Commercial vehicles
Used vans, pickups, trucks and HGVs bought outside the normal dealer network, subject to lender and asset criteria.
Finance beyond the dealer network
Finance assets bought from a private seller.
A private sale does not automatically rule out asset finance. DCF can explore funding for eligible commercial vehicles, plant and machinery where lenders are satisfied with the asset, seller and ownership trail.
UK limited companiesEstablished 2011Independent broker
Finance around your business
Private purchases need extra checks — so involve us before you pay a deposit.
Dealer purchases are usually simpler because the seller, invoice and asset trail are established. Private transactions can still be financeable, but lender choice may be narrower and additional evidence can be required.
We help establish what a lender needs before you commit: seller identity, proof of ownership, asset details, outstanding-finance checks and, where appropriate, valuation or inspection.
Finance is subject to status and lender approval. Deposits, rates, terms and any guarantees depend on your business, the asset and the lender.
What we can help fund
The right asset for the work ahead.
Plant and construction equipment
Excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and other identifiable plant where ownership and value can be established.
Machinery and equipment
Used business machinery with clear serial numbers, provenance and a supportable market value.
Your funding options
Ownership or use. Understand the difference.
Hire purchase
Spread the purchase cost through an agreed repayment schedule. Ownership can pass to your business once all contractual payments and any option-to-purchase fee have been paid.
Ask us to set out the initial payment, monthly cost, fees and any final payment together, so you can compare the full commitment.
Finance lease
Your business uses the asset in return for rentals, while the finance provider retains ownership. End-of-term arrangements depend on the agreement and should be understood before you sign.
We can explain the initial rental, ongoing payments and the options available when the primary term ends.
Explore the detail in our hire purchase, finance lease and contract hire comparison and VAT on asset finance guide.
Make the purchase work
Look beyond the monthly payment.
Prove ownership
The lender needs confidence that the seller owns the asset and has the right to sell it.
Check existing finance
Vehicles and equipment may already be subject to finance or security. This needs resolving before completion.
Establish fair value
A lender may require a valuation, inspection, photographs or additional specification before agreeing an advance.
Start with the essentials
What to send us.
A supplier quote or listing is a useful starting point. We will confirm which supporting documents the lender needs.
Start your enquiry- Seller name and contact details.
- Asset make, model, registration or serial number.
- Purchase price and any VAT position shown by the seller.
- Proof of ownership or purchase history where available.
- Photos, mileage, hours, age and condition.
- Your company details and preferred deposit and term.
A clear next step
How it works with DCF.
- 01
Send us the advert or details
Share the asset, price and seller before paying a deposit where possible.
- 02
Check lender appetite
We identify lenders able to consider that type of private transaction.
- 03
Complete seller and asset checks
Provide the ownership, valuation and identification evidence required.
- 04
Complete the purchase
The lender pays in accordance with its approved completion process.
Your questions answered
Private sale asset finance: frequently asked questions
Can a limited company finance a vehicle bought privately?
Potentially, yes. Fewer lenders may accept private sellers than established dealers, and extra ownership and asset checks are common.
Can I finance plant bought from a private seller?
Potentially. The machine needs to be clearly identifiable and the lender must be satisfied with ownership, condition, value and the seller.
What if the seller is not VAT registered?
The VAT position depends on the transaction and seller. Ask for clear sale documentation and speak to your accountant if you are unsure about tax treatment.
Will the lender check for outstanding finance?
Expect the lender to require appropriate ownership and finance checks before paying for the asset.
Should I pay a deposit before arranging finance?
It is safer to establish lender appetite and the required checks first, because private-sale funding is not guaranteed.
Can older assets be financed privately?
Possibly. Age, condition, value and remaining useful life all influence lender appetite and term.
From the DCF knowledge centre
Common questions about private sale asset finance
- What proves ownership when buying used machinery privately?
- Can I buy a privately sold asset that still has HP outstanding?
- Can I finance equipment bought from a director or related company?
- What if a lender values a used asset below the asking price?
Let’s talk about your next purchase
Bring us the plan. We will do the legwork.
Based in Kent and supporting limited companies across the UK. Tell us what you need and we will explore suitable lenders on our panel.
Direct Commercial Finance Ltd is a commercial finance broker, not a lender. Finance is subject to status and lender approval.