At Edinburgh Asset Finance, we aim to make every stage of the lending process clear, transparent and reassuring. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about our luxury, asset-backed loans.
If you would like to discuss anything in more detail, we are always happy to help.
What happens during an appointment or valuation?
Often most of this can be carried out remotely but we always begin by discussing the amount you wish to borrow and gathering key information about your asset. Many items can be assessed immediately during your appointment. For assets requiring more specialist appraisal, we arrange this promptly—typically the same day.
How quickly can I receive my loan funds?
Most assets can be valued within hours of receiving the details of the asset. Once you accept the loan offer and sign the agreement, funds are transferred by Faster Payment straight into your nominated bank account—often within hours of initial enquiry.
What documentation do I need to provide?
To comply with legal and anti-money-laundering requirements, we require two forms of ID: One must be government-issued and photographic (passport or driving licence). The second must confirm your address (utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill dated within three months).
What is the standard loan term?
All loans are issued on a seven-month contract. There is no minimum duration, and you may redeem the loan early at any time. Part-payments are welcome throughout the term. If you wish to extend beyond seven months, we simply ask that the interest accrued to date is cleared before issuing a new agreement. There are no penalty rates or default interest applied for renewing a loan.
Will applying affect my credit score?
No. We do not conduct credit checks or share data with credit reference agencies. Your loan is secured solely against your asset, and your credit file is unaffected—whether you redeem the loan or not.
How do repayments work?
You may repay in full or in installments at any time. We accept bank transfer. Once the balance is cleared, we arrange prompt return or collection of your item(s).
What happens if I cannot repay my loan?
If you are unable to repay the loan or interest by the end of the term, the asset may be sold to settle the balance. We always work with clients to avoid this, but if a sale is required the proceeds will cover: The loan amount. Any interest due. Reasonable sale costs. Any surplus funds are returned to you.
How much can I borrow?
We provide secured loans from £1,000 to £500,000+, depending on the asset. Loan amounts typically range between 60%–70% of the asset’s trade value, depending on market demand, condition and liquidity.
How is interest calculated?
Our monthly interest rate usually falls between 3% and 5% per calendar month, depending on the loan size and asset type. Interest is calculated simply (not compounded) across the seven-month term. To ensure full transparency, every client receives a daily repayment schedule at the outset.
Which assets do you lend against?
We consider a wide variety of high-value assets including: Watches & jewellery. Gold, bullion, coins and precious metals. Fine art & antiques. Classic, luxury and performance vehicles. Motorbikes. Prestige handbags. Wine & whisky collections. Number plates. Collectibles and other specialist items. If you are unsure whether your asset qualifies, just ask—our team will advise quickly and confidentially.
How are valuations carried out?
Valuations are performed by experienced assessors. Depending on the asset, we may consider: Market trading data. Auction comparables. Condition, provenance and documentation. Brand desirability. Scarcity, vintage or edition. Gold weight and purity (where relevant). We prioritise realistic trade value, not inflated insurance valuations.
Do I need certificates, receipts or provenance?
For many items - especially jewellery, watches, handbags, investment-grade bottles and collectibles—supporting documents can increase the loan value or speed up appraisal. However, documentation is not always essential; we assess each asset individually.
How are my items stored during the loan?
Asset protection is central to our service. Depending on the item, we use: Insurance-approved vaults with 24-hour monitored security. Climate-controlled facilities to ensure each asset is kept in preferable conditions. Secure vault storage for documentation such as V5s or number-plate certificates. Every item remains fully insured while in our care.
Do you need to take possession of the asset?
Yes—because we are a specialist secured lender, possession is required for all loan types. This ensures compliance with FCA and pawnbroking regulations and allows us to protect the asset fully throughout the loan term. (Bridging loans against property are the only exception, as they operate under a different lending model.)
How do I get my asset to you?
Depending on the asset, you may: Bring it directly to our premises. Arrange insured transport through a trusted courier or specialist carrier. Request assistance in arranging collection (vehicles and large items only). For UK-wide clients, we often travel to meet customers in person for assessments where appropriate. We will advise the safest and most convenient method for your specific situation.
Do I need to own the asset outright?
Yes. We must verify full ownership and the asset must be free of finance or third-party claims. For vehicles, this means no outstanding motor finance.
Can I continue using the asset during the loan?
Because we hold the asset securely as the basis of the loan, items generally cannot be used during the term. This includes vehicles, handbags, jewellery, motorbikes and collectibles. (Again, property bridging loans are the exception.)
Do items need to be insured by me during the loan?
No. Once the loan is in place, the asset is fully insured under our own policies while stored with us.
Do vehicle or motorbike loans require an inspection?
Yes. Vehicles and motorbikes must be inspected for condition, authenticity and market value before lending. This is arranged quickly and discreetly, either at our facility or via trusted partners. It is often carried out while delivering the vehicle to us, and provided the condition is as described then the loan can be concluded immediately.
Do wines, whiskies or collectibles need specialist verification?
High-value bottles, collections and rare items may require authenticity or provenance checks. These are handled discreetly using long-standing industry contacts to ensure fair, accurate valuations.
Do jewellery and diamonds need certification?
While certificates (GIA, IGI, brand papers etc.) can assist, they are not mandatory. We can assess diamonds, gemstones and branded jewellery with or without supporting paperwork.
Is everything confidential?
Absolutely. Every enquiry, valuation and loan is handled with complete confidentiality. We never disclose information to third parties without lawful basis.
What safeguards do you have in place as an FCA-regulated lender?
We are fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our lending practices focus on: Treating customers fairly. Acting with transparency and clarity. Providing good customer outcomes. Ensuring secure handling of assets and personal data. Making decisions based on realistic, responsible valuations.
What if my question is not listed here?
We’re happy to help with any queries, whether general or asset-specific. Simply contact us and a member of the team will provide clear, confidential advice.