Accountancy Business Loans

From buying a client bank to smoothing the January rush, fund your practice with confidence. Explore business funding through Fundably. Eligibility criteria apply.

Typical Range

£5k – £300k

Average Loan

£45k

for accountancy

Decision Speed

24–48 hrs

for unsecured loans

Eligibility requirements

Minimum 12 months trading history as a registered practice
Membership of a recognised UK accountancy or bookkeeping body
Evidence of recurring client fee income, typically via bank statements or management accounts
Personal guarantee usually required from practice owners or partners

Loan types available

Unsecured Business Loan

Rate: 6.9% – 26.9% APR
Term: 1 – 6 years
Security: No security required
Best for: Buying a client bank or goodwill, hiring qualified staff, or moving to cloud accounting software

Revolving Credit Facility

Rate: 8.9% – 24.9% APR on funds drawn
Term: 12 – 24 month facility, renewable
Security: No fixed security, personal guarantee usually required
Best for: Smoothing cash flow between finishing work-in-progress and raising the invoice, especially after the January self-assessment deadline

Secured Business Loan

Rate: 4.9% – 15.9% APR
Term: 1 – 15 years
Security: Commercial property or personal property
Best for: Practice mergers, buying office premises, or larger acquisitions of another firm

Representative example

Borrow £45,000 over 36 months at 9.9% APR (fixed). Monthly repayment: ~£1,450. Rates depend on your circumstances and the type of loan.

Common challenges

Heavy seasonal workload around the 31 January self-assessment deadline creates a cash flow squeeze if fees are billed late
Client work-in-progress ties up cash for weeks or months before an invoice is raised
Recruiting and retaining qualified staff is expensive and competitive, particularly outside major cities
Client concentration risk if a small number of larger clients make up a disproportionate share of fee income

Bad credit?

Some specialist lenders consider accountancy businesses with imperfect credit. You may need a personal guarantee or higher rate, 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 get a loan to buy another accountant's client bank?

Yes, this is one of the most common reasons accountancy practices borrow. Lenders typically look at the recurring fee income attached to the client bank, the retention terms in the purchase agreement, and your own trading history. An unsecured loan is usually the starting point for smaller acquisitions, with a secured loan considered for larger deals or where you already hold property. Lendus can compare offers from lenders who understand professional services acquisitions.

How do I fund the gap between finishing client work and getting paid?

A revolving credit facility is designed for exactly this. You draw funds as needed to cover salaries and overheads while work-in-progress is completed, then repay as client invoices are settled. It is particularly useful around the January self-assessment deadline, when workload peaks but many fees are not collected until weeks later. Unlike a fixed loan, you only pay interest on what you draw.

Do I need security to borrow for my practice?

Not necessarily. Many accountancy practices borrow unsecured, since the business itself holds few physical assets but generates predictable recurring fee income that lenders can assess from your accounts. Larger amounts, particularly for mergers or premises purchases, are more likely to need security such as commercial or personal property. A personal guarantee from the practice owner is common regardless of loan size.

Will lenders lend to a new accountancy practice?

Most lenders want to see at least 12 months of trading history before offering unsecured finance, since they need evidence of recurring client income. Newer practices sometimes borrow personally or use a director's loan in the first year, then refinance onto business lending once trading history is established. Lendus can advise on realistic options at each stage of a practice's growth.

Equipment finance for accountancy businesses

Buying a specific machine or vehicle is usually cheaper than a general business loan, because the asset itself is the security. These are the items accountancy businesses most often fund, with the price range we see quoted in the UK.

Equipment	Typical price range	Finance page
Office Fit-Out	£10k to £500k	Office Fit-Out finance
Server	£3k to £60k	Server finance
Laptop Fleet	£5k to £250k	Laptop Fleet finance
Barber Chair	£600 to £20k	Barber Chair finance
Beauty Couch	£500 to £15k	Beauty Couch finance
Body Shop Equipment	£10k to £200k	Body Shop Equipment finance
Car Wash Equipment	£15k to £250k	Car Wash Equipment finance
Climbing Wall	£10k to £200k	Climbing Wall finance
Commercial Dryer	£2k to £50k	Commercial Dryer finance
Commercial Gym Equipment	£5k to £300k	Commercial Gym Equipment finance
Commercial Washing Machine	£2k to £60k	Commercial Washing Machine finance
Desk Fleet	£2k to £80k	Desk Fleet finance

Browse all equipment finance pages

Guides and resources

How to Get a Business Loan Business Loan Eligibility Secured vs Unsecured Best Business Loans UK iwoca Review Funding Circle Review

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For UK limited companies with at least 3 months’ trading and monthly revenue.