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Construction Invoice Finance

Construction invoice finance advances up to 90% of your outstanding applications for payment within 24 hours, helping builders, subcontractors, and specialist trades manage cash flow between project milestones. The UK construction sector used £3.2 billion of invoice finance in 2025, making it the fourth-largest industry for this type of funding.

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Construction invoice finance advances up to 90% of outstanding applications for payment within 24 hours. The UK construction sector used £3.2 billion of invoice finance in 2025, making it the fourth-largest industry for this type of funding.

Summary

Specialist construction factoring providers advance against applications for payment, understand retentions, JCT/NEC contracts, and the Construction Act. Top providers include Close Brothers, Bibby, and Ultimate Finance, all with dedicated construction teams. Available from £50k turnover.

This Page Covers

Why construction needs specialist finance, how applications for payment are funded, best providers for construction, required documents, and retentions handling

Not Covered Here

Other industry guides (recruitment, export), detailed cost breakdowns, general invoice finance guides

Why Construction Needs Specialist Finance

Construction cash flow is uniquely challenging. Payment terms are typically 30-60 days from application, retentions hold back 3-5% for 6-12 months, and the payment chain depends on main contractors paying on time. Standard invoice finance providers often struggle with these complexities.

Specialist construction factoring providers understand applications for payment, JCT/NEC contracts, stage payments, retention mechanics, and the Construction Act. They assess your main contractor's creditworthiness rather than just your own.

Best Providers for Construction

ProviderMin TurnoverAdvance RateConstruction Specialist?
Close Brothers£100kUp to 85%Yes — dedicated team
Bibby£50kUp to 90%Yes — dedicated team
Ultimate Finance£50kUp to 95%Yes — dedicated team
IGF£50kUp to 85%General (handles construction)

What Documents Do You Need?

OM

Oliver Mackman

Director, Market Invoice

Oliver leads Market Invoice's editorial and comparison research. With a background in UK commercial finance, he oversees provider analysis, rate verification, and industry reporting across all verticals.

Last reviewed: 5 April 2026

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Construction Invoice Finance FAQ

Can construction companies get invoice finance?

Yes. Construction is one of the top 5 industries using invoice finance in the UK, with £3.2 billion advanced in 2025. Specialist providers understand applications for payment, retentions, stage payments, and the Construction Act.

Do providers accept applications for payment (not just invoices)?

Specialist construction factoring providers will advance against certified applications for payment under JCT, NEC, and other standard contracts. This is different from standard invoice finance where only formal invoices are accepted.

How are retentions handled?

Most providers advance against the gross invoice value excluding retentions. So if you invoice £100,000 with 5% retention, they advance against £95,000. Some providers offer separate retention release facilities.

Which providers specialise in construction?

Close Brothers, Bibby Financial Services, and Ultimate Finance all have dedicated construction finance teams. Specialist independent providers like Cashsolv and Positive Cashflow (now 1pm) also focus heavily on construction.