← Commercial Finance Answers

HP, finance lease & repayments

What happens at the end of a finance lease’s primary term?

The options depend on the agreement and may involve continued rentals or a sale process; ownership does not automatically transfer to the lessee.

The practical answer

The options depend on the agreement and may involve continued rentals or a sale process; ownership does not automatically transfer to the lessee.

Ask for the written end-of-term provisions, including any secondary rentals, sale instructions, fees and proceeds arrangements. Confirm whether notices must be given by a particular date.

Do not assume you can sell the asset directly or keep it for a nominal sum. Compare these obligations before choosing the lease, rather than discovering them when the primary term ends.

Important

Commercial finance is subject to status, lender approval and the specific asset and transaction. The right structure depends on the complete circumstances of the business.

What should I do next?

Have the asset details, supplier information and an outline of what the business needs ready. DCF can then discuss the requirement and identify which lenders may be suitable.

Read: Compare finance structures →