Luminate Insights

Short-Term Working Capital: When You're Selling an Asset

Written by Luminate | Sep 11, 2025 7:00:00 PM

You've made the decision. The business is selling a major asset—equipment, property, a vehicle fleet, inventory, maybe the entire business.

Back to Alternative Lending Solutions Guide

The sale is solid. You've got a signed agreement. Settlement is 30, 60, or 90 days away. The money is coming.

But today, right now, you have obligations:

  • Payroll is due Friday
  • Supplier invoices need payment
  • Tax obligations can't be delayed
  • Lease payments are overdue
  • Other debts are mounting

You call your bank. "Can we bridge 60 days until the asset settlement?"

Bank: "We don't do short-term facilities for businesses in transition. Come back after the sale completes and we'll reassess your position."

Translation: "No."

You're not broke. You're not insolvent. You have a confirmed sale that will inject significant capital. You just need to bridge the timing gap between agreement and settlement.

This is exactly what short-term working capital bridging solves.

Let's break down how these loans work, when they make sense, what they cost, and how to access funding when you're asset-rich but cash-poor in the short term.

Understanding the Asset Sale Timing Gap

This situation is more common than you might think. Let's understand why it happens.

Why Asset Sales Create Cash Flow Gaps

The normal business timeline:

  • Month 1: Decide to sell asset
  • Month 2-3: Marketing, finding buyer
  • Month 4: Negotiate and sign agreement
  • Month 5-6: Due diligence, settlement conditions
  • Month 7: Settlement occurs, you receive funds

Meanwhile, business operations continue:

  • Staff still need paying (weekly/fortnightly)
  • Suppliers still want payment (30-day terms)
  • Landlord still wants rent (monthly)
  • IRD still wants tax (scheduled dates)
  • Loan repayments still due (monthly)

The problem: Business cash flow often depends on that asset you're selling.

Examples:

Manufacturing business selling equipment:

  • Major machinery being sold for $250k
  • While on market, production continues with equipment
  • Once sold, buyer takes equipment at settlement (60 days)
  • Business needs to buy replacement equipment
  • Gap: 60 days between agreement and having capital for replacement

Property business selling investment property:

  • Investment property sold for $800k
  • Settlement in 90 days
  • Business has mortgage interest, rates, insurance due now
  • Tenant may have vacated during sale process
  • Gap: 90 days of holding costs with no rental income

Transport business selling truck fleet:

  • 5 trucks being sold for $400k
  • Buyer wants 45-day settlement for financing
  • Business needs to pay existing truck finance, insurance, registration
  • Gap: 45 days carrying costs on fleet being sold

Common Triggers For Asset Sales

Understanding why businesses sell assets helps assess risk:

Strategic reasons (lower risk):

  • Upgrading to newer equipment
  • Consolidating operations
  • Pivoting business model
  • Taking profits on appreciated assets
  • Retirement/succession planning

Necessity reasons (moderate risk):

  • Downsizing due to reduced demand
  • Reducing debt levels
  • Raising capital for other purposes
  • Responding to market changes

Distress reasons (higher risk):

  • Business struggling financially
  • Forced sale to pay debts
  • Imminent insolvency
  • Mortgagee or creditor pressure

We can fund any of these, but pricing and terms reflect the risk profile.

How Short-Term Working Capital Loans Work

These loans are designed specifically for the timing gap between asset sale agreement and settlement.

Structure 1: Secured Against The Asset Being Sold

What it is: We lend against the asset you're selling, secured by that asset until settlement.

How it works:

  1. You've signed sale agreement for asset
  2. We take security interest over asset
  3. We advance portion of sale value (typically 50-70%)
  4. At settlement, buyer pays us directly
  5. Any surplus goes to you

Best for:

  • Valuable, easily valued assets (property, equipment, vehicles)
  • Clean sale agreements with creditworthy buyers
  • Short settlement periods (30-90 days)

Example:

  • Property sale: $600k (settlement 60 days)
  • Luminate advance: $350k (58% LVR)
  • Security: Caveat over property
  • Term: 60 days (until settlement)
  • At settlement: Buyer pays $600k → We get $350k + interest + costs → You get balance

Advantages:

  • Lower rates (secured lending)
  • Higher advance amounts possible
  • Clear exit (settlement pays us)

Requirements:

  • Unconditional sale agreement (or minimal conditions)
  • Buyer with proven capacity to settle
  • Asset easily valued
  • We can register security

Structure 2: Secured Against Other Business Assets

What it is: We lend against other business assets (not the one being sold) to provide working capital during the transition.

How it works:

  1. You're selling Asset A
  2. We take security over Asset B (property, equipment, inventory, receivables)
  3. You use loan for working capital
  4. Repay from Asset A sale proceeds

Best for:

  • Asset being sold is hard to secure (goodwill, intellectual property, shares)
  • Sale agreement has significant conditions
  • Longer settlement periods (90+ days)
  • You have other assets available as security

Example:

  • Business sale: $500k (settlement 120 days)
  • Luminate: $150k secured against business equipment + inventory
  • Term: 120 days
  • Repayment: From business sale proceeds at settlement

Advantages:

  • Works when sale asset isn't suitable security
  • Provides flexibility during longer settlements
  • Covers conditional sale agreements

Structure 3: Unsecured Short-Term Advance

What it is: Unsecured lending based purely on the sale agreement and your creditworthiness.

How it works:

  1. We assess the sale agreement
  2. We assess buyer's creditworthiness
  3. We advance based on confidence in settlement
  4. You repay from sale proceeds

Best for:

  • Asset sales with very short timeframes (14-45 days)
  • Strong buyers (major companies, government)
  • Smaller amounts ($20k-80k)
  • Clean, unconditional agreements

Example:

  • Equipment sale to Fletcher Building: $120k (settlement 30 days)
  • Luminate: $60k unsecured advance
  • Term: 30 days
  • Repayment: From sale proceeds

Advantages:

  • Fastest approval (no security registration)
  • Simpler process
  • Works for quick settlements

Disadvantages:

  • Higher rates (unsecured)
  • Lower advance amounts (typically 40-60% of sale value)
  • Stricter buyer creditworthiness requirements

Structure 4: Assignment Of Sale Proceeds

What it is: You assign (direct) the sale proceeds to us. Buyer pays us directly at settlement.

How it works:

  1. Sale agreement includes payment direction clause
  2. Buyer agrees to pay Luminate at settlement
  3. We hold security by way of the payment direction
  4. Crystal clear exit

Best for:

  • Any asset sale where buyer agrees to split payment
  • Maximizes our confidence (direct payment)
  • Can support higher advance rates

Example:

  • Business sale: $800k
  • Buyer agrees to payment split at settlement
  • Luminate advances: $400k now
  • At settlement: Buyer pays $400k to Luminate, $400k to you

Advantages:

  • Very clean repayment structure
  • Buyer cooperation reduces risk
  • Can achieve better rates

Requirements:

  • Buyer must agree to payment direction
  • Documented in sale agreement
  • Solicitors coordinate settlement

What We Assess in Asset Sale Bridging

We need confidence the sale will complete and you'll repay. Here's what we look at:

The Sale Agreement

Critical elements:

Factor What We Look For Risk Level
Conditions Unconditional or minimal conditions Fewer conditions = lower risk
Buyer identity Known entity vs. individual Corporate buyer = lower risk
Deposit 10%+ deposit paid Higher deposit = higher commitment
Settlement date Specific date vs. TBC Fixed date = lower risk
Buyer's solicitor Reputable firm engaged Good firm = serious buyer
Sale price Market value vs. below At/above market = lower risk

Green flags:

  • Unconditional sale
  • 10-20% deposit paid
  • Corporate buyer with proven capacity
  • 30-60 day settlement
  • Price at or above market value

Red flags:

  • Multiple material conditions
  • Buyer unknown/unproven
  • No deposit or tiny deposit
  • Vague settlement terms ("subject to finance")
  • Price well below market (suggests desperate sale)

The Asset Being Sold

We assess:

Valuation confidence:

  • Professional valuation vs. estimated value
  • Recent comparables supporting price
  • Asset type (property easier to value than goodwill)

Salability if buyer defaults:

  • Could we sell it if settlement fails?
  • Is there broader market demand?
  • How quickly could alternative buyer be found?

Clarity of ownership:

  • Clear title/ownership
  • No disputes or claims
  • Encumbrances disclosed

Example:

Strong asset:

  • Commercial property, independent valuation $1.2M
  • Sale price $1.15M (slightly below valuation - quick sale)
  • Multiple buyers competed for it
  • If this buyer defaults, easy to re-sell

Weaker asset:

  • Specialized manufacturing equipment
  • Valuation estimated at $300k (no recent comparables)
  • Sale price $280k to niche buyer
  • If buyer defaults, limited alternative market

We can fund both, but rates and advance amounts differ.

The Buyer

Who is buying?

Lower risk buyers:

  • Established companies with financial statements
  • Government entities
  • Individuals with proven assets/income
  • Buyers with solicitors/accountants already engaged

Higher risk buyers:

  • Unknown individuals
  • New companies with no track record
  • Offshore buyers (adds complexity)
  • "Subject to finance" situations

We may do basic due diligence:

  • Company search (if corporate buyer)
  • Review buyer's deposit funding source
  • Check buyer's solicitor is engaged
  • Assess buyer's motivation (genuine interest vs. speculative)

Your Business And Creditworthiness

We want to know:

Why are you selling?

  • Strategic reasons (upgrading, pivoting) = positive
  • Necessity (downsizing) = neutral
  • Distress (forced sale) = requires deeper assessment

What's your plan post-sale?

  • Business continues operating = positive
  • Business winds down = neutral
  • Business insolvent after sale = concerning

Your credit history:

  • Clean credit = best rates
  • Minor issues = manageable
  • Major problems = may decline or higher rates

Your ability to manage if sale delays:

  • Do you have alternatives if settlement extends?
  • How long can you hold on without this funding?
  • Any backup plans?

Real-World Case Study: The Manufacturing Equipment Sale

The Business

  • Name: Precision Parts Ltd
  • Industry: Precision engineering/manufacturing
  • Years operating: 18 years
  • Owner: Mike Roberts
  • Situation: Upgrading equipment, selling older machinery

The Background

Precision Parts specialized in high-tolerance machining for aerospace and medical device industries. Mike had built the business over 18 years into a respected operation with $2.8M annual revenue.

The strategic decision:

Mike's main CNC machining centre was 12 years old. While still functional, newer equipment would:

  • Increase precision and capabilities
  • Reduce operating costs (more efficient)
  • Allow bidding on newer aerospace contracts
  • Improve competitiveness

The numbers:

  • New CNC machining centre: $480k
  • Old CNC machine value: $180k (trade-in) or $220k (private sale)
  • Mike chose private sale for extra $40k

The Sale Agreement

  • Buyer: Mid-sized manufacturing company in Christchurch
  • Sale price: $220k
  • Settlement: 75 days (buyer needed time to arrange finance and prepare site)
  • Deposit: $22k (10%) paid to Mike's solicitor's trust account
  • Conditions: Mechanical inspection (completed and passed), buyer's bank finance (arranged)

The sale was essentially unconditional after inspection passed and finance confirmed.

The Cash Flow Problem

Mike's timeline issue:

  • Day 1: Signed sale agreement for old machine ($220k, settle Day 75)
  • Day 1: Also signed purchase agreement for new machine ($480k, settle Day 30)
  • Gap: Mike needed to settle new machine purchase 45 days before receiving funds from old machine sale

Mike's resources:

  • Business cash reserves: $85k
  • Personal savings he could inject: $45k
  • Total available: $130k
  • Shortfall: $350k

Why the timing mismatch?

  • New machine manufacturer had one in stock (rare) at good price
  • But needed commitment within 30 days or it would sell to another buyer
  • Old machine buyer needed 75 days for site preparation and finance
  • Mike couldn't afford to lose the new machine opportunity

Bank's response:

Mike approached his business bank (ASB):

"We need $350k for 75 days to bridge the timing gap between these two equipment transactions."

Bank: "We don't do short-term asset bridging. Our minimum business loan term is 3 years. You could do a 3-year loan but you'd pay early repayment fees when you repay in 75 days."

The calculation:

  • 3-year business loan: $350k @ 8.5%
  • Early repayment penalty: 3 months interest = $7,437
  • Plus 75 days interest: $6,137
  • Bank costs: $13,574

Plus: This would show as new $350k debt on financial statements, could affect other credit facilities.

The Luminate Solution

Application: Mike contacted Luminate with:

  • Copy of sale agreement for old machine
  • Copy of purchase agreement for new machine
  • Valuation of old machine ($210k from equipment valuer)
  • Buyer's company details (established company, good track record)
  • Deposit proof ($22k held by solicitor)

Our assessment:

What we saw:

  • Solid sale agreement (10% deposit, proven buyer, minimal conditions)
  • Equipment easily valued (CNC machines have established market)
  • Strong business (18 years, profitable, good credit)
  • Clear strategic rationale (upgrade, not distress)
  • Short timeline (75 days)
  • Exit crystal clear (sale settlement repays us)

Approval: 3 days

Structure:

  • Loan amount: $180k (secured against $220k asset = 82% LVR)
  • Secured by: Security interest over old CNC machine being sold
  • Term: 75 days
  • Interest rate: 12.5% p.a.
  • Establishment fee: 1.5% = $2,700

Repayment at Day 75:

  • Buyer pays $220k for old machine
  • Luminate receives: $180k principal + $4,603 interest (75 days) + $2,700 fee = $187,303
  • Mike receives: $32,697 balance

Mike's total funding for new machine:

  • Luminate loan: $180k
  • Mike's resources and other credit lines: $300k
  • Total: $480k to purchase new machine

The Outcome

  • Day 30: Mike settled purchase of new CNC machine ($480k)
  • Day 35: New machine installed and operational
  • Day 40-75: New machine ramped up, already winning new contracts
  • Day 75: Old machine settlement occurred
    • Buyer paid $220k
    • Luminate received $187,303
    • Mike received $32,697

90 days post-new machine:

  • New contracts secured worth additional $450k annually
  • Operating costs reduced $35k annually
  • Competitive position significantly improved

Mike's reflection:

"The $4,603 in interest for 75 days felt expensive in the moment. But missing that new machine would have cost me far more. Within 3 months, the new machine had already paid for itself through new contracts I couldn't have bid on with the old equipment. The bank couldn't help because they don't think in 75-day timeframes. Luminate understood immediately that this was a strategic opportunity with clear timing, not a risky situation. The funding let me upgrade when the opportunity was there, rather than waiting and losing both the new machine and the premium price for my old one."

Back to Alternative Lending Solutions Guide

When Asset Sale Bridging Makes Sense

✅ Asset Sale Bridging Is Right When:

You have a solid sale agreement

  • Signed contract with meaningful deposit
  • Unconditional or minor conditions only
  • Creditworthy buyer
  • Specific settlement date

The asset is easily valued

  • Property, equipment, vehicles, inventory
  • Clear market value established
  • Professional valuation available
  • Readily saleable if needed

You need short-term bridging only

  • 30-90 days typically
  • Clear exit when settlement occurs
  • Not long-term capital need

The timing is strategic, not desperate

  • Upgrading equipment
  • Taking advantage of opportunity
  • Planned transition
  • Not forced/distress sale

Alternative funding isn't available

  • Banks won't do short-term
  • Don't want long-term loan with early repayment fees
  • Need fast approval (days not weeks)

⚠️ Reconsider Asset Sale Bridging When:

The sale is uncertain

  • Multiple significant conditions
  • Buyer unproven or concerning
  • No deposit paid
  • Vague settlement terms

The asset is hard to value/sell

  • Highly specialized equipment
  • Niche market only
  • Intangible assets (goodwill alone)
  • Disputed ownership

You can't service the loan if sale delays

  • No backup cash flow
  • Business failing otherwise
  • Sale is last-ditch effort
  • Can't afford even short-term cost

The numbers don't work

  • Loan cost exceeds benefit of timing
  • Better to wait for settlement
  • Alternative cheaper funding available

The sale is too far away

  • 120+ days to settlement
  • Too many things could change
  • Better to structure longer-term facility

Costs and Terms for Asset Sale Bridging

Interest Rates

Risk Profile Typical Rate Factors
Lower risk 10-12% p.a. Property, strong buyer, unconditional, short term (30-60 days)
Moderate risk 12-14% p.a. Equipment/vehicles, good buyer, minimal conditions, medium term (60-90 days)
Higher risk 14-18% p.a. Uncertain buyer, conditional sale, specialized assets, longer term (90+ days)

Key rate drivers:

  • Asset type and value certainty
  • Buyer creditworthiness
  • Settlement timeline
  • Your credit profile
  • Whether secured or unsecured

Fee Structure

Fee Type Typical Amount When Paid
Establishment fee 1-3% of loan Upfront (often deducted from advance)
Valuation (if needed) $500-3,000 Upfront
Legal fees $1,500-3,500 Upfront
Security registration $200-800 Upfront
Extension fee (if needed) 1-2% of balance If settlement delays

Example Cost Calculations

Scenario 1: Property sale bridging

  • Asset sale: $850k settlement 60 days
  • Loan: $400k
  • Rate: 11% p.a.
  • Term: 60 days
Cost Item Amount
Interest (60 days) $7,233
Establishment fee (2%) $8,000
Legal + registration $2,200
Total cost $17,433
Cost as % of loan 4.4%

Scenario 2: Equipment sale bridging

  • Asset sale: $180k settlement 75 days
  • Loan: $100k
  • Rate: 13% p.a.
  • Term: 75 days
Cost Item Amount
Interest (75 days) $2,671
Establishment fee (2.5%) $2,500
Valuation $800
Legal + registration $1,800
Total cost $7,771
Cost as % of loan 7.8%

Comparing To Alternatives

Alternative 1: Wait for settlement (no borrowing)

  • Cost: $0 in interest
  • But: Miss opportunities, stress on cash flow, potential late payments/penalties
  • Opportunity cost could be $10k, $50k, $100k+ depending on situation

Alternative 2: Bank 3-year loan with early repayment

  • Lower rate (7-9%)
  • But: Early repayment fees, longer approval time, shows as long-term debt
  • Total cost often similar or higher than bridging loan

Alternative 3: Credit card/overdraft extension

  • Higher rates (15-22%)
  • Shorter approval
  • But: Typically smaller amounts, ongoing facility (temptation to keep using)

Asset sale bridging usually wins when:

  • You need meaningful amount ($50k+)
  • Timeline is clear and short
  • You have specific use for funds NOW
  • Opportunity cost of waiting is high

How to Apply for Asset Sale Bridging

What Luminate Needs

Sale documentation:

  • ✓ Signed sale & purchase agreement
  • ✓ Deposit confirmation (if paid)
  • ✓ Settlement date confirmation
  • ✓ Conditions status (satisfied/waived/remaining)
  • ✓ Buyer details and solicitor contact

Asset information:

  • ✓ Description and specifications
  • ✓ Professional valuation (if available)
  • ✓ Ownership proof (title, registration, invoice)
  • ✓ Current location and condition
  • ✓ Photos (for equipment/vehicles)

Business information:

  • ✓ Financial statements (last 2 years)
  • ✓ Management accounts (current)
  • ✓ Why you're selling the asset
  • ✓ What you need the funds for
  • ✓ Cash flow projections through settlement

Buyer information:

  • ✓ Buyer's name and contact
  • ✓ Company details (if corporate buyer)
  • ✓ Buyer's solicitor details
  • ✓ Evidence of buyer's capacity (if available)

Application Timeline

Stage Timeline Details
Initial inquiry Day 1 Outline situation, share basic details
Documentation review Days 1-2 Submit all documents
Sale agreement assessment Days 2-3 We review buyer, conditions, terms
Asset valuation Days 2-4 Independent valuation if needed
Credit assessment Days 3-5 Your credit and business review
Approval Days 5-7 Formal loan offer issued
Documentation Days 7-10 Loan agreement, security docs
Settlement Days 10-12 Funds released

Total timeline: 10-12 days from inquiry to funds

For urgent situations: Can compress to 5-7 days if documentation is complete and simple security

Tips For Faster Approval

1. Have your sale agreement unconditional Conditional sales take longer to assess and may not be acceptable. If possible, negotiate shorter conditions periods before approaching us.

2. Get buyer to pay meaningful deposit 10-20% deposit shows serious commitment. $500 token deposits don't provide confidence.

3. Provide asset valuation upfront If you already have professional valuation, include it. Saves 2-3 days.

4. Be clear on your needs "I need $150k for 60 days to purchase new equipment" is much better than "I need money."

5. Explain the strategy Help us understand this is strategic (upgrading) rather than desperate (failing). Context matters.

Common Scenarios for Asset Sale Bridging

Scenario 1: Equipment Upgrade Timing

  • Situation: Selling old equipment, buying new, timing doesn't align
  • Typical loan: $100k-500k for 30-90 days
  • Best structure: Secured against old equipment
  • Risk: Low-moderate

Scenario 2: Business Sale Transition

  • Situation: Selling entire business, need working capital during 90-day handover
  • Typical loan: $50k-300k for 60-120 days
  • Best structure: Secured against business assets or buyer payment assignment
  • Risk: Moderate

Scenario 3: Property Sale Settlement Gap

  • Situation: Investment property sold, commercial opportunity requires funds before settlement
  • Typical loan: $200k-$1M+ for 30-90 days
  • Best structure: Caveat over property
  • Risk: Low

Scenario 4: Vehicle Fleet Downsizing

  • Situation: Transport/logistics business selling vehicles, need cash flow during transition
  • Typical loan: $50k-400k for 30-60 days
  • Best structure: Secured against vehicles being sold
  • Risk: Low-moderate

Scenario 5: Inventory Clearance

  • Situation: Retail/wholesale business selling inventory bulk to liquidator, need funds before settlement
  • Typical loan: $30k-200k for 14-45 days
  • Best structure: Assignment of sale proceeds
  • Risk: Moderate

Managing Settlement Delays

Despite best plans, asset sale settlements sometimes delay. Here's how we handle it:

Common Delay Causes

Buyer-side delays:

  • Finance approval takes longer
  • Buyer requests extension
  • Buyer's circumstances change
  • Due diligence uncovers issues

Asset-side delays:

  • Consents/approvals delayed
  • Condition reports unsatisfactory
  • Title issues discovered
  • Third-party approvals needed

External delays:

  • Solicitor/conveyancing delays
  • Bank processing times
  • Government agency delays (for licenses, permits)

Our Approach To Extensions

If settlement delays by 2-4 weeks:

  • Usually no fee, just additional interest
  • Contact us immediately when you know
  • We'll confirm extension in writing

If settlement delays by 4-8 weeks:

  • Extension fee: 1% of balance
  • Interest continues at agreed rate
  • We'll reassess buyer/sale status

If settlement delays by 8+ weeks:

  • Full reassessment required
  • Extension fee: 1-2% of balance
  • May require additional information
  • Rate may adjust based on new risk profile

If settlement fails completely:

  • We work with you to find alternative buyer
  • Or restructure to longer-term facility
  • Or pursue security if necessary
  • Early communication critical

Best practice: Tell us about potential delays AS SOON AS you know. Don't wait until settlement date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Fund If The Buyer Hasn't Signed Yet?

Generally no. We need a signed, binding sale agreement. "In negotiations" or "verbal agreement" isn't sufficient.

Exception: If you have multiple serious buyers and asset is highly saleable (like premium real estate with competing offers), we might provide funding with condition that sale is executed within 7-14 days.

What If The Sale Is Conditional On Buyer's Finance?

This is challenging because buyer's finance isn't in your control. Options:

  • Wait until finance is approved: Once buyer has finance approval, we can proceed
  • Higher rate/lower advance: We might lend at higher rate reflecting the uncertainty
  • Alternative security: Secure against different assets rather than the one being sold

"Subject to finance" sales are higher risk, so expect more conservative terms.

Can I Use The Funds For Personal Purposes?

Depends. If you're a sole trader/personal seller, yes. If it's a business asset sale, funds should generally be for business purposes (though paying yourself as director/shareholder is fine).

We're not prescriptive, but we want to understand where funds are going to assess overall risk.

What Happens If I Find A Better Offer After Your Loan Is In Place?

Great problem to have! If you get a better offer:

  • If our security allows assignment: New buyer can take over the arrangement
  • You pay us out: Accept new offer, pay us out early (may have small early repayment fee)
  • We adjust: If new offer significantly higher, we might increase advance

We want your asset to sell for maximum value—that's our exit too.

Do You Need The Buyer's Consent For The Loan?

Usually no, but in some structures:

  • Assignment of proceeds: Yes, buyer must agree to payment direction
  • Direct payment: Yes, buyer pays us directly
  • Caveat/security over asset: No, buyer doesn't need to consent

If buyer cooperation is needed, we handle those discussions professionally. Most buyers understand bridging is normal and don't object.

What If I Need More Than The Asset Will Raise?

Then we need additional security beyond the asset being sold:

  • Other business assets
  • Property (business or personal)
  • Other equipment or inventory
  • Personal guarantee with assets backing it

Example: Asset selling for $200k but you need $300k. We might lend:

  • $140k against the $200k asset (70% LVR)
  • $160k against your business property
  • Total: $300k

Can You Fund Multiple Asset Sales At Once?

Yes. If you're selling several assets (e.g., downsizing a vehicle fleet), we can structure funding across all of them:

  • 3 trucks selling: $90k, $95k, $100k (total $285k)
  • Settlements: 30 days, 45 days, 60 days respectively
  • We might lend: $200k secured across all three
  • Repayment: Progressive as each truck settles

How Do I Prove The Buyer Is Creditworthy?

Several ways:

Corporate buyers:

  • Companies office records (we can search)
  • Financial statements if available
  • Industry reputation
  • History of similar purchases

Individual buyers:

  • Solicitor reference
  • Evidence of deposit funding source
  • Mortgage pre-approval (for property)
  • Asset/income verification

You don't need to provide all this—we'll assess based on what's reasonable and available.

What If The Asset Is Partly Owned By Someone Else?

All owners must consent to the security. Examples:

  • Partnership asset: All partners sign
  • Trust asset: Trustees sign
  • Company asset: Directors sign on behalf of company
  • Joint ownership: Both owners sign

If ownership is complex, we'll work through it. Just be upfront about ownership structure.

Alternatives to Asset Sale Bridging

Before committing to bridging, consider if these might work:

Option 1: Negotiate Faster Settlement

Approach buyer about accelerating:

  • Offer small discount for faster settlement (e.g., $5k off for 30 days instead of 60)
  • Buyer might say yes, saving you loan costs
  • Worth trying before borrowing

Option 2: Delay Your Purchase/Obligation

If you're buying something:

  • Can you delay that purchase until your sale settles?
  • Negotiate longer settlement on what you're buying
  • Sometimes solving the timing problem is cheaper than borrowing

Option 3: Partial Settlement

Request staged settlement:

  • Buyer pays 50% now, 50% in 60 days
  • You get some cash immediately
  • Buyer might agree if they have partial funds available
  • Reduces your borrowing need

Option 4: Supplier/Creditor Payment Plans

If you need funds to pay obligations:

  • Negotiate extended terms with suppliers (30 days becomes 60)
  • Payment plans with IRD for tax
  • Defer non-urgent payments
  • Sometimes managing payables is better than borrowing

Option 5: Personal Loan/Credit Line

If you need smaller amount ($20k-50k):

  • Personal loan might be faster/simpler
  • Credit cards for very short-term (risky, high rates)
  • Home equity increase if you're property owner
  • Compare costs carefully

Ready to Bridge Your Asset Sale Timing Gap?

You have a confirmed asset sale coming. You just need working capital to bridge the gap between now and settlement.

Asset sale bridging makes sense when:

  • You have solid sale agreement with proven buyer
  • Settlement is 30-90 days away
  • You need capital for strategic purposes now
  • Cost of bridging is less than opportunity cost of waiting
  • Asset provides clear security

Get expert assessment of your asset sale bridging needs and clear direction forward.

Contact Luminate Financial Group:

📞 Call 0800 333 400
📧 Email askus@luminate.co.nz
🌐 Visit luminate.co.nz

Back to Alternative Lending Solutions Guide

Ready to access working capital while your asset sale completes? Understanding short-term bridging options is the first step toward maintaining business momentum during asset transitions. Contact Luminate Financial Group to discuss how our asset sale bridging expertise can provide the working capital you need during the gap between sale agreements and settlements, letting you pursue opportunities rather than waiting for funds.