Top 10 Sale and Leaseback Lenders in the UK 2026: Unlock Capital from Your Business Assets
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Top 10 Sale and Leaseback Lenders in the UK
| Rank | Lender | Best for | Published loan range | Loan rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberty Leasing | Mid-to-large asset sale and leaseback for capital release | £10,000 to £2,000,000 | interest 11% to 16% |
| 2 | Lombard | Larger sale and leaseback deals with competitive interest rates | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 4% to 11.5% |
| 3 | PlayterBoost | Cost-effective sale and leaseback within a focused loan band | £30,000 to £50,000 | interest 2.5% to 4% |
| 4 | Reward Funding | Large-scale sale and leaseback with very low starting rates | £100,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 0.99% to 3% |
| 5 | Time Finance | Flexible sale and leaseback across a broad range of assets | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% |
| 6 | Admiral leasing | Smaller-ticket equipment sale and leaseback arrangements | From £1,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% |
| 7 | Lloyds Bank | High-street bank sale and leaseback for smaller asset values | £1,000 to £50,000 | interest 10.65% to 11.2% |
| 8 | Barclays | Wide-ranging sale and leaseback through a major UK bank | £1,000 to £25,000,000 | interest 8.5% to 14.9% |
| 9 | Acorn Business Finance | Established businesses releasing capital through sale and leaseback | £15,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 8% to 15% |
| 10 | Aldermore Asset finance | Sale and leaseback for businesses at various stages of growth | £1,000 to £10,000,000 | interest 5% to 15% |
Sale and leaseback lets UK businesses unlock cash tied up in equipment, machinery, vehicles, or commercial property. You sell an asset you already own to a lender, then lease it back for an agreed period. This frees working capital without disrupting operations. Finding the right sale and leaseback lender is essential to securing fair terms, competitive rates, and a structure that supports your cash flow.
Not all sale and leaseback lenders are the same. Some specialise in heavy machinery, others in commercial vehicles or property. Rates, loan ranges, and funding speed vary widely. This page compares the top 10 sale and leaseback lenders in the UK so you can weigh up your options side by side. The lender you choose can make a real difference to both your upfront capital release and your long-term costs.
Important: Funding Agent is a commercial finance broker, not a direct lender. We match your enquiry with suitable sale and leaseback providers from our panel. Some lenders listed may not be accessible through our service.
Funding Agent
Published loan rangeFrom £10,000 to up to £1,000,000
Rate typeInterest or factor rate
Why it is included:It is included because many business owners need to compare several finance routes before choosing where to apply.
Funding Agent can help businesses compare suitable options across a lender panel, especially when eligibility depends on turnover, sector, trading history, credit strength and available documents.
Best use case: When the borrower wants to avoid applying to one lender at a time.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Why it stands out
- Useful when a business wants to compare lender fit rather than guess which lender to apply to first.
- Can help position the application around the funding purpose, trading profile and available documents.
- Works well as a conversion route for readers who are unsure whether a direct lender will approve a larger unsecured facility.
Need to know
- Funding Agent is a broker, not a lender.
- The lender, not Funding Agent, sets the final rate, term, fees and approval decision.
- The best match may be unsecured, secured, revolving credit, invoice finance or another product depending on the case.
Expert take
Funding Agent is a useful honourable mention for business owners who want to compare lender options before submitting a full application. A larger unsecured loan is not always approved by the first lender a business finds, so understanding lender fit early can reduce wasted time and avoid unnecessary declines.
Liberty Leasing
Published loan range£10,000 to £2,000,000
Rate typeinterest 11% to 16%
Overview: Liberty Leasing offers sale and leaseback funding from £10,000 to £2,000,000, helping UK businesses unlock capital tied up in owned equipment, vehicles and machinery without losing operational use of those assets.
The lender focuses on productive assets, making it a practical choice for manufacturers, hauliers and construction firms that want to release equity while continuing day-to-day operations.
Best next step: Suits businesses with owned equipment and machinery.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Unlocks capital from assets you already own
- Retain full operational use of your equipment
- Funding range suits most mid-market businesses
Need to know
- Rates typically fall between 11% and 16%
- Asset valuation and eligibility checks apply
- Funding decision possible within 24 hours
Expert take
Liberty Leasing is a solid sale and leaseback option for businesses with unencumbered equipment worth £10,000 or more. The focus on productive assets means valuations are straightforward and decisions are reasonably quick.
Lombard
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4% to 11.5%
Overview: Lombard, part of NatWest Group, provides sale and leaseback facilities up to £5,000,000, enabling established businesses to release significant capital from high-value assets including commercial vehicles, plant and machinery.
With interest rates starting from 4%, Lombard offers one of the more cost-effective routes for businesses looking to refinance owned assets while maintaining uninterrupted use through a leaseback arrangement.
Best next step: Ideal for asset-rich businesses needing substantial capital release.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Competitive rates starting from 4% APR
- Funding available up to £5,000,000
- Backed by a major high-street banking group
Need to know
- Rates range from 4% to 11.5%
- Best suited to established, asset-rich businesses
- Asset condition and value will be assessed
Expert take
Lombard's sale and leaseback proposition is one of the strongest on the market for larger deals. The combination of competitive rates and high lending caps makes it particularly attractive for manufacturers and logistics firms with significant asset bases.
Source:https://www.lombard.co.uk/
PlayterBoost
Published loan range£30,000 to £50,000
Rate typeinterest 2.5% to 4%
Overview: PlayterBoost offers sale and leaseback funding between £30,000 and £50,000, suited to card-taking businesses that want to unlock capital from owned assets while linking repayments to revenue performance.
This lender blends asset-backed funding with a flexible repayment structure, making it a practical choice for hospitality, retail and service businesses whose income fluctuates seasonally and who need breathing room on fixed costs.
Best next step: Works well for seasonal businesses with card revenue.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Repayments flex with your revenue flow
- Unlocks cash from owned business assets
- Simple application and quick decision process
Need to know
- Loan range capped between £30,000 and £50,000
- Suited to card-taking or revenue-generating SMEs
- Rates typically between 2.5% and 4%
Expert take
PlayterBoost brings a different angle to sale and leaseback by linking repayments to trading performance. It is worth a look for hospitality and retail businesses that want asset-backed funding without the rigidity of fixed monthly payments.
Source:https://www.playter.co/
Reward Funding
Published loan range£100,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 0.99% to 3%
Overview: Reward Funding delivers sale and leaseback facilities from £100,000 to £5,000,000, combining asset-backed capital release with revolving credit flexibility for businesses that need ongoing working capital alongside a one-off equity unlock.
Interest rates starting below 1% make this one of the most cost-effective sale and leaseback options available. The revolving credit element also allows businesses to draw and repay as cash flow demands change.
Best next step: Best for larger sale-leaseback with ongoing credit needs.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Rates from just 0.99% for strong proposals
- Combine asset release with revolving credit
- Funding ceiling reaches £5,000,000
Need to know
- Minimum facility size is £100,000
- Requires suitable security and asset valuation
- Revolving limits may be reviewed or adjusted
Expert take
Reward Funding's low-rate sale and leaseback product is compelling for businesses with valuable assets and strong credit profiles. The bolt-on revolving facility is a genuine differentiator for firms managing seasonal cash flow swings.
Source:https://rewardfunding.co.uk/
Time Finance
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5%
Overview: Time Finance provides sale and leaseback funding up to £5,000,000, making it a strong option for B2B businesses that want to unlock capital from owned assets while also having access to invoice finance for broader working capital support.
With rates between 5.5% and 13.5%, the lender serves mid-to-large businesses that need flexible asset-backed funding. Its combined product set means businesses can tackle multiple cash flow needs through a single relationship.
Best next step: Suits B2B firms wanting asset and invoice funding combined.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Up to £5,000,000 in sale-leaseback funding
- Access invoice finance alongside asset funding
- Single relationship for multiple funding lines
Need to know
- Rates range between 5.5% and 13.5% APR
- Invoice book quality affects overall terms
- Asset valuation required before approval
Expert take
Time Finance is a smart pick for B2B businesses that want sale and leaseback funding alongside invoice finance. The dual-product approach can streamline cash flow management and reduce the admin burden of dealing with multiple lenders.
Source:https://www.timefinance.com/
Admiral leasing
Published loan rangeFrom £1,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5%
Overview: Admiral Leasing offers equipment leasing and sale and leaseback funding from £1,000 upwards, with funding decisions possible within four hours, making it a practical choice for smaller businesses needing quick access to capital from owned assets.
The lender covers a broad range of equipment types and provides secured and term-loan options alongside asset finance. Its low entry point means even businesses with modest asset values can explore sale and leaseback as a funding route.
Best next step: Fast decisions for smaller sale-leaseback deals.
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding decisions in as little as four hours
- Entry point from just £1,000
- Covers a wide range of equipment types
Need to know
- Rates typically between 5.5% and 13.5%
- Smaller deals may carry higher proportional costs
- Asset condition and valuation still required
Expert take
Admiral Leasing stands out for speed and accessibility. If you need to release cash from a single piece of equipment quickly and do not want a drawn-out process, this lender's four-hour decision window is hard to beat.
Lloyds Bank
Published loan range£1,000 to £50,000
Rate typeinterest 10.65% to 11.2%
Overview: Lloyds Bank provides sale and leaseback funding from £1,000 to £50,000 as part of its broader asset finance offering, giving existing business banking customers a familiar route to unlock capital from owned equipment and vehicles.
As a high-street bank, Lloyds brings strong brand trust and integrated relationship management. Businesses with an existing current account or lending relationship may find the application and onboarding process smoother than with a new provider.
Best next step: Best for existing Lloyds business banking customers.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Integrated with your existing banking relationship
- Trusted high-street brand and regulated lender
- Entry available from as little as £1,000
Need to know
- Rates typically between 10.65% and 11.2%
- Bank underwriting can be more thorough
- Maximum facility capped at £50,000
Expert take
Lloyds Bank is a convenient sale and leaseback choice for existing customers who value relationship banking. The £50,000 cap limits it to smaller deals, but the integrated service and brand security carry real weight for cautious borrowers.
Barclays
Published loan range£1,000 to £25,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8.5% to 14.9%
Overview: Barclays delivers sale and leaseback funding from £1,000 to £25,000,000, offering one of the broadest lending ranges on the market. Businesses can release capital from nearly any owned asset through a familiar high-street banking relationship.
The bank's asset finance team covers equipment, vehicles, machinery and property-related assets. Its scale means it can accommodate everything from a single van sale-leaseback to a multi-million-pound plant and machinery refinancing deal.
Best next step: Covers small to very large sale-leaseback deals.
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Enormous range: £1,000 to £25,000,000
- Covers diverse asset types and sectors
- Strong institutional backing and regulated status
Need to know
- Rates range from 8.5% to 14.9%
- Bank underwriting standards can be demanding
- Property-related assets may need extra valuation
Expert take
Barclays is the heavyweight option for sale and leaseback, with a lending ceiling that dwarfs most competitors. If you have substantial assets and can meet bank credit standards, the scale and stability here are hard to match.
Acorn Business Finance
Published loan range£15,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8% to 15%
Overview: Acorn Business Finance provides sale and leaseback funding from £15,000 to £5,000,000, supporting businesses across multiple sectors including manufacturing, construction, transport and professional services with asset-backed capital release.
The lender offers asset finance alongside revolving credit, secured loans and acquisition funding, allowing businesses to structure a sale and leaseback deal as part of a wider funding package tailored to their growth or cash flow strategy.
Best next step: Good for businesses wanting a tailored funding package.
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding available from £15,000 to £5,000,000
- Combine with revolving credit or term loans
- Covers diverse sectors and asset classes
Need to know
- Rates typically between 8% and 15%
- Multi-product structuring may add complexity
- Asset valuation and security checks apply
Expert take
Acorn Business Finance suits businesses that want sale and leaseback as part of a broader funding solution. The ability to layer revolving credit or term debt on top of the asset release can be powerful for firms in growth mode.
Aldermore Asset finance
Published loan range£1,000 to £10,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5% to 15%
Overview: Aldermore Asset Finance offers sale and leaseback funding from £1,000 to £10,000,000, providing wide-ranging access for UK businesses that want to release capital from owned assets without disrupting day-to-day operations.
With rates between 5% and 15% and a flexible approach to asset types, Aldermore serves businesses that may not fit the strict criteria of traditional high-street banks, offering a more tailored underwriting approach to asset-backed deals.
Best next step: Flexible underwriting for businesses outside bank criteria.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Broad range: £1,000 to £10,000,000
- More flexible approach than traditional banks
- Competitive rates starting from 5%
Need to know
- Rates range between 5% and 15% overall
- Funding decisions typically within 48 hours
- Asset type and condition affect eligibility
Expert take
Aldermore fills the gap between high-street banks and specialist funders for sale and leaseback. The broad lending range and flexible underwriting make it a solid all-rounder, particularly for businesses that need a more tailored assessment.
Source:https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business/business-finance/asset-finance/
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How sale and leaseback works for UK businesses releasing capital
A sale and leaseback lets you sell an asset you already own to a lender, then lease it back for ongoing use. You receive a lump sum upfront while keeping the asset in your business.
The lender buys the asset at an agreed market value. You then pay regular lease instalments over a fixed term, typically one to seven years. Ownership transfers to the lender for the lease period. At the end of the term, you may have options to extend the lease, return the asset, or buy it back.
This structure suits UK businesses that have paid-off equipment, machinery, or vehicles and need working capital without taking on new debt. The asset itself secures the arrangement, so lenders focus more on the asset value than your credit history.
Unlike a traditional loan, you do not need to offer additional security. The asset you sell and lease back serves as the collateral.
What assets qualify for sale and leaseback from UK lenders
Most UK sale and leaseback lenders accept hard assets with clear resale value. Common eligible assets include:
- Plant and machinery
- Commercial vehicles and HGVs
- Manufacturing and production equipment
- Agricultural machinery
- Printing and packaging kit
- Construction plant
- IT hardware and servers
- Commercial property, via specialist lenders
Lenders typically require the asset to be fully owned by your business, free of existing finance, and in good working condition. Age and condition affect the valuation. Very old or highly specialised assets may be harder to place.
Some lenders set minimum asset values, often starting around £10,000, though a few accept lower-value items. For commercial property sale and leaseback, the process is more complex and involves longer terms, often 10 to 25 years. A professional valuation is usually required before a lender makes an offer.
Cash flow and tax benefits of sale and leaseback for UK companies
Releasing capital tied up in assets can improve your cash position without disrupting day-to-day operations. You continue using the same equipment while the lump sum funds growth, repays expensive debt, or covers working capital gaps.
Lease payments are typically treated as an operating expense, which means they are fully tax-deductible against your profits. This can reduce your corporation tax bill. In contrast, loan repayments only allow interest costs to be deducted, not the capital element.
Because the arrangement is asset-backed, lenders can often offer better rates than unsecured business loans. Fixed monthly payments also make cash flow forecasting simpler.
Sale and leaseback does not create new debt on your balance sheet in the same way a loan does. Under UK accounting rules, the lease may be treated as an off-balance-sheet obligation, which can help preserve your debt-to-equity ratios for other borrowing.
What to compare when choosing a sale and leaseback lender in the UK
A sale and leaseback offer can vary quite a bit between lenders. Comparing key terms helps you find the right fit for your business.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Advance rate | Higher rates release more capital upfront |
| Lease term | Longer terms reduce monthly cost but increase total interest |
| Asset specialism | Specialist lenders may offer better valuations for niche assets |
| End-of-term options | Flexibility to extend, return, or buy back the asset |
| Fees and charges | Arrangement fees and early settlement costs vary between lenders |
Always ask for a full cost breakdown, not just the headline rate. Some lenders include maintenance in the lease, while others charge it separately. Working with a broker can help you compare multiple lenders at once without multiple credit searches.
FAQs
A sale and leaseback arrangement lets you sell a business asset you already own, such as machinery, vehicles, or commercial property, to a lender. You then lease that same asset back from them for an agreed period and regular payment. Your business continues using the asset without interruption, while the sale releases a lump sum of capital into your cash flow. At the end of the lease term, you may have the option to repurchase the asset or extend the lease, depending on the agreement structure.
Eligibility typically depends on the type and value of the asset you wish to sell, rather than solely on your business credit profile. Lenders will assess the asset's condition, market value, and useful remaining life. Your business usually needs to be registered in the UK, have clear ownership of the asset with no outstanding finance secured against it, and demonstrate the ability to meet the ongoing lease payments. Some lenders may also review your trading history and financial accounts.
Rates and terms vary significantly depending on the asset type, its value, the lender's criteria, and your business profile. Lease periods commonly range from one to seven years for equipment and vehicles, and longer for commercial property. The lease payments may be fixed or variable, and the overall cost will reflect the asset's depreciation, the lender's risk assessment, and prevailing market conditions. It is always worth comparing multiple quotes, as terms can differ substantially between providers.
A commercial mortgage is a loan secured against property you own, where you retain ownership and repay the loan over time. Sale and leaseback, by contrast, transfers ownership of the asset to the lender immediately in exchange for a capital sum. The key difference is that with sale and leaseback you no longer own the asset, though you may have a future repurchase option. Sale and leaseback can be faster to arrange than a commercial mortgage and may suit businesses that prioritise immediate liquidity over long-term asset ownership. However, a commercial mortgage may offer lower ongoing costs and lets you keep the asset on your balance sheet.
A wide range of business assets can qualify, including commercial property such as offices, warehouses, and retail units, as well as heavy machinery, manufacturing equipment, commercial vehicles, aircraft, and specialist technology. Some lenders also consider agricultural equipment, printing machinery, and medical devices. The asset generally needs to be essential to your operations, have a measurable market value, and be free of existing finance. Lenders will typically favour assets with a clear resale market and predictable depreciation.
Look for a lender with proven experience in your specific asset class and a transparent fee structure. Check whether they are FCA authorised and review their track record with businesses similar to yours. Pay close attention to the lease terms, including whether there is a repurchase option at the end of the agreement, any early termination penalties, and how maintenance responsibilities are allocated. It is also wise to compare the total cost of the lease against the capital released, and to seek independent financial or legal advice before signing any agreement.
