Motor trade finance Ireland for dealers and garages

A stocking facility funds the vehicles on your forecourt. The lender pays for each car, and you repay that car's balance when it sells, or by a set date if it doesn't. Interest or fees build up while the car is in stock, so slow-moving stock costs more, and lenders usually audit stock regularly.

Under the margin scheme, a dealer accounts for VAT only on its margin, not the full sale price, when it sells a car bought from someone who couldn't charge VAT, such as a private seller. That lowers the VAT due on each sale, but you need records for every car showing purchase and sale prices. Revenue's guidance sets out the conditions; ask your accountant before you rely on it.

Some lenders fund used import stock, but they check the purchase price, VRT, transport costs and how quickly imports sell. Count all the cash you pay out before a car is ready to sell: purchase price, shipping, VRT on registration and any VAT or duty due on import. Used imports rose 34.4% to 72,140 from January to September 2026 (SIMI), so lenders know the market well.

Plan the funding before placing factory or import orders. Most new registrations come in January and July, when the new plate starts, so dealers buy stock and take in part-exchanges ahead of the peak. A dealer stocking facility with room for the peak, or a short-term loan, can cover it. Lenders will want last year's sales by month and your order commitments.

Often, yes. Many stocking facilities cover part-exchanges and used stock, sometimes on different terms or time limits from new cars. Part-exchanges tie up cash until they are reconditioned and sold, so allow for preparation costs and time on the forecourt when you plan your limit. Ask the lender how long a car can stay funded before it must be paid off.

Usually, through equipment leasing or hire purchase from asset finance providers. New battery-electric car registrations rose 57.3% in the first nine months of 2026 (SIMI), so workshops are spending on high-voltage tools, training and chargers, and SEAI supports may help with some energy upgrades. Tell us what your company needs and we'll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.

No. Welcome Finance does not arrange consumer finance, including hire purchase or PCP for people buying cars. Consumer car finance is regulated, so speak to the lenders who provide it about how your dealership can offer it. We work only on business-purpose finance for the motor trade company itself, such as working capital.

Your stock turn, how long cars sit on the forecourt, your margins, sales history by month and how you control stock, keys and vehicle registration certificates. Lenders usually audit stock regularly and expect sold vehicles to be paid off promptly. Selling a car and not repaying its funding is a serious breach that can end a facility.

Banks as well as specialist funders. PTSB Asset Finance, for example, offers Unit Stocking to franchise and non-franchise dealers for new and used stock, for business purposes only, and also works with manufacturers and their dealer networks. PTSB owns each funded vehicle until it is settled, carries out stock audits and says no debenture is needed, although other security or guarantees may be. Compare its terms with specialist stock finance providers.