How we work
Whole-of-market, free to you, often arranged in days
Asset finance is the workhorse facility behind most UK dental practices. CBCT machines, chairs, scanners, IT infrastructure and vehicles all get bought this way – spreading the cost over a 3-5 year term rather than draining working capital on day one.
Where most brokers source from a narrow panel, we take your deal to the full market – specialist dental asset finance lenders, mainstream banks and challenger banks – and bring you the best rate and term for your situation. Often within days for established practices buying standard kit.
Asset finance sits inside Samera’s wider finance brokerage service – decades of experience in the UK healthcare lending market, FCA authorised, NACFB member.
We don’t charge you for the brokerage. The lender pays us a commission on completion, and we tell you in writing what we’re being paid before you sign. Free to clients – genuinely.
If you’re also a member of our Samera Alliance Dental Buying Group, the asset you’re financing may be available at a discounted price from one of the partner suppliers. That reduces the loan amount and the total interest over the term. Membership is free and separate to the finance service – more on the Buying Group page.
How we charge – and how we don’t
Asset finance brokerage is free to you. We’re paid commission by the lender on completion, and we tell you what we’re being paid in writing before you sign anything.
What we finance
The kit your practice actually buys
CBCT and digital imaging
3D imaging is one of the most common requests we handle. Manufacturers vary, prices vary, lenders vary. We take the deal to multiple lenders to find you the best monthly cost.
Dental chairs and treatment units
Whether you’re refitting a surgery, opening a new room, or replacing kit at end of life. Most chair purchases are placed over 3-5 years.
Intraoral scanners
iTero, Trios, Medit and the rest. Often arranged within days for established practices.
Practice management software and IT infrastructure
Servers, workstations, software licences and the IT setup behind your practice. Often packaged together.
Sterilisers and decontamination equipment
Autoclaves, washer-disinfectors and decontamination room kit. Standard term lengths.
Vehicles and fit-out equipment
Practice vehicles, plus the kit that doesn’t sit on a chair-side: cabinetry, suction, compressors, x-ray gear. We arrange the finance whatever the asset type as long as it’s a business purchase.
If your kit isn’t on this list, we can probably still finance it. The product covers virtually any tangible business asset; the question is the lender’s appetite and the term, not whether the asset type qualifies.
Pairs well with
Join the Samera Alliance
Samera isn’t just a finance brokerage. Alongside the brokerage we run the Samera Alliance, a free network for independent UK dentists that’s been quietly growing for years and now connects practices with partner suppliers across consumables, IT, indemnity, dental compliance, HR, equipment service and waste management.
If you’re financing equipment, joining the Alliance can change the maths. Members get access to discounted pricing from partner suppliers on the kit you’re about to buy. If the asset you’re financing comes through the Alliance partner network at a discount, the price the lender finances is the discounted price. That reduces both the monthly repayment and the total interest you pay across the term.
The Alliance covers more than the chair-side kit. Members also see discounted pricing on the ongoing running costs of a practice – the consumables, the indemnity cover, the IT support contracts, the compliance work. That matters for the finance application too. Lenders assess your trading position when they price the facility, and lower running costs mean stronger margins, which means better terms over time.
Three things worth knowing:
- It’s free. No membership fee, no contract, no minimum spend. Sign up, your profile gets registered with the network, you get access to the member pricing.
- It’s independent of the finance brokerage. You can join the Alliance without using us for finance. You can use us for finance without joining the Alliance. The two services run separately and one doesn’t trigger the other.
- It’s open to non-clients. You don’t need to be a Samera accountancy client or a finance brokerage client to join. Open to any independent UK dental practice.
For the full picture – how the network works, the partner directory, the practice-wealth calculator showing how supplier savings compound into practice value over time – visit the Samera Alliance page.
Book a free asset finance review Join the Samera Alliance
Process
From enquiry to kit delivered – in five steps
- 1. Tell us what you’re buying – The asset, the supplier (if you’ve identified one), the indicative price and the timeline. We’ll tell you on the call whether a quicker simpler facility or a more structured term loan fits the situation. If you’re an Alliance member and your supplier is in the partner network, the price the lender finances may already be discounted.
- 2. We assess the market – We approach lenders best matched to the asset – specialist dental lenders, mainstream banks and challenger banks. We come back with the indicative rate and monthly repayment range we’d expect to achieve.
- 3. You decide whether to proceed – If the indicative quote is good, we move ahead. If you’d rather buy outright or wait, we’ll tell you when that makes more sense and there’s no pressure either way. No fee.
- 4. Application packaged and submitted – We package the application properly – lender sees a clean structured request. Most dental applications are approved within days.
- 5. Drawdown direct to the supplier – Once approved, the lender pays the supplier direct against the invoice. Your repayments start the following month. Done.
Who you’ll work with
Speak to the team
Book a free, no-obligation review directly with our finance broker, Uros.
Commercial Finance Broker
- Asset finance for dental equipment
- Acquisition and property finance
- Practice startup financing
- Refinancing
- Samera Alliance network introductions
Get in touch
Or send us a message
If you’d prefer to send us your details rather than book a call, fill in the form below.
Book a free asset finance review 020 7100 8788 WhatsApp us
- Phone: (+44) 20 7100 8788
- WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Recent deals
What we’ve placed for dentists this year
A quick look at recent deals. Numbers and structures are accurate; client identities withheld.
We Sourced
£53,000
Asset finance for the equipment in a private start-up practice based in Warwickshire.
We Sourced
£98,000
Asset finance for the equipment in a two-surgery Thames Valley squat – alongside a separate £235k commercial loan for the premises.
We Sourced
£25,000
For the purchase of equipment for an established dental practice based in Suffolk.
Detailed case studies
Commercial loan
£1,050,000
LTV
100%
Lender
Lloyds
Time to completion
6 months
The Situation
A first-time buyer wanted to acquire their first dental practice – goodwill and freehold combined, totalling approximately £1,050,000. The client had no prior acquisition experience and needed finance, negotiation support and professional guidance through every stage of a complex transaction.
What We Did
We took the deal to the whole market and presented the client with a range of competitive offers so they could compare terms rather than take the first option available. Lloyds Banking Group came out on top with the strongest rates and 100% LTV – meaning the client needed no personal deposit. Once the finance was agreed, the real work began. The freehold valuation came back approximately £100,000 under the asking price – a shortfall that would normally fall on the buyer to cover. We supported the negotiation and the seller agreed to reduce the price, eliminating that gap entirely. On the goodwill side, Arun Mehra FCA’s deep experience in the dental market helped the client push the price down further. The directors’ loan accounts in the SPA became a protracted negotiation, with Natasha Gnanapragasam in our accountancy team working closely with the solicitors to get it resolved and the transaction over the line.
The Result
Transaction completed in six months. The client acquired their first dental practice – goodwill and freehold – at 100% LTV with no deposit required, a freehold price reduction of approximately £100,000, and a further reduction on goodwill through negotiation. A first-time buyer who backed themselves through a complex process now owns the practice they wanted.
Commercial loan
£235,000
Asset finance
£98,000
Total funding
£333,000
Time to completion
3 months
The Situation
A dentist in the Thames Valley was launching a 2-surgery private practice and needed to fund both the commercial facility and the clinical equipment. The challenge was keeping the upfront cash contribution manageable – a single loan facility wasn’t the right fit for the structure of the deal.
What We Did
We produced lender-ready financial projections and packaged the bank application with a clear narrative around the practice’s viability. Rather than pursuing a single facility, we structured the funding as a blend: a commercial loan for the premises and a separate asset finance facility for the equipment. This approach reduced the upfront cash requirement and gave the lender a cleaner security position on each element.
The Result
Blended funding package approved and the practice launched. Commercial loan of £235,000 plus asset finance of £98,000 agreed, with completion in 3 months.
Freehold (SPV)
£500,000
Goodwill (asset purchase)
£1,200,000
Total funding
£1,700,000
Time to completion
12 months
The Situation
A dentist acquiring a 3-surgery mixed NHS/private practice in Gloucestershire needed to fund both the freehold property and the practice goodwill. The structure required two aligned facilities – one for a property SPV and one for the trading entity purchasing the goodwill via an asset purchase – while keeping the overall approach lender-friendly.
What We Did
We managed the commercial loan strategy across both facilities, prepared and submitted the bank applications, and coordinated the split-funding approach so that the property and goodwill could complete under the correct legal entities. The narrative presented to lenders clearly separated the security and rationale for each facility.
The Result
Freehold and goodwill funding approved under a clean two-loan structure: approximately £500,000 for the property SPV and £1,200,000 for the goodwill acquisition. Transaction completed in 12 months.
Goodwill (HoldCo)
£800,000
Freehold (PropCo)
£400,000
Total funding
£1,200,000
Time to completion
9 months
The Situation
A dentist purchasing a 4-surgery mixed NHS/private practice in Somerset needed a structure that clearly separated the operating business from the property. The goodwill was to be funded through a new holding company via a share purchase, while the freehold sat in a separate property company – a structure that needed to be packaged carefully to satisfy lender requirements.
What We Did
We packaged the commercial loan applications for both entities, aligned the narrative and structure for the HoldCo and PropCo facilities, and coordinated the process through to completion. Presenting the two facilities together as a coherent, lender-friendly package was key to getting both approved without delays.
The Result
Funding approved across both facilities: approximately £800,000 for the goodwill purchase through the HoldCo and £400,000 for the freehold through the PropCo. Transaction completed in 9 months.
Freehold Purchase
Refinancing
Tax Structure Improvement
Better Deal Secured
The Situation
A practice owner approached us while in active negotiations to buy the freehold of their existing premises. Their current bank had already made an offer and they wanted to know if it was the best available. Most borrowers in this position don’t realise that their existing lender has no incentive to tell them a better deal exists elsewhere – and in most cases, won’t know that it does.
What We Did
We collected the key information on the practice – goodwill value, EBITDA and trading history – and took the deal to market. We also flagged to the client that they should speak to their accountant about how to hold the property before committing. That conversation led them to place the freehold into a separate limited company, which was more tax-efficient for their situation.
The Result
We came back with two offers that were better than the bank’s original proposal. The client placed the loan with a different lender and restructured the purchase through a property company – a better financial outcome on both the borrowing terms and the longer-term tax position.
Loan Renewal
Commitment Period
2 Surgery Practice
Full 20-year Term Secured
The Situation
A client we had placed finance for five years earlier came back when their initial commitment period was coming to an end. Some lenders only commit for a fixed number of years rather than the full loan term – which means borrowers face a renegotiation at exactly the point they are busiest running their practice. This client needed clarity on their options before that window closed.
What We Did
We reviewed how the practice had performed since the original loan was placed and took the renewal to market alongside their existing lender. Going through a broker signals to lenders that the deal is competitive – which often produces better rates and terms than a direct renewal conversation would. Several lenders were interested, but the existing lender came back with the strongest offer, which also avoided the costs and disruption of moving security.
The Result
The client’s existing lender agreed a new deal for the full remaining 20-year term at improved terms. No security transfer needed, no disruption to the practice – and the client had independent confirmation they were getting a competitive deal.
2-Practice Owner
Refinancing Review
Buying Group
Cost Savings Identified
The Situation
The owner of two practices approached us about refinancing their existing loans. Their current deals were performing well, so we were upfront that switching lenders might not be economical once the moving costs were factored in – but we agreed to review the market and provide a clear comparison so the client could judge for themselves.
What We Did
While collecting the business information for the finance review, we asked whether the client was aware of the Samera buying group. They weren’t. We explained that membership is free and covers savings on consumables, solicitors, dental builders, CQC support and utility comparisons – areas where group buying power makes a material difference for multi-site owners.
The Result
The client joined the buying group and is already identifying cost savings across both sites. The finance review continues – and if moving the loans doesn’t stack up once the numbers are in, the client will have gained real value from the engagement regardless.
What clients say
Reviews
Worked very hard to help us complete our arrangements. We presented him with several issues that he managed to find a solution to every time and always gave us the best way possible. Always professional, efficient and helpful in our dealings with him.
Anonymous – 5 Stars
I can’t recommend Samera enough to anybody looking to secure finance for acquisition of a dental practice. I speak from personal experience. It took only days to get the finance and the whole process was smooth and stress-free.
Skinnergate Dental – 5 Stars
Very quick to get me the finance I had struggled for several years to get. I will definitely be using this service again in the future!
Michael Lucas – 5 Stars
…His extensive industry connections enable him to find the best deals available, and his responsiveness and approachability make the entire process seamless. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a reliable finance broker!
Mahinthan Kathir- 5 Stars
… helped me secure some important finance for our new squat dental practice. He was extremely knowledgeable and very easy to work with. I would recommend his work and I look forward to working with him in future.
Dr Murray Pratt – 5 Stars
After attending the Samera Bootcamp last November, I set about starting up my own practice. … very helpful in setting up finance and giving good all round advice about the process.
Mat Lowis- 5 Stars
Related reading
Further reading
A Guide to Asset Finance for Dentists
The complete article on how asset finance works for dental practices – lease vs hire purchase, term lengths, tax treatment.
How to Finance a Dental Practice
The wider guide to dental finance options – acquisition, refinance, equipment, working capital, property.
How Should a Dental Practice Organise its Finances
Arun on building the right financial structure for a dental practice – the wider context inside which an asset finance decision sits.
Related services
Other ways Samera supports dental practices
OVERVIEW – Dental practice finance broker
The full Samera Finance brokerage hub – acquisition, asset, property, tax loans and refinance in one place.
PAIRED – Samera Alliance Dental Network
Free dental network. Partner suppliers offer member pricing on consumables, equipment and services. Optional add-on.
PAIRED – Practice startup
The full start-up workstream – squat practice finance, fit-out, equipment and working capital structured as a blended package.
Property finance
Commercial mortgages for the freehold of practice premises. PropCo structures for tax-efficient ownership.
Tax and VAT loans
Spread an unexpected tax or VAT bill across monthly instalments to protect practice cash flow.
Refinancing
Review your existing commercial mortgage or loan against the market. We only switch you if the saving justifies the move.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about dental asset finance
What types of dental equipment can be financed?
Almost anything that’s a tangible business purchase. The most common asset finance facilities we arrange are for CBCT machines, intraoral scanners (iTero, Trios, Medit), dental chairs and treatment units, sterilisers and decontamination kit, IT infrastructure, software licences, and vehicles. Less common but still routine: laser systems, microscopes, cabinetry, suction and compressor units, x-ray gear, full surgery fit-outs. If you’re not sure, ask – we can probably finance it.
What’s the difference between hire purchase and leasing?
Hire purchase usually ends in you owning the asset at the end of the term; lease typically returns it. Hire purchase often gives better capital allowances; lease gives more flexibility on equipment refresh and the monthly payments are usually slightly lower. The right answer depends on the asset, the term, the expected useful life, and your wider tax position. We work this through with you, and your accountant, before submitting the application. The Guide to Asset Finance for Dentists explains the tax treatment in detail.
Are there any fees for the asset finance brokerage?
No. Asset finance brokerage is free to you. We’re paid commission by the lender on completion, and we confirm in writing what we’re being paid before you sign anything.
How quickly can asset finance be arranged?
For established practices buying standard dental equipment, asset finance can often be arranged within days. The lender’s appetite is well-defined for chairs, scanners, CBCT machines and the like, and the security position is clean (the kit itself is the security). More complex deals – large bundled purchases, IT-and-software combinations, vehicles plus equipment – tend to take longer because the application is more bespoke.
Do I have to use a specific supplier?
No. We arrange the finance on a purchase from any supplier. We’re independent of equipment manufacturers – our job is to get you the best finance terms, whoever you’re buying from.
How much can I borrow?
Asset finance can usually cover the full cost of the equipment – 100% finance is common because the asset itself sits as security against the loan. For larger purchases or bundled facilities, lenders may want a deposit or some additional security, but standard chair / scanner / CBCT purchases at typical values are routinely funded in full.
Can I finance multiple assets in one go?
Yes. We regularly arrange bundles – chair plus scanner plus IT, or full surgery refit packages. The lender treats it as one application, you get one monthly repayment, and the structure is cleaner than three separate facilities.
What if my practice is new and doesn’t have trading history yet?
Asset finance is one of the products most accessible to new practices because the asset itself is the security. We’ve placed equipment finance for squat practices on day one of trading – usually packaged alongside the commercial loan as part of a blended start-up facility. See our Practice Startup hub for the broader squat finance workstream.
Can I refinance an existing asset finance facility?
Sometimes, but it’s less common than refinancing a property or commercial loan. Terms are usually short (3-5 years), so by the time you’d refinance, the term is often near its end. We’ll review honestly whether a refinance makes sense – if the saving doesn’t justify the move, we’ll tell you. See our Refinancing sub-page for the broader refinance workstream.
Speak to a specialist
Free, no-obligation review. Whole-of-market across all major UK healthcare lenders. Free to clients. Often arranged within days.