Does no deposit mean no upfront payment at all?

Not always. VAT, fees, insurance, delivery, installation, or excluded costs may still need to be paid separately.

Is no-deposit finance cheaper?

Not necessarily. Financing more of the purchase generally increases the amount repaid, and lender pricing depends on risk and individual circumstances.

Is this personalised financial advice?

No. This page provides general educational information. A suitable structure depends on the asset, applicant, intended use, and lender assessment. Seek independent professional advice if you are unsure.

Asset finance questions answered

Can I finance an asset with no deposit?

Direct answer: No-deposit asset finance may be available, but it is not automatic. A lender is more likely to consider funding the full eligible cost where the business is established, affordability is clear, bank conduct is satisfactory, and the asset offers acceptable security. Terms remain subject to lender assessment.

Discuss your application Asset finance overview

How lenders look at it

The question behind the headline

A deposit reduces the lender’s exposure and demonstrates applicant commitment. Where there is no deposit, the lender carries more risk from the outset, so it may apply tighter criteria, request stronger evidence, adjust pricing, or seek a personal guarantee.

Credit assessment

What is likely to influence the decision?

Trading strength

Established performance, positive cash generation, clean bank conduct, and manageable existing commitments can support a full-cost request.

Asset strength

Standard, identifiable, marketable assets bought from credible suppliers are generally easier to assess than bespoke, intangible, or rapidly depreciating assets.

Whole transaction cost

A lender may finance the eligible asset price but exclude VAT, delivery, installation, training, software, warranties, or other soft costs.

Possible structure

How the facility may be arranged

Both hire purchase and finance lease may be considered without a deposit where criteria are met. The absence of an upfront contribution normally means a larger amount is financed, which can increase repayments and total interest.

Important risks

What needs balancing

No-deposit funding can leave less equity in the asset and may increase the risk of owing more than its sale value. Missed payments can result in fees, adverse credit consequences, repossession, and possible guarantor liability.

Prepare the application

Information a lender may request

Supplier quotation separating asset and additional costs

Accounts, management figures, and bank statements

Current finance commitments and cash-flow evidence

Explanation of how the asset supports revenue or efficiency

Who you could speak to

Arran Turner

Managing Director

General commercial finance and how Sorbus works

Profile

Graham Nash

Commercial Finance Director

Business loans, cash flow and wider commercial funding

Profile

STEP 1
A conversation with a broker
You talk to a real Sorbus broker about the business, the purpose and what is affordable. No application at this stage.
STEP 2
Credit placement
If you choose to go further, we prepare the case and decide which lenders on our panel of 150+ are worth approaching.
STEP 3
Lender assessment
The lender, not Sorbus, underwrites and makes the credit decision. Approval is never guaranteed.
STEP 4
Documentation
If a lender offers terms and you accept, we help coordinate agreements and payout paperwork with you.

Every step after the first is optional. You can stop after the conversation. Sorbus is a broker, not a lender.

Client journey

Explore real client journeys

Read how real businesses approached a funding goal, what Sorbus arranged and what happened next.

Browse anonymised case studies

Enquire about Can I finance an asset with no deposit? enquiry

Start with a conversation

Tell us a little about what you need and who you would like to speak to. No obligation, no credit check at this stage. We aim to respond within one business day, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm.

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01246 383500

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Unique to Sorbus Finance

Optional: Business Finance Health Check

Not sure how a lender may view your application? Our free Finance Health Check helps you identify strengths and gaps before you apply.

Take the short Health Check

Free · No credit check · Not required before you talk

Want the full picture? The full fact-find is longer and also optional.

Email us anytime

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Frequently asked questions

Key points before you proceed

No. Approval, amount, deposit, term, pricing, security, and conditions are subject to lender assessment and individual circumstances.

Discuss the asset and your circumstances

A Sorbus Finance adviser can help you understand the information lenders may need and the structures that could be considered, without promising an outcome.

01246 383500

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