How To Offer Finance For Patios

What patio finance is in plain business terms

Customer finance lets you offer homeowners a way to spread the cost of a patio project into manageable monthly payments, while you can still be paid promptly once the work is agreed. In the UK patio and driveway market, it is increasingly common to see 0% APR over 12 months, often alongside a deposit-based structure, as well as longer fixed-rate plans for customers who prioritise a lower monthly figure. Your role is typically to introduce the customer to a specialist lender or broker-led panel, then provide clear pricing and project details so the customer can apply. Done well, finance becomes part of the quote, not an afterthought.

Standout principle: If finance is only mentioned at the end, it will only save the sale at the end.

Why homeowners choose to spread the cost

Patios sit in an awkward middle ground for many households: too large to pay casually, but not always planned far enough ahead to save for. Finance gives customers a way to say yes to the right solution now, rather than delaying, downsizing, or choosing a lower-quality finish. In this sector, interest-free promotional periods and buy-now-pay-later style options have also normalised the idea of paying over time for outdoor improvements and materials. Just as importantly, modern online applications and quick decisions reduce the emotional friction that used to come with borrowing, provided affordability and credit checks are handled responsibly.

How finance can lift conversions and order values

Offering finance changes the conversation from total cost to monthly affordability, which is often how customers naturally budget. When a 0% plan over 12 months is presented early, it can remove the immediate barrier and reduce the number of “let us think about it” outcomes that drag out your pipeline. Longer terms, typically in the 24 to 60 month range at a fixed rate, can make premium resin, porcelain, or intricate paving feel achievable without compromising specification. For many installers, finance does not merely rescue borderline enquiries; it also supports higher average order values by allowing customers to choose the finish they actually want.

Typical patio transaction values (and how finance fits)

These are indicative ranges and vary by region, access, drainage, base work and design complexity.

What you can put on finance

1. Full patio installation labour and workmanship

2. Groundworks, excavation, waste removal and sub-base preparation

3. Drainage solutions (soakaways, channel drains) where included in the job

4. Resin-bound patios and pathways

5. Porcelain patio supply and installation

6. Block paving and edging details

7. Steps, small retaining walls and related hard landscaping elements

8. Outdoor lighting and power points when included in the project

9. Pergolas or simple structures when quoted as part of the same contract

FCA and compliance: the essentials you cannot ignore

In the UK, offering finance is regulated, so your website, adverts and sales process must be fair, clear and not misleading. You should avoid presenting credit as guaranteed, and you must make it clear that finance is subject to status, affordability checks and the lender’s decision. Any representative examples, APRs and terms must be accurate for the product being offered, with key information displayed in a way customers can understand. Your staff should also know where to stop and signpost, rather than giving personal financial advice.

Broker-led introducer models: what actually happens behind the scenes

Most patio firms do not want to become a lender. Instead, you act as an introducer: you present finance as a payment option, then introduce the customer to a broker or lender platform that handles eligibility, credit checks, documentation and approval. You provide the quote value, deposit requirements (if applicable) and basic project details so the application matches what is being bought. The lender pays you for the work in line with the agreed process once the agreement is in place, while the customer repays the lender over time. This structure keeps the regulated heavy lifting with specialist partners and lets you focus on delivering the project.

A clear customer journey you can build into every quote

1. Raise the topic early: mention monthly payment options at enquiry stage, alongside typical project ranges.

2. Quote properly: produce a clear, itemised quote with total price, any deposit, and what is included.

3. Offer plan choices: present a short 0% option (where available) and a longer fixed-rate option for lower monthly payments.

4. Set expectations: explain that approval depends on credit profile and affordability checks.

5. Customer applies: the customer completes a secure online or in-person application.

6. Decision received: instant or near-instant outcomes are common, but not guaranteed.

7. Confirm scope and dates: once approved, confirm the job schedule and any deposit collection process.

8. Keep paperwork tidy: store quotes, acceptance and job details so they match the finance agreement.

9. Deliver and sign off: complete the work, obtain sign-off and handle aftercare as normal.

Short standout line: Make finance part of the buying experience, not a last-minute rescue.

Getting started with Kandoo

Kandoo helps UK patio and landscaping businesses add customer finance in a way that fits how you already sell. The starting point is typically a short conversation about your average job value, the products and services you offer, and the types of customers you serve, so the finance options align with real demand, from interest-free promotions to longer fixed-rate plans. From there, Kandoo supports you with the tools and guidance needed to introduce finance confidently, present it clearly on quotes and your website, and keep the process professional and consistent from first enquiry to booked installation.

Next steps you can take this week

• Add a finance prompt to your enquiry form: “Would you like to spread the cost?”

• Update your quote template to include an optional monthly payment illustration.

• Put finance messaging on the pages that drive leads (patio, resin, porcelain, drainage).

FAQs

Do I need to offer 0% APR to compete?

Not always, but in many parts of the UK market it is increasingly expected, particularly for mid-range projects. A strong alternative is offering a longer fixed-rate term to reduce monthly payments for premium installs.

Can customers finance both materials and labour?

Yes. Many patio finance setups are designed to cover the total project cost, which is simpler for customers than splitting materials and installation across different payment methods.

Is finance approval guaranteed?

No. Lenders assess applications using credit and affordability checks, and decisions are made by the finance provider based on the customer’s circumstances.

How fast can a customer get a decision?

Many providers support online applications with quick decisions, which can reduce the delay between quote and booking. Timing still varies by lender, loan size and customer details.

Should I show monthly payments on my website?

It can help, provided it is accurate and compliant. Many businesses use representative examples and clear wording that finance is subject to status and approval.

What deposit is typical for patio finance?

Deposit structures vary by lender and plan. In the market, deposit-based interest-free offers are common, while longer-term fixed-rate plans may have different requirements.

Will offering finance affect my cashflow?

It is usually designed to improve cashflow by reducing cancellations and smoothing booking volumes. The exact payment timing depends on the lender’s process and your agreement.

What is the simplest way to explain APR to customers?

Explain it in pounds and pence. APR is the cost of borrowing over a year, but what matters most is the total repayable and the monthly payment, alongside term length.