Art finance, or an art-backed loan, lets you raise capital using fine art as security. Specialist lenders typically advance around 50% of an independent valuation. As a broker, we arrange loans from over £25,000 to £100m+ for collections. Most cases take 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on the lender, the work may stay with you or be held in insured storage. It's a discreet way to raise cash without a public sale.
Loan-to-value
Typically around 50%
Loan size
Over £25k to £100m+
Arranged in
Typically 2–4 weeks
Valuation
Independent specialist
Confidentiality
NDA on request
Our role
Broker, not a lender
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How does art finance work?
You pledge one or more works as security, and the lender advances a percentage of their independent value. The security is released when the loan is repaid. The lender checks title, provenance, authenticity and condition. The work must also be insured for the full term.
Share images and provenance. Confidentially, under NDA if you prefer.
Terms from several lenders. Indicative terms first, so you can choose the lender that suits you.
Independent valuation and due diligence. The lender checks title, authenticity and condition. Funds follow once security and insurance are in place.
What can I borrow against?
Modern and Impressionist art
Sculpture
Works on paper, prints and photography
Whole collections
Borrowing against other assets? We also arrange lending against aircraft, yachts, classic cars, watches and jewellery. See luxury asset lending.
Can the artwork stay on my wall?
With some lenders, yes. “Non-possessory” loans let you keep the work at home, subject to insurance, security and location checks. They usually suit larger loans and carry slightly higher costs. “Possessory” loans hold the work in a specialist fine-art storage facility, and are often quicker and cheaper.
Who uses art finance?
Collectors, high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trusts, galleries, dealers and businesses that own art.
Common uses include funding a new acquisition, bridging to a planned sale at auction or providing working capital for a gallery. It can also release cash for property or business opportunities without selling.
“Quick decisions come down to provenance and clear proof of ownership. A recent valuation speeds things up even more.” — Ashley Thomas, Director
Art finance FAQs
Can I borrow against a painting?
Yes. Specialist lenders typically advance around 50% of an independent valuation. Depending on the lender, the work can stay on your wall or be held in insured storage.
Can I borrow against unauthenticated works?
Sometimes, but it's harder. Lenders need confidence in value. A work without a catalogue raisonné entry or certificate may need expert opinion first, and will usually attract a lower loan-to-value.
What is the minimum artwork value?
The work or collection needs to be worth comfortably more than the loan, because lenders advance only a percentage of an independent valuation. We arrange loans over £25,000.
Can a company or trust borrow against art?
Yes. Many art loans are made to companies, trusts and family office structures that own the work. Tell us who owns it when you enquire, as this affects which lenders can help.
Will anyone know I have borrowed against my art?
Art lending is highly discreet. Unlike a public auction, there is no sale record, and we can work under a non-disclosure agreement from the first conversation.
Is my artwork insured while it is used as security?
It must be. Lenders require the work to be fully insured for the loan term. This can be under your own policy, with the lender noted, or through the lender's fine-art cover.
Does the artwork have to be stored in the UK?
No. Depending on the lender, the work can be held in a secure, insured facility outside the UK. Freeports, such as Geneva, are a popular option.
How much can I borrow against art?
We arrange art finance from over £25,000 to £100 million+ for significant collections. Lenders typically advance around 50% of an independent valuation. Sometimes they lend more, depending on the works, the artist's market and your circumstances.
How long does art finance take?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks, but it can take as little as 2 days. This covers valuation, provenance and title checks, and the loan documents. Clear provenance, proof of ownership and a recent valuation all help the process move faster.
What does art finance cost?
Rates typically range from around 7% to over 15% a year. They depend on the works, the loan size, the loan-to-value and your circumstances. There may also be valuation, legal, storage and insurance costs. Rates and fees vary by lender and case.
Can I borrow against a whole collection?
Yes. Lenders often prefer to lend against a collection rather than a single work, as it spreads the risk. Facilities of £100 million+ are usually secured on collections.
Tell us about the work or collection. A specialist will call you, and we can sign an NDA before you share details. Loans over £25,000.