Quick summary

Yes. Healthcare clinics, care homes and other care providers in the UK can usually refinance loans secured against equipment or property, provided the business and the assets meet lender criteria. Refinancing can lower monthly costs, release equity, consolidate debt or extend terms. Success depends on asset condition and valuation, business cashflow, occupancy/tenancy arrangements and any existing loan terms. Complete our simple enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to specialist lenders and brokers for no‑obligation quotes: Get Quote Now.

Note: completing the enquiry form is not a loan application — it helps UK Business Loans match you with the right lenders/brokers who will contact you with options.

What is refinancing?

Refinancing replaces one finance facility with another. For secured borrowing in healthcare, that means switching or restructuring loans that are secured against clinical equipment (imaging machines, beds, dental chairs) or against commercial property (clinic building, care home freehold).

Common refinance goals include:

• Reducing monthly repayments or interest costs
• Releasing equity for refurbishments or working capital
• Extending repayment terms to improve cashflow
• Consolidating multiple facilities into a single agreement
• Moving from a higher‑cost lender to a more competitive option

UK Business Loans acts as an introducer connecting you to lenders and brokers who specialise in healthcare and secured finance. We do not lend money or give regulated financial advice.

Why healthcare clinics & care providers refinance

Refinancing is a frequently used tool in the healthcare sector. Clinic owners and care home directors consider refinancing when:

• Cashflow needs tighten. Seasonal pressure, delayed payments or increased operating costs can make lower monthly repayments attractive.
• Interest rates change. If you can secure a lower rate or better terms, refinancing can save money over time.
• Equipment needs upgrading. Releasing equity or restructuring a loan can free capital for new diagnostic or care equipment to meet clinical standards or CQC requirements.
• Multiple debts exist. Consolidating debt simplifies administration and often reduces combined monthly outgoings.
• Business growth or refurbishment. Releasing equity against property can fund expansion, additional beds or regulatory upgrades.

Types of secured refinance: equipment vs property

Equipment refinancing

Equipment finance refinance options cover medical imaging, dental units, therapy equipment, beds, hoists and vehicles. Routes include:

• Refinancing existing hire‑purchase or lease agreements with a new asset finance lender.
• Sale & leaseback — you sell equipment to a funder and lease it back, unlocking cash while retaining use.
• Replacement refinance to upgrade equipment while settling older finance.

Key considerations: remaining useful life, maintenance history, serial numbers and market resale value. Lenders typically advance lower percentages of the asset value (lower LTV) compared with property.

Property refinancing

Property refinancing (re‑mortgage) applies to freehold clinics, care homes and sometimes long leasehold premises. Options include:

• Switching mortgage lender (remortgage) to obtain better rates or terms.
• Raising additional borrowing secured on the property for refurbishments or consolidation.
• Sale & leaseback of premises to release capital while continuing to trade from the same site.

Property lenders will consider leasehold vs freehold, occupancy, tenancies and permitted use; LTVs for commercial healthcare property can be higher than for equipment but depend on valuation and rental income (if tenanted).

For a wider overview of options and how they compare, see our guide to refinance loans.

Who can refinance — eligibility & common lender checks

Typical lender checks for healthcare asset or property refinance include:

• Asset valuation: independent valuation for equipment or a RICS commercial valuation for property.
• Business financials: recent accounts, management accounts, VAT returns and bank statements to evidence cashflow.
• Trading history: many lenders prefer established limited companies; minimum trading lengths vary by lender.
• Credit profile: business and director credit histories are reviewed; some specialist lenders accept adverse records.
• Regulatory compliance: CQC registration or sector licences where applicable.
• Security and covenants: ability to provide a charge over assets or property and, in some cases, director guarantees.

Minimum loan sizes often start around £10,000 for asset finance and larger sums for property. Specialist brokers increase the chance of success where your profile is non‑standard.

Benefits and risks

Benefits

• Lower monthly repayments or interest.
• Improved cashflow and predictable budgeting.
• Release of equity for investment or working capital.
• Simplification of multiple facilities into one loan.
• Access to lenders who understand healthcare assets.

Risks

• Early repayment charges on existing facilities can reduce immediate benefit.
• Valuation shortfalls may limit funds available against assets.
• Longer terms can increase lifetime interest paid.
• New covenants or director guarantees could affect personal exposure.
• Sale & leaseback transfers ownership — consider operational and tax implications.

We recommend discussing material risks with your accountant or solicitor and using a broker experienced in healthcare finance to understand trade‑offs.

The refinance process — step by step

1. Initial enquiry. Complete our short enquiry so we can match you to specialist lenders/brokers — Free Eligibility Check. This is not an application.
2. Document preparation. Asset list, invoices, business accounts (2–3 years where possible), bank statements, property deeds or lease, CQC details.
3. Valuation and underwriting. Lenders arrange equipment or property valuations; they assess cashflow and credit.
4. Offer and legal checks. Formal offer, solicitor instructed, charge created and any early settlement of old finance managed.
5. Completion. Funds released and new repayment schedule starts.

Typical timings: equipment refinances often complete in 2–4 weeks; property remortgages usually take 6–12+ weeks depending on surveys and legal complexity.

Costs, valuations & tax considerations

Expected costs:

• Valuation fees (RICS for property; specialist valuers for medical equipment).
• Arrangement or facility fees charged by the lender.
• Legal fees for charge creation and remortgage conveyancing.
• Early redemption penalties on existing finance (check your current agreements).
• Broker fees (some brokers are paid by lenders; always confirm any charges).

Tax/accounting note (not advice): proceeds used to buy or upgrade qualifying business assets may attract capital allowances. Consult your accountant to understand timing and tax treatment before proceeding.

Choosing the right lender or broker

Choose partners who:

• Understand healthcare and care sectors.
• Have experience valuing and lending against specialist medical equipment.
• Provide transparent fees and clear timelines.
• Offer the loan size and terms you need (we commonly arrange from £10,000 upwards).

Specialist brokers expand access to niche lenders and can often negotiate better terms when assets are industry‑specific. UK Business Loans will match you quickly and without obligation.

Real-world examples

Equipment refinance — dental clinic: A dental practice refinanced its ageing imaging unit and consolidated two equipment leases into a single asset finance facility. Outcome: monthly payments reduced by 20% and freed cash to purchase replacement dental chairs. Timeline: 3 weeks from quote to completion.

Property refinance — small care home: A family‑run care home remortgaged the freehold to consolidate short‑term debt and fund essential refurbishment to meet regulatory standards. Outcome: improved cashflow and a single long‑term mortgage; completion time 10 weeks including survey and legal work.

Frequently asked questions

Can I refinance if I have adverse credit or a CCJ?

Possibly. Some specialist lenders accept imperfect credit but often at higher cost or with more security. A broker can identify suitable matches.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing UK Business Loans’ enquiry does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out checks only when you make a formal application.

How long does an equipment refinance take?

Often 2–4 weeks depending on valuations and lender speed.

Can leasehold properties be remortgaged?

Yes, but lenders will review lease length, ground rent and any restrictions. Some require a minimum unexpired term.

Are there lenders who specialise in care homes?

Yes. There are specialist commercial mortgage and asset finance lenders that focus on care homes and healthcare facilities; brokers help you find them.

What documents do I need to start?

Basic business details, recent accounts, bank statements, details of the asset/property and existing finance documents. We’ll tell you exactly what’s needed after your enquiry.

Explore refinance options — get a free eligibility check

If interest costs, cashflow pressure or growth plans mean you should explore refinancing, now is a good time to compare options. Completing our short enquiry helps us match your business to the lenders and brokers most likely to help you — it’s quick, no obligation and does not affect your credit score.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

UK Business Loans is an introducer. We are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice. By submitting an enquiry you consent to us passing your details to selected lenders and brokers who may contact you. Offers are subject to full checks.