CONDITIONAL SALE Car finance made simple

Spread the cost of your next car with fixed monthly payments and a clear route to ownership at the end of the agreement.

Fixed monthly payments
Own the car at the end
No large balloon payment
VW Golf 2020
Fixed monthly payments
Own the car at the end
No large balloon payment

Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. Rates from 10.9% APR. Representative 21.6% APR (fixed).

Representative Example (Hire Purchase): Borrow £6,000 with £0 deposit over 60 months with a representative 21.6% APR (fixed). 60 monthly payments of £157.92. Final Option to Purchase Fee: £10. Total cost of credit: £3,485.20. Total amount payable: £9,485.20. Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. This is an example only; all finance is subject to status. Lender fees may apply.

Conditional Sale Finance

What Is Conditional Sale (CS) Finance?

Conditional sale, often shortened to CS, lets you buy a car over time. You may pay a deposit first, then repay the balance plus interest in fixed monthly payments over an agreed term, usually 12 to 60 months. When the final payment is made, the car becomes yours automatically, with no balloon payment and, unlike HP, no small option-to-purchase fee at the end.

QUICK AND SIMPLE FINANCE TOOL

USE OUR FINANCE
CALCULATOR

Discover how much you could borrow
before you apply

Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. Rates from 10.9% APR. Representative 21.6% APR (fixed).

Representative Example (Hire Purchase): Borrow £6,000 with £0 deposit over 60 months with a representative 21.6% APR (fixed). 60 monthly payments of £157.92. Final Option to Purchase Fee: £10. Total cost of credit: £3,485.20. Total amount payable: £9,485.20. Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. This is an example only; all finance is subject to status. Lender fees may apply.

Finance comparison

Conditional Sale vs HP vs PCP

Feature
Conditional Sale
HP
PCP
Ownership at the end
Automatic after final payment
After final payment plus small option fee
Only if you pay the final balloon payment
Monthly payments
Usually higher
Usually higher
Usually lower
Final lump sum
None
Small option fee
Large optional balloon
Mileage / return-condition charges
No
No
Yes, if you return the car
Typical term
12–60 months
12–60 months
Usually 24–48 months
Typical deposit
Often around 10%, sometimes lower or nil
Often around 10%, sometimes lower or nil
Often around 10%
Best for
Ownership and certainty
Ownership with a very similar structure
Lower monthly payments and flexibility

If you want to own the car and avoid mileage caps, CS or HP usually makes more sense than PCP. If low monthly payments matter more than ownership, PCP can be a better fit. Because CS is less common on UK lender panels, this page should help you compare all three options.

Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. Rates from 10.9% APR. Representative 21.6% APR (fixed).

Representative Example (Hire Purchase): Borrow £6,000 with £0 deposit over 60 months with a representative 21.6% APR (fixed). 60 monthly payments of £157.92. Final Option to Purchase Fee: £10. Total cost of credit: £3,485.20. Total amount payable: £9,485.20. Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. This is an example only; all finance is subject to status. Lender fees may apply.

Conditional Sale

Who It Can Suit And What Lenders Check

Who It Can Suit

Conditional sale can suit drivers who want to own the car, keep it for several years and avoid mileage caps. If you like that idea but want the closest alternative, HP is usually the nearest match. If the main goal is to keep monthly payments down, PCP may be a better fit.

What Lenders Check

Lenders normally look at your income, regular outgoings, credit history and overall affordability. You will usually need proof of identity and address, proof of income, and recent bank statements or Open Banking access. A deposit can help, and so can choosing a realistic car for your budget. Avoid making lots of hard applications in a short period, and have your documents ready before you apply.

CAR LOANS UK: HOW DOES IT WORK?

A step by step guide:

Our aim at Car Loans UK is to find you the perfect vehicle and finance plan. Our experienced consultants do the hard work,
saving you the time and effort. We will actively source you the ideal used car and finance package from our panel of lenders.

STEP 01 ⸺

FILL IN
DETAILS

Fill in your details using the form above or click here to begin the process.

STEP 02 ⸺

WE FIND YOUR
PERFECT CAR

 We find you the perfect used car. Whether you have a specific make or model in mind, or just want a 5-door family car with air conditioning, our team will find the right car for your needs.

Step by step 3. New

STEP 03 ⸺

SOURCE
FINANCE

We work with a panel of UK lenders to try and find you a finance agreement and payment plan that suits your budget. We carry out the relevant checks and keep you informed every step of the way.

So, let Car Loans UK take the strain of searching for a new car and finance plan away, and begin your journey today.

CONDITIONAL SALE

FAQ'S

Compare HP and PCP first, then check your eligibility with a soft search to see which route best fits your budget and ownership goals.

CONTACT US
Almost. The main practical difference is that HP usually ends with a small option-to-purchase fee, while conditional sale transfers ownership automatically after the last payment.
Yes. Once you make the final scheduled payment, the car becomes yours.
No. Conditional sale does not usually end with a large final balloon payment.
Possibly. Some lenders may still consider you, but the APR may be higher and a deposit can improve your chances.
PCP may suit you better, but you should be comfortable with mileage limits, condition rules and the balloon payment if you want to keep the car.
Normally ID, proof of address, proof of income and bank statements, plus extra business documents if you are self-employed.