At Edinburgh Asset Finance (EAF), we understand that auctions can be an excellent way to achieve the highest return for a valuable asset — but they take time. The period between consigning an item and receiving the proceeds can stretch into weeks or months, leaving you unable to access the capital tied up in your asset.
Our Auction Advance Loan service solves this problem by delivering immediate, discreet, asset-backed funding while your item continues towards its scheduled auction. You receive fast liquidity now and still retain the full upside of the auction result later. It is the ideal solution for clients who want to get paid immediately for auction without selling early or compromising on price.
Whether you are dealing with fine art, rare collectibles, luxury watches, jewellery, whisky, or any other high-value item, EAF provides a secure, specialist service built around speed, discretion, and exceptional value.
What Is an Auction Advance Loan?
An auction advance loan allows you to borrow against the value of an asset you intend to sell at auction. We advance 60–70% of its current market value, providing fast and flexible funding with no credit checks, intrusive checks or delays.
The process mirrors our luxury pawnbroking model but with one key difference:
We coordinate directly with the auction house to manage the sale of your asset, ensuring a smooth transition from loan advance to final auction settlement.
Once the auction is complete and funds are released, the loan is repaid — and the surplus proceeds are returned to you immediately.
This service enables clients to:
- Secure funds instantly
- Avoid rushed or discounted sales
- Maintain maximum auction potential
- Protect privacy and confidentiality
It is a smarter, more sophisticated alternative to bridging loans, auctions house advances, or early liquidations.
Benefits of an Auction Advance Loan
Just like our luxury pawnbroking service, our auction advance loans offer advantages rarely found with traditional lenders or standard auction houses.
What Assets Can Be Used for an Auction Advance Loan?
We consider a wide range of high-value items, including:
- Fine art, paintings and sculpture
- Rare books and manuscripts
- Luxury watches (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, etc.)
- High-value jewellery and gemstones
- Rare whisky collections and casks
- Classic and prestige cars
- Antiques and decorative arts
- Designer handbags and luxury goods
- Memorabilia and collectibles
- Private number plates
- Gold, silver and precious metals
If your item has strong market demand or auction potential, it is likely suitable for an auction advance.
How Our Auction Advance Loan Works
We follow a structured, transparent process to provide the fastest and most efficient service:
Case Study – Rare First-Edition Book
A recent client owned a rare first-edition book, already consigned to a major UK auction house. The auction date, however, was six weeks away and the client needed immediate capital to complete a time-sensitive investment.
Valuation & Loan
After reviewing images, provenance, and comparable sales, we agreed a loan of £25,000, representing our standard loan-to-value ratio.
A meeting was arranged the same day, paperwork was signed, and the funds were transferred instantly.
Auction Management
We then liaised with the auction house to ensure proper cataloguing and placement into the correct specialist sale.
Result: £37,800 Settlement
The book sold extremely well. After auction house fees, £37,800 was remitted to us.
Once the loan and interest were repaid, we transferred the entire surplus back to the client.
Outcome
The client benefited from:
- Immediate access to £25,000
- A strong auction result
- A substantial surplus returned to them after loan redemption
This perfectly demonstrates the power of an auction advance loan:
Get paid now, sell later — and still keep the upside.
Why Choose Edinburgh Asset Finance?
- Specialists in high-value, luxury asset lending
- Immediate access to funds
- No delays, no credit checks, no intrusive questions
- Discreet, private service
- Experts in handling auction-bound assets
- Strong relationships with leading UK auction houses
- Transparent terms with no hidden fees
- A reputation as one of the UK’s most trusted high-value pawnbrokers
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an auction advance loan work?
We lend against the value of your asset, then arrange for it to be sold at auction. Once it sells, the proceeds repay the loan and any surplus is returned to you.
Can I secure funding before the auction takes place?
Yes — this is exactly what the service is designed for. You can receive liquidity immediately.
What information is needed to apply?
Photos, a description, any provenance or certificates, and identification. Auction estimates are helpful but not required.
How quickly are funds released?
Funds are issued immediately once the item is in our possession and paperwork is completed.
What happens if my item doesn’t sell?
The loan continues under our standard pawnbroking terms. You can repay the loan or re-enter the item into a future auction.