The conversation about borrowing against assets typically centres on property and shares. Both are well-documented, liquid and straightforward to value. But a significant proportion of high-net-worth wealth sits in neither — it sits in a collection of classic cars, a portfolio of fine art, a cellar of investment-grade wine, a watch collection, or rare jewellery.
These assets are real wealth. They are also illiquid, difficult to value, and outside the experience of most lenders. A specialist subset of the lending market has developed specifically to serve borrowers who want to access the value in these assets without selling them.
Why People Borrow Against Collectibles
The reasons are the same as for any asset-backed loan — capital requirement, tax efficiency, or a preference for retaining the asset.
A collector who needs short-term liquidity for a property purchase, a business opportunity or a tax liability may prefer to pledge their Ferrari collection and repay in twelve months rather than sell assets they have spent decades acquiring. A dealer who buys a significant piece at auction may need bridge financing for the days between purchase and onward sale. An estate managing inherited assets may need liquidity before probate grants the authority to sell.
In each case, the asset is not unwanted — it is simply being used more efficiently than leaving it as an illiquid store of value.
Classic Car Loans
Classic and collector car lending is the most developed part of the collectibles finance market, partly because classic cars are comparatively well-documented — there are established auction results, specialist valuation firms, provenance records, and a functioning global market that provides price discovery.
Lenders assess classic cars on their current market value, typically evidenced by a specialist valuation or recent comparable auction results, and lend between 50–70% of that value. The car is usually held by the lender or a specialist storage facility for the term of the loan, insured to full market value, and returned when the loan is repaid.
The key variables are the car’s provenance and documentation, its condition, and whether it is a car with active market demand. A matching-numbers Ferrari 250 GT with full service history and auction provenance is fundable. A project car with incomplete documentation and uncertain provenance is considerably more difficult.
Loan terms typically run from one month to three years, with interest rolled up or serviced monthly depending on the lender.
Fine Art Finance
Art lending is more nuanced than classic car lending because art is harder to value consistently and the market is less transparent. There are no equivalent of standardised auction results across the full breadth of the art market — a painting by a well-represented artist with recent comparable sales is very different from a work by an emerging or regional artist with no auction history.
Specialist art lenders typically focus on works by artists with a strong auction track record and a functioning secondary market. Loan-to-values are generally more conservative than classic cars — 40–60% is typical — reflecting the higher valuation uncertainty and the more limited buyer pool if enforcement were ever required.
Provenance documentation, authentication records, and evidence of title are essential. Art with disputed provenance or uncertain title is not fundable.
Watches, Jewellery and Wine
Watches are among the easier collectibles to lend against — the market is relatively liquid, values are well-documented through auction results and secondary market platforms, and authentication is well-established for the major brands. Loan-to-values of 50–65% against authenticated luxury watches from established brands are achievable.
Fine jewellery requires specialist gemological assessment and is generally lent against at 40–60% LTV. The distinction between jewellery value as a piece and gemstone value in isolation can be significant.
Investment-grade wine is a growing area. The wine must be stored in a bonded warehouse with clear provenance, documented through original case records and ideally through a broker or exchange that provides an established market value. Loan-to-values are typically 40–55%.
What the Process Looks Like
The borrower provides details of the asset. The lender instructs a specialist valuer, or accepts a recent independent valuation from an approved specialist. Subject to the valuation and due diligence on title and provenance, a facility is offered and the asset transferred to the lender’s nominated storage. The loan is drawn, and the asset is returned on repayment.
The whole process, for well-documented assets, typically takes one to three weeks.
How It Sits Alongside Other Asset-Backed Finance
Collectibles lending is one part of a broader asset-backed lending market that includes property bridging, stock loans and crypto-backed loans. The common thread is the ability to access the value in an illiquid or non-standard asset without crystallising a sale.
For clients with wealth spread across property, shares, and collectibles, a broker who can structure facilities across multiple asset classes is more useful than specialists working in isolation. Our luxury asset loans page sets out the full range of assets we arrange lending against, and our stock loans page covers securities-backed lending for those with listed equity alongside their collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow against a classic car?
Between 50% and 70% of the current market value, as assessed by a specialist valuation. The exact figure depends on the car’s provenance, condition, documentation and market demand. A car with strong auction comparables and matching numbers will attract a higher LTV than one with incomplete history.
Does the car have to go into storage?
In most cases yes — lenders want physical control of the security for the duration of the loan. Specialist classic car storage facilities that are insured, climate-controlled and secure are used for this purpose.
Can I borrow against art that I want to keep on my wall?
Sometimes, with the right lender, against the right piece, under specific conditions. Most lenders require physical possession. Some will consider a debenture-type arrangement for very high-value works by major artists, subject to enhanced insurance and periodic inspection.
What happens if I cannot repay?
The lender retains and sells the asset to recover the outstanding balance. For this reason, borrowing a meaningful amount less than the asset’s market value — rather than the maximum available — provides a buffer against market movements during the loan term.
Are collectibles loans regulated?
Lending against collectibles is generally outside FCA mortgage regulation, as it is not secured against property. This means the facility can be arranged more quickly and with less documentation than a regulated mortgage, though the consumer protection framework is different.
If you have high-value collectibles and want to explore what can be borrowed against them without a sale, the specialist market exists for exactly this purpose. You can see the full range of asset-backed facilities we arrange on our homepage, browse our finance guides, or contact our team to discuss a specific asset.