Astroturf Pitch Finance

Q: Can I finance resurfacing an existing pitch rather than a new build?

Yes. Resurfacing, replacing the carpet and infill on an existing sub-base, is one of the most common uses of pitch finance, since the sub-base and drainage usually outlast several carpets. Lenders treat a resurfacing project much like a new build for underwriting purposes, though the loan amount is typically smaller because the groundworks already exist. Get a written scope from your contractor confirming the sub-base is sound before applying, as a lender will want that confirmed.

Q: What deposit is typical for a 3G pitch build?

Hire purchase deposits usually sit at 15–20% of the project cost. Finance and operating leases can often be arranged with no deposit, particularly for schools, councils and established clubs with a track record, though the lender will still look closely at who is responsible for the ground and how the pitch will be used to generate income to service the payments.

Q: Does the finance cover fencing and floodlighting as well as the pitch?

Yes, most lenders are happy to fund the whole project as one agreement, carpet, infill, ball-stop fencing, goals and floodlighting included, rather than splitting it across separate deals. Bundling everything together is usually simpler to administer and can improve the overall rate, since the lender is underwriting one larger, better-documented project instead of several small ones.

Q: How long should the finance term run for a full-size pitch?

Terms of 60–84 months are common for a full-size pitch with floodlighting and fencing, reflecting the working life of the groundworks and drainage. Shorter terms, often 36–48 months, are sometimes used where the finance is arranged specifically around the carpet and infill, which typically needs replacing sooner than the base underneath it.

Spread the cost of a 3G or 4G pitch build from £30,000 to £900,000+ with flexible finance options. HP, lease, or refinance

Can you finance a astroturf pitch?

Yes, astroturf pitchs are financed as a standard asset purchase, usually on hire purchase or a lease, with the machine itself acting as the security. UK prices typically run £30,000 to £900,000, and most deals are written over 36–84 months with a deposit of around 15–20%. Decisions typically take 3–5 working days. Used machines are financeable too, usually with a shorter term.

Typical Cost

£30k – £900k

Approval Speed

3–5 working days

Same-day agreement in principle for < £100k

Rates From

5.8% APR

What would a astroturf pitch cost per month?

Astroturf Pitch price (ex VAT) £150,000

Deposit 10%

Agreement term 60 months

Annual interest rate 9%

Balloon payment £0

Your estimate

Indicative only. Not a quote and not an offer of finance.

Pre-filled with a typical astroturf pitch price. Indicative only, not a quote.

Finance options

Hire Purchase (HP)

Rate: From 6.2% APR
Term: 36–84 months
Deposit: 15–20%
Ownership: Yours at the end
Best for: Clubs and trusts that own their ground and plan to keep the pitch beyond one resurfacing cycle

Finance Lease

Rate: From 5.8% APR
Term: 36–84 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return or buy (balloon payment)
Best for: Tax-efficient route for the carpet, infill, fencing and goals package

Operating Lease

Rate: From 6.5% APR
Term: 48–72 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return at end
Best for: Councils, schools and sports trusts that prefer the pitch off balance sheet

Representative example

On a purchase price of £150,000: a 10% deposit of £15,000, then 48 monthly payments of £3,164 at 5.9% APR representative (fixed). Total amount payable £166,872, including the deposit. The rate you are offered depends on your business and the asset.

What buyers actually specify

Guide prices for sizing a finance agreement, not quotes. Manufacturers in this market mostly price on application, so where a current UK list price could not be confirmed the row describes a specification class rather than naming a model. Your supplier quote is what the agreement is written against.

Machine or specification	Guide price	Type
Small-sided 3G pitch (up to 5-a-side, fenced)	£30,000 – £60,000	Small-sided pitch
3G/4G multi-use games area conversion	£60,000 – £150,000	MUGA conversion
Full-size 3G football pitch with fencing	£350,000 – £650,000	Full-size pitch
Full-size 3G pitch with floodlighting	£450,000 – £900,000	Full-size floodlit pitch

Tax benefits

The sub-base, drainage and groundworks under a pitch are generally treated as a land improvement or structure for tax purposes and fall outside the Annual Investment Allowance, though they may qualify for Structures and Buildings Allowance relieved over a fixed period. The carpet, infill, fencing, floodlighting and goals are usually plant and machinery and can be claimed under the Annual Investment Allowance up to £1,000,000 in the year of purchase. Because a single project often mixes both, ask a capital allowances specialist to apportion the contractor's invoice before submitting a claim.

Market context

Astroturf and 3G pitches are bought by football and rugby clubs, schools, sports trusts and private five-a-side operators, either building a first pitch or replacing a surface that has reached the end of its playing life. Finance is the standard route because the pitch, sub-base, drainage and fencing are installed as one project with a single large invoice, and spreading that cost protects the funds a club or trust needs for coaching, pitch-hire marketing and ongoing maintenance. Where the pitch sits on leased or council-owned land, landlord or freeholder consent for the installation and a clear position on dilapidations at the end of the agreement are usually settled before a lender will fund the build, because the surface and sub-base cannot be lifted and taken elsewhere once compacted in place. Replacement is driven mainly by the carpet and infill wearing thin and by player-safety standards, rather than by the base and drainage failing, and there is no meaningful secondhand market for a used pitch surface because it is installed and bonded to its own sub-base.

Bad credit?

Some specialist lenders consider businesses with imperfect credit histories. You may need a larger deposit or personal guarantee, but options may be available. Fundably may use a soft credit check for matching, which does not affect your credit score. A hard check may happen if you choose to proceed with a lender.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance resurfacing an existing pitch rather than a new build?