Should I bid before finance is agreed?

You should understand the funding position before bidding. Even then, final approval may remain subject to the specific lot, winning price, invoice, and lender checks.

Are auction fees included in finance?

Not necessarily. Ask which elements of the invoice are eligible and plan cash for excluded fees, VAT, transport, or repairs.

Is this personalised financial advice?

No. This page provides general educational information. A suitable structure depends on the asset, applicant, intended use, and lender assessment. Seek independent professional advice if you are unsure.

Asset finance questions answered

Can I finance an auction purchase?

Direct answer: An auction purchase may be financeable, but arranging the facility before bidding is important. Auction payment deadlines can be short, and the lender still needs time to assess the applicant, asset, auction house, title, value, VAT position, and invoice.

Discuss your application Asset finance overview

How lenders look at it

The question behind the headline

A credit indication is not the same as unconditional funding for any lot. The final asset must fit the lender’s criteria and the winning bid, buyer fees, VAT, transport, and other costs need to be understood before bidding.

Credit assessment

What is likely to influence the decision?

Pre-approval and timing

Discuss the intended asset category and maximum spend in advance, while allowing time for final asset and invoice checks after the sale.

Asset sold as seen

Condition, hours, title, provenance, and market value matter. An inspection may be appropriate because auction purchases can offer limited recourse.

Total cash requirement

Buyer premiums, VAT, deposits to the auctioneer, transport, removal, and repairs may not all be financeable.

Possible structure

How the facility may be arranged

Hire purchase or finance lease may be considered once the lender accepts the asset and transaction. Do not assume a facility will cover a different lot or a bid above the amount assessed.

Important risks

What needs balancing

You may be contractually bound to complete after a successful bid even if finance is delayed or declined. Never bid solely in reliance on an informal indication. Asset defects and resale risk remain relevant.

Prepare the application

Information a lender may request

Auction catalogue and lot details

Condition report, photographs, and inspection evidence

Auction terms, buyer fees, VAT, and payment deadline

Applicant financial information and maximum intended spend

Who you could speak to

Arran Turner

Managing Director

General commercial finance and how Sorbus works

Profile

Graham Nash

Commercial Finance Director

Business loans, cash flow and wider commercial funding

Profile

STEP 1
A conversation with a broker
You talk to a real Sorbus broker about the business, the purpose and what is affordable. No application at this stage.
STEP 2
Credit placement
If you choose to go further, we prepare the case and decide which lenders on our panel of 150+ are worth approaching.
STEP 3
Lender assessment
The lender, not Sorbus, underwrites and makes the credit decision. Approval is never guaranteed.
STEP 4
Documentation
If a lender offers terms and you accept, we help coordinate agreements and payout paperwork with you.

Every step after the first is optional. You can stop after the conversation. Sorbus is a broker, not a lender.

Client journey

Explore real client journeys

Read how real businesses approached a funding goal, what Sorbus arranged and what happened next.

Browse anonymised case studies

Enquire about Can I finance an auction purchase? enquiry

Start with a conversation

Tell us a little about what you need and who you would like to speak to. No obligation, no credit check at this stage. We aim to respond within one business day, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm.

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Speak directly to an adviser Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm.

01246 383500

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Unique to Sorbus Finance

Optional: Business Finance Health Check

Not sure how a lender may view your application? Our free Finance Health Check helps you identify strengths and gaps before you apply.

Take the short Health Check

Free · No credit check · Not required before you talk

Want the full picture? The full fact-find is longer and also optional.

Email us anytime

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Frequently asked questions

Key points before you proceed

No. Approval, amount, deposit, term, pricing, security, and conditions are subject to lender assessment and individual circumstances.

Discuss the asset and your circumstances

A Sorbus Finance adviser can help you understand the information lenders may need and the structures that could be considered, without promising an outcome.

01246 383500

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