Will a lender pay an overseas supplier deposit?

Not always. Many lenders restrict advance payments or fund only after delivery, inspection, and acceptance in the UK.

Can shipping, duty, and installation be financed?

Possibly, but eligibility varies. Soft costs and taxes may need separate funding, so confirm the eligible amount before committing.

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 asset from overseas?

Direct answer: An asset sourced overseas may be financeable, but the transaction is more complex than a UK dealer purchase. Lenders consider the supplier, jurisdiction, currency, payment stages, title, shipping, insurance, import documentation, taxes, installation, and enforceability of their security.

Discuss your application Asset finance overview

How lenders look at it

The question behind the headline

Some lenders will fund only after the asset reaches the UK, clears customs, is inspected, and can be clearly identified. Others may consider staged payments in suitable circumstances. Do not assume a supplier deposit or foreign payment can be reimbursed.

Credit assessment

What is likely to influence the decision?

Supplier and jurisdiction

The lender may complete enhanced due diligence on the overseas supplier, contract, bank account, sanctions exposure, and legal jurisdiction.

Delivery and title

Incoterms, transfer of title, shipping, marine insurance, customs clearance, inspection, acceptance, and installation can affect when funding is possible.

Currency and taxes

Exchange-rate movement, VAT, duty, freight, and installation can change the total project cost and may not all be eligible for asset finance.

Possible structure

How the facility may be arranged

The facility may fund the asset once it is delivered and accepted, or use an agreed staged structure where lender policy allows. Separate working-capital support may be needed for deposits, VAT, shipping, or installation.

Important risks

What needs balancing

Foreign supplier disputes, delays, damage, currency movements, customs issues, and weak legal recourse can create costs even if finance is not completed. Specialist legal, tax, and logistics advice may be appropriate.

Prepare the application

Information a lender may request

Supplier contract, pro-forma invoice, and bank details

Asset specification, serial numbers, and inspection plan

Shipping, insurance, customs, VAT, and duty information

Payment schedule, currency exposure, and applicant financials

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 asset from overseas? 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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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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