Farm Infrastructure Finance Rate Summary - October 2026
The table below summarises the best indicative rates available from Doulton Bridging Finance's specialist agricultural lender panel for farm infrastructure finance this month. Rates are APR, indicative and subject to individual credit assessment.
| Lender | Rate From (APR) | Best For | Min Finance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lombard | 5.8% | Large projects £50k+, established farms | £50,000 |
| Close Brothers | 6.2% | All sizes, broadest asset coverage | £10,000 |
| Shawbrook | 6.4% | Specialist/unusual structures, cold stores | £20,000 |
| Aldermore | 6.6% | Flexible criteria, diversified/new farms | £15,000 |
Best Rates by Infrastructure Type
| Infrastructure Type | Best Rate | Best Lender |
|---|---|---|
| Grain store | 5.8% APR | Lombard |
| Grain dryer | 5.8% APR | Lombard |
| Farm building (barn / livestock) | 5.8% APR | Lombard |
| Milking parlour | 5.8% APR | Lombard |
| Slurry store / lagoon | 5.8% APR | Lombard |
| Polytunnel | 6.4% APR | Shawbrook |
| Irrigation reservoir | 5.8% APR | Lombard |
| Sale & leaseback | 6.2% APR | Close Brothers |
How to Get the Best Rate
Use a Whole-of-Market Broker
Doulton Bridging Finance approaches our full panel simultaneously, so you get the best rate available rather than the first rate offered by a single lender.
Prepare Strong Information
Two to three years of farm accounts, asset specification and a brief business rationale typically secure the fastest decisions and best rates.
Consider Term Carefully
Shorter terms often attract lower rates. Balance monthly payment affordability against overall interest cost with your adviser.
Deposit Level
A higher deposit almost always improves the rate. If cash allows, consider a 20–25% deposit for the sharpest pricing.
Market Commentary - October 2026
Agricultural infrastructure finance rates have remained competitive through Q3 2026, with lender appetite for the sector remaining strong. Lombard continues to offer the sharpest headline rates for larger, well-established farming businesses. Specialist lenders Shawbrook and Aldermore offer the best combination of rate and flexibility for unusual assets or businesses with non-standard financials. We expect rates to remain broadly stable through Q4 2026, subject to base rate movements.
Rates and criteria by lender
How each lender and manufacturer finance scheme on our panel prices this asset in October 2026, and where it fits. Rates are indicative; we compare them all for your case.
Aldermore Farm Infrastructure Finance Rates
Aldermore Bank's asset finance division offers flexible terms for farm buildings and agricultural infrastructure. As a specialist challenger bank with a strong agricultural book, Aldermore takes a pragmatic view of farming income and can accommodate businesses with less straightforward financial histories. Products include hire purchase and finance lease for permanent farm structures.
| Finance Type | Term | Rate (APR) | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | 2–5 years | 6.6%–8.0% APR | 10–20% |
| Hire Purchase | 5–7 years | 7.0%–8.6% APR | 15–25% |
| Finance Lease | 2–5 years | 6.8%–7.9% APR | 0–15% |
| Finance Lease | 5–10 years | 7.1%–8.8% APR | 0–10% |
Close Brothers Farm Infrastructure Finance Rates
Close Brothers Asset Finance is one of the UK's largest and most experienced agricultural lenders, with a dedicated team that understands the seasonal nature of farming income. Their farm infrastructure range covers permanent fixed structures including grain stores, hay and straw barns, livestock buildings, grain dryers, and agricultural workshops. Doulton Bridging Finance sources Close Brothers terms across hire purchase and finance lease structures.
| Finance Type | Term | Rate (APR) | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | 2–5 years | 6.2%–7.8% APR | 10–20% |
| Hire Purchase | 5–7 years | 6.8%–8.2% APR | 15–20% |
| Finance Lease | 2–5 years | 6.4%–7.6% APR | 0–10% |
| Finance Lease | 5–10 years | 6.9%–8.4% APR | 0–10% |
Lombard Farm Infrastructure Finance Rates
Lombard, part of the NatWest Group, is the UK's largest asset finance provider and offers some of the most competitive rates for larger farm infrastructure projects. Their agricultural lending is particularly strong for significant capital investments - large grain complexes, multi-bay livestock buildings, and major on-farm infrastructure schemes. Lombard suits well-established farming businesses with clear financial records.
| Finance Type | Term | Rate (APR) | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | 2–5 years | 5.8%–7.2% APR | 10–15% |
| Hire Purchase | 5–7 years | 6.2%–7.6% APR | 10–20% |
| Finance Lease | 3–7 years | 6.0%–7.4% APR | 0–10% |
| Finance Lease | 7–10 years | 6.4%–7.8% APR | 0–10% |
Shawbrook Farm Infrastructure Finance Rates
Shawbrook Bank has developed a strong reputation in specialist asset finance, with agricultural infrastructure forming a growing part of their lending book. Their approach to farm structures is notably flexible on permitted development, and they can consider structures where full planning permission has not yet been obtained. Shawbrook's agricultural underwriters take a bespoke approach to each case.
| Finance Type | Term | Rate (APR) | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | 2–5 years | 6.4%–7.9% APR | 10–20% |
| Hire Purchase | 5–7 years | 6.8%–8.3% APR | 15–20% |
| Finance Lease | 3–7 years | 6.6%–8.0% APR | 0–10% |
| Finance Lease | 7–10 years | 7.0%–8.6% APR | 0–10% |