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Asset Refinance
Turn equipment you already own into working capital
If your business owns vehicles, plant, or machinery outright — or has significant equity in them — Sorbus Finance can arrange refinance against those assets to release cash for working capital, growth, or cashflow gaps. Without taking on unsecured debt, and without stopping using the equipment.
How it works
Asset refinance in plain English
Asset refinance (sometimes called sale and leaseback) is the reverse of buying an asset on finance — and it's simpler than it sounds.
Step 1 — The lender values your asset. A lender-appointed valuer assesses the current open-market value of the vehicle, plant, or machinery you own. This is independent and typically costs nothing upfront.
Step 2 — The lender releases a lump sum. Based on the valuation, the lender releases a percentage of the asset's value — typically 70–80% — as a lump sum to your business. This is secured against the asset, not against your property or personal assets.
Step 3 — You continue using the asset. The asset effectively transfers to the lender on paper, but you carry on using it exactly as before. There is no interruption to your operations.
Step 4 — You repay over an agreed term. Monthly repayments are made over the agreed finance term (typically 12–60 months). At the end, depending on the structure, you can regain legal ownership, extend the arrangement, or arrange further terms.
At a glance
Assets that qualifyVehicles, plant, machinery, agricultural equipment
Typical release amount70–80% of current open-market value
Term length12 to 60 months
Use of released fundsWorking capital, growth, debt consolidation, new asset purchase
Do you keep using the asset?Yes — no operational disruption
Security requiredThe asset itself — no personal property or guarantee needed in most cases
Common use cases
Why businesses use asset refinance
Working capital injection
Smooth a cashflow gap, fund a seasonal demand spike, or simply give the business breathing room without taking on a bank loan.
Fund growth without unsecured debt
You've won a contract or spotted an opportunity but don't want to take on an unsecured business loan. Refinancing owned assets releases capital secured against something tangible.
Consolidate other debt
Replace a higher-rate unsecured overdraft or loan with lower-rate, asset-secured finance and free up monthly cashflow in the process.
Purchase further equipment
Use the equity released from one asset to fund a deposit or the outright purchase of another. A common strategy for growing fleets or expanding machinery parks.
Eligibility
Is asset refinance right for your business?
You own a vehicle, plant, or machinery outright — or have significant equity in it (i.e. it's worth more than any existing finance outstanding against it)
The asset still has a reasonable remaining working life — lenders typically require at least 12 months of remaining useful life
Your business has a reasonable trading history — most lenders want at least 12 months of accounts, though some will consider shorter histories
You can demonstrate the ability to service the monthly repayments from business income
Asset refinance is not the right answer for every situation. If a straightforward business loan would be cheaper or simpler for your circumstances, we will say so — our advice is genuinely independent.
Assets commonly refinanced
What qualifies?
Commercial vehicles
Vans, HGVs, flatbeds, tippers, curtainsiders, refrigerated vehicles, trailers
Plant & construction machinery
Excavators, diggers, dumpers, cranes, forklifts, compressors
Agricultural equipment
Tractors, combine harvesters, balers, sprayers, telehandlers
Manufacturing equipment
CNC machines, printing presses, injection moulding equipment, laser cutting systems
Worked example
What asset refinance might look like
Illustrative only — for information purposes. Actual terms depend on individual circumstances and lender assessment.
Example: HGV fleet owner, 3 vehicles owned outright
Three HGVs, combined open-market value£120,000
Refinance amount (75% of value)£90,000
Finance term36 months
Representative APR8.9% (illustrative)
Estimated monthly repayment~£2,850 per month
Lump sum released to business£90,000 — for working capital or reinvestment
Use of vehicles during termContinues exactly as normal
Tax information: Sorbus Finance is not a tax adviser. Any references to tax treatment, capital allowances, or tax deductibility on this page are provided for general information only and do not constitute tax advice. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change. Please seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax professional before making any financial or purchasing decisions.
Enquire about Asset Refinance
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Send us your details and one of our advisers will call you back, usually within one business day. No obligation, no credit check.
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01246 383500Free call. No obligation.
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Not sure whether refinance or a business loan is the better option? Our free Finance Health Check will help you understand your position.
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Asset refinance questions answered
Common questions from business owners considering releasing equity from owned assets.
Find out how much you could release
Speak to Lewis or Arran for a free, no-obligation discussion about the assets you own and what could be released against them.