Leasing is a widely used form of financing in Italy that allows companies and private individuals to use assets without having to purchase them immediately. Typical leased assets include vehicles, machinery, production equipment, and real estate.
In a lease, a leasing company makes an asset available for a specific period of time. The lessee pays regular lease payments and, in return, receives the right to use the asset for business purposes.
When a lease agreement is signed, the leasing company purchases the asset selected by the customer and makes it available for the customer’s use.
Throughout the entire term of the contract, the leasing company generally remains the owner of the asset. However, the lessee bears the ongoing costs of use and utilizes the asset for business or personal purposes.
At the end of the agreed term, there are various options depending on the terms of the contract:
Leasing can offer various advantages for companies:
In addition to the advantages, there are also some aspects to consider:
Whether leasing or purchasing makes more financial sense depends on the individual situation. While a purchase results in immediate ownership of the asset, leasing allows for the spreading out of investment costs and can preserve the company’s liquidity.
When making a decision, particular consideration should be given to the planned useful life, financing costs, tax implications, and long-term business planning.