Finance routes
Pick the structure that fits the asset.
Own it, lease it, or release cash from it. Here is how each route works — your broker will help you weigh them up.
Compare the routes
Asset finance is the umbrella. The agreement changes the outcome.
Use this first comparison to shortlist the structures worth discussing. Ownership, VAT, security, fees and end-of-term terms depend on the actual proposal and your circumstances.
| Route | Ownership | Payment shape | Often considered for | Main question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hire purchase | Usually transfers after final payment | Deposit plus regular instalments; optional balloon | Long-life vehicles, plant and machinery | Do we want to own it and can we plan the final amount? |
| Finance lease | Lender remains owner | Rentals over a primary period; end options vary | Use, predictable rentals and faster-changing equipment | What are the exact end-of-term obligations? |
| Asset refinance | Depends on existing/new agreement | New payment against a current valuation less settlement | Releasing equity from owned or financed assets | What will the cash release achieve after all costs? |
| Sale & leaseback | Moves to the lender | Cash release followed by lease rentals | Preserving use while unlocking capital | Is changing legal ownership acceptable? |
Asset finance
Asset finance lets a business use vehicles, machinery or equipment now and pay for them over an agreed period, so capital stays free for wages, stock and growth.
→02Hire purchase
Hire purchase splits the price of an asset into regular payments. Once the final instalment and any option fee are paid, ownership passes to your business.
→03Finance lease
With a finance lease you rent an asset for most of its useful life. The lender keeps legal ownership while your business enjoys full use of the equipment.
→04Asset refinance
Refinancing raises funds against assets your business already owns or is still paying for, releasing equity while the equipment keeps working.
→05Sale & leaseback
A lender purchases eligible assets from your business and leases them back to you, unlocking a cash sum with no disruption to day-to-day operations.
→Ready to fund your next asset?
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