Cork · Co. Cork
Asset finance in Cork
Asset finance in Ireland lets your limited company spread the cost of vehicles, machinery and equipment over their working life, with the asset itself as security. For limited companies in Cork and across Co. Cork.
- Minimum amounts
- From about €5,000 to €10,000
- Terms
- Usually 1 to 5 years, up to 7 for long-life assets
- Deposit
- Often around 10%; some lenders fund 100%
- Our fee
- €0 to you
- The lender pays us commission
Quick eligibility check
See what your company could borrow
Step 1 of 3 · about 60 seconds
About 60 seconds · no credit search · not recorded on the Central Credit Register
Prefer to talk? +353 1 536 9910- Minimum amounts
- From about €5,000 to €10,000
- Terms
- Usually 1 to 5 years, up to 7 for long-life assets
- Deposit
- Often around 10%; some lenders fund 100%
- Our fee
- €0 to you
- The lender pays us commission
- Irish limited companies
- Several lenders, one request
- No fees for your company
- No obligation
At a glance
Asset finance in Cork: at a glance
around 1 to 2 weeks
- Irish limited companies
- Often 12+ months trading
- The asset
- 1
Tell us what you need
Three taps: purpose, amount, business type. About 60 seconds, no credit search and not recorded on the Central Credit Register.
- 2
We match you to lenders
We check your profile against lender criteria and approach only those likely to consider it. One request, only to lenders likely to consider it.
- 3
Compare any offers
See the rate, fees, security and any personal guarantee side by side before you decide anything.
Lenders we work with
We are a broker, not a lender. Lender names and logos are trademarks of their owners and are shown with permission. Their inclusion does not mean the lender endorses Welcome Finance. Finance is subject to each lender’s own approval, which is not guaranteed.
Local insight
How Cork companies use asset finance
Asset finance lets your company use equipment now and pay for it over time. Because the asset is the lender's security, it is often easier to arrange than an unsecured loan, and asset finance rates can be lower as a result. Banks, specialist asset finance companies and dealers' finance partners all offer asset finance for limited companies in Ireland. In Cork, limited companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and biopharma around Cork Harbour, technology and cybersecurity, and financial services use asset finance for a range of needs. We have no office in Cork; our team works with Cork companies by phone, email and online from our registered office in Dublin 1. The main choice is between hire purchase, where your company owns the asset at the end, and business leasing, where the lender keeps ownership. The two are treated differently for VAT and tax, so speak to your accountant before you choose. Lenders also fund some soft assets, such as software or fit-out work, but they are more cautious with items that have little resale value.
The process
How it works
- 01
Choose the asset
Share the supplier quote, whether new or used.
- 02
Find a lender
Approach lenders that fund that asset type and age; dealers often have finance partners.
- 03
Compare offers
Deposit, rate, term, balloon and fees side by side.
- 04
Take delivery
The lender pays the supplier and you start using the asset.
Calculator
Run the numbers
Estimated monthly payment
€1,647.87
- Deposit
- €7,500
- Amount financed
- €67,500
- Total interest
- €11,598
Illustrative only. Actual rates, fees and terms depend on your circumstances and the lender. This is not an offer of finance.
Asset finance for Cork companies
Who it suits
- Companies that want to own the asset long term
- Firms that can reclaim VAT and want capital allowances
- Businesses buying vehicles, machinery or equipment
Common uses
- Vans, trucks and company vehicles
- Construction plant and agricultural machinery
- Manufacturing and catering equipment
- IT and specialist equipment
What lenders usually look for
Typical eligibility
- Irish limited company
- A clear asset with a supplier quote or invoice
- Trading history and accounts that support repayments
- A deposit where the lender asks for one
Documents to have ready
- Supplier quote or invoice
- Latest accounts
- 6 months of business bank statements
- Director ID and proof of address
What it costs, and what to watch
You pay interest or a finance charge over the term, plus documentation and purchase fees. Published examples from Irish banks include documentation fees of around €60 to €120 and purchase fees of about €13 to €63. Hire purchase rates are often quoted as a flat rate, which looks lower than the APR for the same deal, so ask each lender for the APR and the total amount payable in writing.
We are paid commission by the lender when finance completes. We do not charge your company a fee and never ask for payment upfront.
Risk warning
How we work
Asset finance in Cork: questions
Before applying for asset finance, which Cork LEO should my company contact?
Use the LEO for your council area: Cork City for the city, which since 2019 includes Ballincollig, Douglas and Blarney; South Cork for places such as Carrigaline and Midleton; and Cork North & West for Mallow, Clonakilty and the west. Each can advise on grants and help with a Microfinance Ireland loan.
What is asset finance?
Funding to buy or use business equipment, vehicles or machinery, where the asset itself is the lender's main security. Your company spreads the cost over the asset's working life instead of paying upfront. The main types are hire purchase, where you own the asset at the end, and leasing, where the lender keeps ownership. Because the lender can recover the asset, it is often easier to arrange than unsecured lending.
How does asset finance work in Ireland?
The lender pays the supplier for the asset and your company repays the lender over an agreed term, usually monthly. On hire purchase your company owns the asset after the last payment; on a lease the lender keeps ownership. The lender checks your accounts, bank statements and the asset itself, and can recover the asset if payments stop. VAT and tax treatment depend on the structure.
Who offers asset finance in Ireland?
Banks, specialist asset finance companies and the finance partners of equipment and vehicle dealers. Some fund all kinds of assets, while others focus on vehicles, plant, IT or medical equipment. Each sets its own criteria, so compare at least two offers on the total amount repayable, the deposit and the fees, not only the monthly payment.
Is hire purchase or leasing better for a company?
It depends on VAT, tax and how long you will keep the asset. With hire purchase, VAT on the full price is due at the start and your company owns the asset after the last payment, so it can usually claim capital allowances. With a lease, VAT is charged on each rental and the lender keeps ownership. Ask your accountant which suits your position.
Do I need a deposit for asset finance?
Often, yes. Many lenders ask for a deposit on hire purchase, often around 10%, while leases usually ask for one or more rentals in advance. Some lenders offer 100% finance for strong companies and assets that hold their value. A trade-in can sometimes count towards the deposit, so ask the lender how it treats one.
Can I finance used equipment or vehicles?
Yes, with many lenders, subject to the asset's age, condition and resale value. Lenders want to know the asset will still be worth something if they have to recover it, so older or highly specialised items can be harder to fund or get a shorter term. A valuation or inspection may be needed, and buying from a dealer is usually simpler than a private sale.
Check in 60 seconds
Check your eligibility
For limited companies in Cork and across Co. Cork.
- No credit search, not recorded on the Central Credit Register
- One request, several lenders: we’re a broker, not a lender
- For limited companies registered in Ireland
- No fees for your company: we’re paid commission by the lender
Step 1 of 3 · about 60 seconds
Sources: Central Bank of Ireland, Non-bank new lending to Irish enterprises, Q1 2026; Lender pages checked October 2026 (AIB, PTSB, Close Brothers Commercial Finance); Consumer Credit Act 1995, s.2; SBCI: Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme; Revenue, Capital allowances and deductions for companies (checked 22 Oct 2026); Revenue, Tax and Duty Manual 09-02-08: leasing of machinery and plant (checked 22 Oct 2026); Cork City Council, Economic facts and figures (checked 22 Oct 2026); Port of Cork Company, €86 million Cork Container Terminal becomes operational in Ringaskiddy (20 May 2022) (checked 22 Oct 2026); The Echo, Cork Docklands redevelopment plans given green light despite rising cost (checked 22 Oct 2026); Cork City Council, Cork City welcomes 85,000 new residents as it expands fivefold in size (checked 22 Oct 2026); LEO Cork North and West, Welcome (checked 22 Oct 2026); LEO South Cork, FAQs (checked 22 Oct 2026); Cork County Council, Cork County Council launches 2026 Streetscape Enhancement Scheme (checked 22 Oct 2026); Irish Examiner, Cork councils spend €40m to bring over 800 vacant properties back to use (11 Aug 2026) (checked 22 Oct 2026).