Is it possible to finance CAFM, BIM and estimating software for my building services company?

Short summary: Yes — building services companies can usually finance CAFM, BIM and estimating software. Funding routes include asset finance, software leases, business loans, subscription/SaaS funding and mixed packages that bundle licences, hardware and implementation. The right solution depends on licence type (perpetual vs SaaS), hardware included, expected upgrade cycle and your company’s financial profile. For a free eligibility check, complete our quick enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in construction technology.

Note: completing the enquiry is not an application — it’s information we use to match you to lenders/brokers. Our minimum typical funding starts at around £10,000.

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What software & IT can building services firms finance?

Building services companies commonly fund a wide range of software and IT systems. Typical items include:

• CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) systems for planned maintenance, asset registers and mobile engineer apps.
• BIM authoring, coordination and collaboration tools used for design, clash detection and tendering.
• Estimating and takeoff software that speeds up pricing and reduces errors.
• Mobile field apps & tablets for site teams, timesheets, snagging and health & safety reporting.
• Scheduling, ERP and job management platforms that integrate with accounting and payroll.
• CAD & design suites, plugins and any specialist construction tech tools.
• Implementation services — consultancy, data migration, training and project management costs.

Key difference: perpetual licences and on-premise installs are often treated like capital assets; SaaS/subscription models are viewed as ongoing operating costs. Lenders adapt their approach accordingly.

Common finance products for software & IT

There are several finance routes that suit different purchases and business strategies:

• Asset finance / equipment finance — works well when software is bundled with tangible hardware (servers, tablets) or when perpetual licences are capitalised.
• Software leasing / finance lease — spreads the cost of a perpetual licence and often includes maintenance fees.
• SaaS subscription funding / working capital — lenders will provide short-term facilities or subscription financing to smooth ongoing monthly costs.
• Business loans (secured or unsecured) — flexible for mixed capex and opex needs; best for established companies with sufficient turnover.
• Invoice finance — frees cash while you wait on customer payments so you can pay software vendors promptly.
• Hire purchase — commonly used when hardware and installations are part of the package; ownership transfers after final payment.

Tip: including implementation, training and hardware in one single funding package increases the likelihood lenders will accept the deal, because it creates a clear funded project with measurable useful life.

How lenders and brokers assess software deals

Lenders and brokers look beyond the software brand — they assess business stability, the project economics and the nature of the licence. Typical criteria include:

• Company financials: turnover, profitability, cashflow and recent management accounts.
• Contract pipeline & customer types: repeat business and public sector contracts strengthen the case (particularly for CAFM/BIM used in long-term FM contracts).
• Licence model: one-off perpetual licence vs multi-year SaaS subscription — lenders prefer visible contract length for recurring revenue.
• Vendor credibility: established vendors with support/maintenance agreements reduce perceived risk.
• Included hardware & useful life: physical devices provide collateral and help lenders assess residual value.
• Purpose & deliverables: clear implementation plan, PO/quotes from vendor and expected ROI/efficiency savings.

Documents to prepare: last 12–24 months accounts, VAT returns, bank statements, vendor quotes, purchase orders or contract evidence and a brief implementation timeline. Having these ready speeds decisions and produces better offers.

Pros & cons of financing building services software

Pros

• Preserves cash — spread large upfront costs into manageable monthly payments.
• Accelerates digital adoption — you can implement and start benefiting immediately.
• Budget predictability — fixed payments help with monthly forecasting.
• Potential tax advantages — capital allowances may apply for capitalised purchases (seek accountant advice).

Cons

• Total cost over time can be higher than cash purchase.
• Potential vendor lock-in — match the finance term to the expected upgrade cycle.
• Accounting treatment varies — financed assets vs operating subscriptions have different balance-sheet effects.

Actionable guidance: choose a finance term aligned with expected useful life (e.g., 2–4 years for tablets, 3–5 years for large system rollouts). Negotiate vendor support and exit clauses where possible.

Typical deal sizes, terms and example scenarios

Below are illustrative ranges for building services businesses (figures are examples, not offers):

• Small contractor — estimating software + tablets: £10,000–£25,000, typical term 1–3 years.
• Mid-size firm — CAFM + mobile field management rollout: £25,000–£120,000, typical term 2–4 years.
• Larger contractor — integrated BIM & ERP rollout with servers and training: £100,000–£500,000+, typical term 3–5 years.

Illustrative repayment example (for guidance only): funding £60,000 over 3 years at an illustrative rate might mean monthly payments in the region of £1,700–£2,100 depending on interest and fees — exact quotes vary by lender.

Some lenders will fund implementation and consultancy; others fund licences and hardware only. If you need a combined package, tell us in the enquiry so we can match you to lenders who accept integrated projects.

How UK Business Loans helps

UK Business Loans is a specialist introducer that connects building services companies with lenders and brokers experienced in financing construction technology. Our process is simple:

1. Complete a quick enquiry form with a few business details and the estimated cost of the software/IT project (takes about 90 seconds).
2. We match your enquiry to the best-suited lenders and brokers in our panel.
3. Selected partners contact you with a free eligibility check and indicative offers — no obligation.

We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice — we introduce you to lenders and brokers who can. Completing the enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score. Typical responses often arrive within hours, though complex projects can take a few working days to qualify.

Learn more about finance solutions for the sector on our building services business loans page: building services business loans.

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Compliance, transparency & data security

UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We only share your enquiry with selected lenders and brokers who are appropriate for your request. Completing the enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score. We handle personal data in accordance with GDPR and our privacy policy; details are shown on our site.

Get started — free eligibility check

Ready to find out what you could borrow for software, IT and implementation? Click below to complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes). We’ll match your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in building services technology and will contact you with a free eligibility check.

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We typically pass enquiries to appropriate partners quickly — many businesses hear back within 24–48 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance SaaS subscriptions or only perpetual licences?

Yes — many lenders will fund SaaS subscriptions, typically via working capital or subscription financing, particularly where contracts have multi-year commitments. Perpetual licences are often financed via leasing or asset finance. The exact approach depends on contract length and vendor stability.

Will financing affect my balance sheet and tax?

Accounting treatment depends on whether the finance is capital (asset finance/hire purchase) or operating (some subscription funding). Capitalised assets may be eligible for capital allowances — check with your accountant for specifics.

Do lenders fund implementation and training costs?

Yes. Many lenders accept implementation, training, data migration and hardware as part of a funded package if they are clearly documented in the vendor quote and increase the project value.

My business has imperfect credit — can I still get finance?

Specialist lenders and brokers work with a range of credit profiles. Strong contracts, public-sector work or a solid pipeline improve chances. We can match you with partners experienced in supporting businesses with more complex credit histories.

Can software licences be included with hardware (tablets, servers, IoT sensors)?

Yes. Combining software licences with hardware and installation often improves lender acceptance because there is tangible security and a clearer useful life for the asset.

How quickly will I receive offers after submitting an enquiry?

Our matching service typically generates responses within hours to a few working days depending on complexity. Many brokers will call within 24 hours for straightforward enquiries.

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Key takeaways: Financing CAFM, BIM and estimating tools is common and practical for building services companies. The best route depends on licence type, hardware inclusion and company finances. For a free, no-obligation eligibility check and fast matches to lenders/brokers who specialise in construction technology, complete our short enquiry now.

Get Quote Now — Free & No Obligation

1. Can I finance CAFM, BIM or estimating software for my building services business?
Yes — lenders commonly finance CAFM, BIM and estimating software via asset finance, software leases, SaaS subscription funding or business loans depending on licence type and project scope.

2. Do lenders fund SaaS subscriptions as well as perpetual licences?
Yes — many lenders will fund multi-year SaaS contracts through subscription financing or working capital facilities, while perpetual licences are often funded via leasing or asset finance.

3. What funding routes are best for software that includes hardware and implementation?
Combining licences, hardware (tablets/servers) and implementation/training into a single asset finance or hire-purchase package usually improves lender acceptance and simplifies funding.

4. How much can I typically borrow to finance building services software and IT?
Typical deals start at around £10,000 and range from £10k–£25k for small projects, £25k–£120k for mid-size rollouts and £100k+ for large integrated BIM/ERP projects.

5. Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing our free enquiry is not a loan application and does not affect your credit score; lenders may carry out checks only if you proceed.

6. What documents do lenders usually need to assess a software finance application?
Prepare recent management accounts or 12–24 months’ accounts, VAT returns, bank statements, vendor quotes, purchase orders or contract evidence and an implementation timeline.

7. Can businesses with imperfect credit or limited trading history get finance for software?
Yes — specialist lenders and brokers can support a range of credit profiles, especially when you have strong contracts, public-sector work or a clear pipeline.

8. How quickly will I receive finance offers after submitting an enquiry?
You can often expect initial responses within hours and full eligibility checks or indicative offers within 24–48 hours, with complex projects taking a few working days.

9. How will financed software affect my balance sheet and tax position?
Accounting and tax treatment depends on whether the finance is capital (asset finance/hire purchase) or operating (subscription funding), so check with your accountant for specifics and capital allowance eligibility.

10. How do I choose the right finance product for CAFM, BIM or estimating tools?
Choose a product that matches the licence model, useful asset life and whether hardware/implementation is included — for example, asset finance for capitalised licences and hardware, or subscription funding for multi-year SaaS.