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Property sale-leaseback is often chosen by SMEs that want to unlock capital from operational premises without relocating. Eligibility usually centres on a UK limited company or LLP, ownership of the property (often freehold or long leasehold) and the ability to meet lease rentals. Providers commonly review trading history and accounts, then arrange valuation and legal due diligence on title. Leaseback terms are agreed around rent, length and how break and renewal options may work.

Forward sale-leaseback is designed for situations where the leaseback begins after an agreed interim period, such as refurbishment, project completion or milestone-driven conditions precedent. Providers assess whether you can meet rent obligations from the future start date, and they add extra scrutiny around delivery timing and conditions that must be satisfied. The typical process includes discussing the schedule and conditions, underwriting and valuation, agreeing lease terms with the delayed start, then completing the sale and executing the leaseback when the milestone requirements are met.

With equipment sale-leaseback, an SME sells qualifying equipment and leases it back to keep using it. Providers typically require an asset schedule and ownership evidence, including details such as serial numbers, condition and documentation that supports valuation and residual assumptions. Because resale value risk can be higher for certain assets, terms are often structured around the asset’s useful life and depreciation profile. The completion and timeline can be quicker where documentation is already prepared, alongside agreed insurance and access or inspection rights for the provider.