An overview of leasing as a financing technique for buying an asset. This note provides an introduction to different leasing structures including finance leases, operating leases, hire-purchase arrangements and sale and leaseback. It also considers the advantages and disadvantages of leasing as a finance technique.

This note links to a multi-jurisdictional guide to finance, which includes issues relating to various types of commercial security, including hire-purchase, retention of title and sale and leaseback in other jurisdictions.