Asset refinance guide

Refinance business assets to release working capital

Considering refinancing vehicles, machinery or equipment? See how valuation, existing finance and repayment terms affect the cash available, and what puts the asset at risk.

Check asset-refinance options
Written and reviewed by
Fredrik Johansson
Last reviewed
14 August 2026

Asset refinance uses value in eligible business assets to support a new finance agreement. The company can normally continue using the asset while making the agreed payments. The amount depends on the asset, valuation, condition, useful life, ownership and any finance already secured on it.

How asset refinance generally works

  1. Identify assets the company owns outright or has meaningful equity in.
  2. Provide ownership, existing-finance and asset information.
  3. A provider decides whether the asset is suitable and arranges a valuation.
  4. Existing finance may be settled as part of the new agreement.
  5. Any agreed net amount is released and the company makes payments under the new terms.

Legal ownership and agreement structures vary. Do not assume the company remains the legal owner throughout simply because it keeps physical use of the asset.

Check your options

Check ways to release value from business assets

Tell us which assets the company owns, how much cash you want to release and when you need it. A business-finance specialist will review your enquiry and contact you to discuss the routes that may fit.

Finance is subject to assessment, provider approval and terms.
1. Business assets2. Your details
Start with the assets and funding need

This check is already set for refinancing business assets.

Which assets may be considered?

Asset typeEvidence a provider may examineMain practical risk
Commercial vehicles and fleetsRegistration, mileage, condition, use and existing financeLoss of an operational vehicle after payment default
Plant and machineryMake, model, age, maintenance, location and resale marketProduction or site disruption if the asset is recovered
Specialist equipmentValuation, remaining useful life and availability of buyersA lower finance value than its value inside your operation
Assets under existing financeSettlement figure, equity and consent or replacement structureLittle or no net cash after settling the current agreement

Not every asset has a sufficiently clear title, value or resale market. Property, receivables, stock and intangible assets may use different specialist structures and should not be assumed to fit a standard equipment-refinance route.

Work out the net cash, not just the valuation

This example is illustrative, not a quote. If an asset were valued at £80,000, a provider were willing to finance £56,000 and £21,000 remained on the current agreement, the gross difference would be £35,000 before fees and other deductions. Real valuations, percentages, settlements and costs vary.

What should you compare?

  • The valuation method and amount available against the asset.
  • The current settlement figure and net cash the company receives.
  • The term, payment schedule, total cost and all fees.
  • Ownership, maintenance, insurance and inspection obligations.
  • Personal guarantees, cross-security or a wider debenture.
  • Early-settlement terms and what happens after missed payments.
  • The operational cost of losing the asset after default.

Asset refinance or another working-capital route?

Asset refinance may fit an asset-rich company with a defined use for the cash and sufficient repayment capacity. If the need comes from unpaid B2B invoices, invoice finance may be more directly connected. If no suitable asset exists, compare broader working-capital finance. Do not secure a business-critical asset merely to postpone a recurring deficit.

What should you prepare?

Useful information can include invoices or purchase records, serial and registration numbers, photographs, maintenance history, current-finance statements, settlement figures, accounts, bank statements and the proposed use of funds. We can review the enquiry, but suitability, valuation and terms depend on the provider.

Frequently asked questions

Can a business refinance an asset it does not own outright?

Potentially, if there is sufficient equity and the existing agreement can be settled or replaced. The current lender, settlement figure and new provider's terms matter.

Can the company keep using the asset?

Normally that is the purpose, but use, ownership, maintenance and insurance are governed by the agreement. Missed payments can put the asset at risk.

How much cash can asset refinance release?

It depends on valuation, asset type, condition, useful life, existing finance and the provider's assessment. Compare the net amount after settlement and fees.

Sources and further information

This is general information, not financial, legal or insolvency advice. Available products and regulatory protections will depend on your circumstances and the provider.