your business trading history, current cash flow, and the circumstances of any credit issues are all considered. We specialise in finding solutions for businesses that have been declined elsewhere.
We provide initial indicative quotes within 24 hours. For straightforward applications with complete documentation, full approval can often be achieved within 2-3 business days. More complex applications or those requiring additional underwriting may take 5-7 business days. Once approved, funds can typically be released within 24-48 hours, meaning you could have your new equipment within a week of first enquiring.
Almost any business asset with a resale value can be financed, including: commercial vehicles and vans, HGVs and trailers, construction plant and equipment, manufacturing machinery, agricultural equipment, medical and dental equipment, printing and packaging machinery, catering and hospitality equipment, IT hardware and technology, office furniture and equipment, and more. We also arrange finance for "soft assets" like software and intangible business purchases.
Yes, we arrange finance for both new and used equipment. Used asset finance is common for vehicles, plant machinery, and manufacturing equipment where quality second-hand options offer excellent value. Lenders will consider the age, condition, and remaining useful life of the asset. Terms may be shorter than for new equipment, but used asset finance can be an excellent way to acquire quality machinery at lower monthly costs.
This depends on the type of agreement. With hire purchase, you make a small final payment and the asset becomes yours. With finance lease, you typically have three options: return the asset, enter a "secondary rental" period at a reduced rate, or purchase the asset at its fair market value. With operating lease, you simply return the asset. We explain all end-of-term options clearly before you commit to any agreement.
Ready to Finance Your Next Asset?
Get an instant estimate with our calculator, or speak to one of our asset finance specialists for tailored advice.
AssetFund is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority