Can used or refurbished fixtures and equipment be financed?

Short answer: yes — used and refurbished assets can be financed in the UK

Yes, many UK lenders and brokers will finance used or refurbished fixtures and equipment, provided the items are identifiable, in good condition, and have a sensible resale value. The most common routes are asset finance products such as Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, and Asset Refinance, alongside unsecured options for softer fit-out costs. Availability, rates, and terms will always depend on your business profile, the asset type, supplier, and documentation.

Best Business Loans is not a lender and doesn’t supply finance directly. We help established UK businesses get matched with suitable finance providers that consider used or refurbished assets, saving you time and helping you compare what’s realistic for your situation.

Key point: lenders assess the asset and the business. If the equipment is traceable (serial numbers, invoices), in serviceable condition, and the business is trading soundly, financing used items is often achievable.

What lenders typically look for

Provenance and condition: clear ownership trail, photos, service records, and a working condition report or warranty if available.
Identifiable assets: serial numbers or specification sheets, especially for plant, machinery, medical, catering, or gym equipment.
Refurbishment quality: refurbished by a reputable supplier; evidence of parts replaced, testing, and warranty terms.
Resale value: assets with an established used market are easier to fund, often at lower rates.
Vendor credibility: VAT-registered suppliers are usually preferred; private sales may need extra checks or an independent valuation.

Who this suits

Established SMEs needing to upgrade or expand without the higher cost of new assets often choose used or refurbished kit. Sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality, healthcare, construction, gyms, printing, and agriculture commonly finance pre-owned assets.

If your project is a broader premises upgrade, you may also want to explore fit‑out finance options to bundle fixtures, furniture, and certain installation costs.

What kinds of used or refurbished assets can be financed?

Many asset categories can be funded when used or refurbished — but lenders’ appetites vary. Assets with a clear second-hand market, predictable lifespan, and good residual value tend to be most straightforward.

Commonly financeable categories

Plant & machinery: CNC machines, lathes, presses, fabrication equipment, compressors, and packaging lines.
Catering & hospitality: commercial ovens, dishwashers, refrigeration, coffee machines, bar counters, EPOS hardware.
Healthcare & care: diagnostic equipment, dental chairs, sterilisation units (subject to compliance and servicing records).
Fitness & leisure: treadmills, bikes, resistance machines, functional rigs, sauna/steam equipment.
Retail & logistics: racking, conveyors, forklifts, handheld scanners, weighing and labelling kit.
Printing & signage: wide-format printers, cutters, laminators, UV/laser systems.
Agriculture: milking systems, feed equipment, attachments and implements (age and condition are key).

Fixtures and “soft” assets that may be fundable

Many lenders will consider fixtures (counters, fitted furniture, shelving, partitions, HVAC, lighting, and signage) when they form part of a business fit-out. These are sometimes funded alongside tangible equipment under a blended facility or via unsecured options.

For fixtures that are bespoke or not easily re-sellable, funding may be available through structured fit-out finance, unsecured term loans, or a part-asset, part-unsecured approach. Lenders may cap the proportion allocated to soft costs versus hard assets.

Items that are harder to finance

Very old equipment with limited service life, non-compliant safety standards, or missing documentation.
Intangibles such as software licences or consultancy, which usually need unsecured funding.
Highly bespoke fixtures with negligible resale value unless combined with stronger, tangible assets.

Refurbished assets — what helps approval?

Refurbished by a recognised specialist with a warranty (even 3–12 months can help).
Evidence of testing and compliance (PAT tests for electricals, CE/UKCA where applicable).
Availability of parts and service through the refurbisher or manufacturer.

How finance for used assets works: options and process

Funding pre-owned or refurbished items generally follows the same path as new, with a few extra checks. Your choice of product depends on who owns the asset now, the invoice route, and whether you want ownership at the end.

Common finance products for used and refurbished items

Hire Purchase (HP): you pay in instalments and typically own the asset at term end after a small fee. Good for assets you want to keep long-term.
Finance Lease: you rent the asset for a fixed term; at the end, you may continue leasing or sell via the funder’s process. Useful where ownership is less critical.
Asset Refinance: if you already own equipment, raise cash by using it as security. Lenders may fund a percentage of the asset’s value.
Unsecured business loan: covers installation, delivery, small fixtures, or soft costs that are hard to asset-finance.

Step-by-step: typical journey

Scope and quote: gather supplier quotes, spec sheets, photos, and refurbishment/warranty details.
Eligibility check: complete a Quick Quote to outline business trading history, affordability, and the asset list.
Underwriting & valuation: providers review accounts, bank statements, and may request an independent valuation for used assets or private sales.
Document & pay-out: agreements are issued; the funder pays the supplier (or you, for refinance) once conditions are met.
Delivery & acceptance: you confirm satisfactory receipt/installation before the agreement goes live.

Private sales and auctions

Financing private sales or auction purchases is possible but stricter. Expect requirements such as inspection reports, proof of ownership, a valuation, and sometimes a reduced loan-to-value.

Including installation, delivery, and softer costs

Some providers will fund a portion of installation, delivery, and project management within an asset deal. Where not possible, these can often be covered by a parallel unsecured facility to complete the fit-out envelope.

Refurbished equipment: extra checks

Underwriters may ask for refurbishment paperwork, warranty terms, and evidence of parts availability. A short warranty can materially improve the case for funding and the achievable term.

Costs, terms, and eligibility for used/refurbished asset finance

Pricing and terms reflect the asset’s risk profile and your business strength. Overall cost is influenced by asset type, age, supplier credibility, deposit, and term length.

Typical ranges (indicative, not offers)

Deposits: from 0–20% for stronger profiles; used equipment often sits in the 5–15% range.
Terms: usually 12–60 months, with “age + term” caps (e.g., machine age at end of term not to exceed a set limit).
Rates: can be comparable to new for sought-after assets, but often higher for older or soft items. All funding is subject to status and a full assessment.
VAT: some HP agreements allow VAT deferral at outset to assist cash flow; check with providers and your accountant.

New vs used equipment — what lenders may adjust

Factor	New	Used/Refurbished
Advance rate	Often higher LTV	May be reduced LTV
Term length	Longer terms available	Shorter terms likely
Rate	Generally lower	May price in asset risk
Documentation	Standard supplier invoice	Plus condition reports, photos, proof of ownership
Resale appetite	Strong on mainstream kit	Strong if there’s an active used market

Eligibility — what strengthens your case

Established trading: many providers prefer 12–24 months’ trading history and stable cash flow.
Clean documentation: serial numbers, service history, refurbishment paperwork, and a full invoice trail.
Sector alignment: lenders active in your industry are likelier to understand asset values and lifecycles.
Affordability evidence: recent accounts and bank statements that support repayments alongside existing commitments.

Compliance and fair presentation

All figures and examples are for information only and not an offer or recommendation. Finance is subject to status, approval, and terms set by the lender or broker you engage with.

Consider independent professional advice and review FCA, ASA, and Google policies to ensure any finance decision is made with clear, fair, and not misleading information.

How Best Business Loans helps — and how to get started

Best Business Loans connects UK companies with finance providers that regularly fund used and refurbished fixtures and equipment. We combine AI-driven matching with a network of reputable lenders and brokers, so you can compare realistic options faster.

Tell us about your business, the assets you want to fund, and whether they’re used, refurbished, or part of a wider premises upgrade. We then introduce you to relevant providers who understand your sector and asset profile.

We don’t guarantee approvals or the lowest rates, but we aim to help you find suitable providers that are actively lending for your needs. It’s free to submit an enquiry and there’s no obligation.

What to prepare for a smoother application

Supplier quote(s), including serial numbers/spec sheets and refurbishment/warranty details.
Photos or video walkthrough for condition, if easily provided.
Latest accounts, recent bank statements, and a brief business overview.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance second-hand equipment from a private seller?

Often yes, but expect more due diligence. Lenders may request proof of ownership, an inspection report, and possibly an independent valuation before agreeing terms.

Will lenders fund installation, delivery, and soft fit-out items?

Sometimes within an asset deal and sometimes via a parallel unsecured facility. It’s common to blend solutions for a complete project.

Can I refinance equipment I already own to free up cash?

Yes, if the assets are unencumbered and meet valuation criteria. Lenders typically advance a percentage of the asset’s current market value.

Are refurbished assets treated differently to used?

Refurbished items with documented work and a warranty may be viewed more favourably than unverified second-hand items. This can help with term length and pricing.

Do you work with start-ups?

Our platform primarily supports established businesses. Many lenders require 12–24 months of trading for asset finance on used or refurbished items.

Key takeaways

Yes — used and refurbished fixtures and equipment can be financed via asset finance or blended solutions.
Best results come with clear documentation, a reputable supplier, and assets with known resale value.
Terms, rates, and deposits vary by asset, age, condition, and business profile.
For broader refurb projects, explore combined approaches including fit‑out finance.
Complete a Quick Quote to see which providers are likely to fund your specific assets.

Important information

Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer. We do not provide loans or credit decisions and we do not offer financial advice.

Any finance you agree will be subject to status, terms, and checks by the provider you choose. Please seek independent professional advice where appropriate.

Updated: October 2025.

Ready to explore finance for used or refurbished assets? Complete a Quick Quote with your asset list and supplier details to check potential eligibility and be introduced to suitable providers. For support, email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai.