Office Fit-Out Finance

Q: Can I finance a full office fit-out?

Yes, most lenders will finance a full office fit-out as a single facility, bundling partitioning, flooring, furniture, lighting, and cabling into one agreement rather than requiring separate finance for each element. This is the most common way businesses fund a fit-out, since a move or refit typically involves several suppliers and trades, and a single facility against one itemised project cost is far simpler to manage than piecing together multiple smaller agreements. Your broker will usually ask for a breakdown or a main contractor quote covering the full scope of work before submitting the application.

Q: What deposit do I need for an office fit-out?

Most hire purchase agreements ask for a deposit of 10 to 20% of the total fit-out cost, while finance leases and operating leases are usually arranged with no deposit at all. Because a fit-out often coincides with the cash demands of an office move itself, such as rent deposits and dilapidations on the old space, many businesses choose a no-deposit lease structure to keep as much working capital free as possible during the transition. A larger deposit will reduce your monthly payments if cash flow allows it.

Q: Can I include IT equipment in the fit-out finance?

Yes, monitors, docking stations, phone systems, and similar technology can be included alongside furniture and building work provided they sit on the same supplier invoice or project quote. Bundling IT equipment into the same facility as the wider fit-out avoids running a second, smaller finance agreement alongside the main one, and lenders are generally comfortable treating a well-itemised mixed order as a single project. It's worth agreeing with your fit-out contractor or IT supplier upfront which costs will be invoiced together so the application can be submitted as one clean package.

Q: How quickly can I get office fit-out finance?

Most applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours once the lender has your accounts and a project quote or contractor breakdown. For fit-outs under £75,000, same-day approval is common for an established business with a clean credit history. Larger projects, or those combining building work, furniture, and technology from several suppliers, may take 3 to 5 working days while the lender reviews the full scope before releasing funds against what is usually a more complex, staged project.

Q: Can a new or newly formed business get office fit-out finance?

Yes, though a business under 2 years of trading is more likely to be asked for a personal guarantee from a director, a higher deposit, or both, since lenders have less trading history to assess. A signed office lease and a clear contractor quote both help support the application, alongside the standard credit checks any equipment or project finance goes through. Because fit-out costs are tied to a specific project rather than a resaleable asset, lenders will also look closely at the underlying business plan for the new space.

Q: How is VAT treated on an office fit-out finance agreement?

VAT is charged on the fit-out cost in the normal way, and if your business is VAT registered you can generally reclaim it through your VAT return regardless of which finance option you choose. Under hire purchase the VAT is usually due upfront on the full cost, while a finance lease spreads VAT across the rental payments, which can suit cash flow differently depending on your VAT position. Your accountant can confirm which treatment works best for your business, since the right approach depends on factors like your VAT scheme and how the fit-out is invoiced.

Spread the cost of office fit-outs from £10,000 to £500,000+ with flexible finance options. HP, lease, or refinance, compare rates from 40+ lenders.

Can you finance a office fit-out?

Yes, office fit-outs 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 £10,000 to £500,000, and most deals are written over 12–60 months with a deposit of around 10–20%. Decisions typically take 24–48 hours. Used machines are financeable too, usually with a shorter term.

Typical Cost

£10k – £500k

Approval Speed

24–48 hours

Same-day for < £75k

Rates From

5.0% APR

What would a office fit-out cost per month?

Office Fit-Out price (ex VAT) £75,000

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 office fit-out price. Indicative only, not a quote.

Finance options

Hire Purchase (HP)

Rate: From 5.5% APR
Term: 12–60 months
Deposit: 10–20%
Ownership: Yours at the end
Best for: Businesses wanting to own furniture and fixtures outright

Finance Lease

Rate: From 5.0% APR
Term: 12–60 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return or buy (balloon payment)
Best for: Tax-efficient, claim 100% of payments against profit

Operating Lease

Rate: From 5.8% APR
Term: 24–48 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return at end
Best for: Refresh office space as you grow. Off balance sheet.

Representative example

On a purchase price of £75,000: a 10% deposit of £7,500, then 48 monthly payments of £1,582 at 5.9% APR representative (fixed). Total amount payable £83,436, including the deposit. The rate you are offered depends on your business and the asset.

Machine or specification	Guide price	Type
Herman Miller Aeron Chair (x20)	£20,000 – £30,000	Ergonomic Seating
USM Haller Modular System	£15,000 – £40,000	Modular Storage
Steelcase Flex Collection	£10,000 – £25,000	Flexible Workspace
Full Open-Plan Fit-Out	£80,000 – £250,000	Complete Office

Tax benefits

Office furniture and equipment qualifies for Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), letting you deduct the full cost from taxable profits in year one. HP agreements allow capital allowances. Lease payments are fully deductible from profits.

Bad credit?

Several of our 200+ lenders specialise in businesses with imperfect credit histories. You may need a larger deposit or personal guarantee, but options exist. Checking your options here does not affect your credit score, because we do not run a credit search to match you. A lender will run their own checks only if you decide to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance a full office fit-out?

Yes, most lenders will finance a full office fit-out as a single facility, bundling partitioning, flooring, furniture, lighting, and cabling into one agreement rather than requiring separate finance for each element. This is the most common way businesses fund a fit-out, since a move or refit typically involves several suppliers and trades, and a single facility against one itemised project cost is far simpler to manage than piecing together multiple smaller agreements. Your broker will usually ask for a breakdown or a main contractor quote covering the full scope of work before submitting the application.

What deposit do I need for an office fit-out?

Most hire purchase agreements ask for a deposit of 10 to 20% of the total fit-out cost, while finance leases and operating leases are usually arranged with no deposit at all. Because a fit-out often coincides with the cash demands of an office move itself, such as rent deposits and dilapidations on the old space, many businesses choose a no-deposit lease structure to keep as much working capital free as possible during the transition. A larger deposit will reduce your monthly payments if cash flow allows it.

Can I include IT equipment in the fit-out finance?

Yes, monitors, docking stations, phone systems, and similar technology can be included alongside furniture and building work provided they sit on the same supplier invoice or project quote. Bundling IT equipment into the same facility as the wider fit-out avoids running a second, smaller finance agreement alongside the main one, and lenders are generally comfortable treating a well-itemised mixed order as a single project. It's worth agreeing with your fit-out contractor or IT supplier upfront which costs will be invoiced together so the application can be submitted as one clean package.

How quickly can I get office fit-out finance?

Most applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours once the lender has your accounts and a project quote or contractor breakdown. For fit-outs under £75,000, same-day approval is common for an established business with a clean credit history. Larger projects, or those combining building work, furniture, and technology from several suppliers, may take 3 to 5 working days while the lender reviews the full scope before releasing funds against what is usually a more complex, staged project.

Can a new or newly formed business get office fit-out finance?

Yes, though a business under 2 years of trading is more likely to be asked for a personal guarantee from a director, a higher deposit, or both, since lenders have less trading history to assess. A signed office lease and a clear contractor quote both help support the application, alongside the standard credit checks any equipment or project finance goes through. Because fit-out costs are tied to a specific project rather than a resaleable asset, lenders will also look closely at the underlying business plan for the new space.

How is VAT treated on an office fit-out finance agreement?

VAT is charged on the fit-out cost in the normal way, and if your business is VAT registered you can generally reclaim it through your VAT return regardless of which finance option you choose. Under hire purchase the VAT is usually due upfront on the full cost, while a finance lease spreads VAT across the rental payments, which can suit cash flow differently depending on your VAT position. Your accountant can confirm which treatment works best for your business, since the right approach depends on factors like your VAT scheme and how the fit-out is invoiced.

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Guides and resources

What Is Asset Finance? HP vs Leasing Operating vs Finance Lease Best Asset Finance Companies Close Brothers Review Lombard Review

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