Commercial Mortgages & Development Finance.
Buying a business premises, developing a site, or investing in commercial property — this is specialist territory. We work with lenders who understand it.
Buying or refinancing business premises
Commercial mortgages are used to purchase or remortgage properties used for business purposes — offices, retail units, industrial premises, warehouses, and more. The assessment process differs significantly from residential lending: lenders focus on the business's financial position, trading history, and the commercial value of the property.
LTV ratios are typically lower than residential (often 65–75%), terms are shorter, and rates are higher — but for the right acquisition, it makes strong financial sense compared with renting indefinitely.
Mixed-use properties
Semi-commercial properties — typically a shop or office with a flat above — fall between residential and commercial lending. Most high street lenders won't touch them. Specialist lenders will, but the assessment varies considerably.
The split of commercial to residential use, the tenancy structure, and the income from each part all affect how lenders assess the application. Getting the structure right before approaching lenders matters.
Discuss your projectFunding ground-up and conversion projects
Development finance funds the construction or conversion of property — ground-up residential development, conversions of commercial property to residential (PD rights or planning), and refurbishment projects where standard mortgage lending isn't appropriate.
Finance is typically released in tranches as the build progresses, with the loan facility structured around the gross development value (GDV). Rates and fees are higher than standard mortgages, but the facility enables projects that couldn't otherwise be funded.
Short-term property finance
Bridging loans provide short-term funding — typically 3–18 months — to bridge a gap between needing funds now and longer-term finance being available. Common uses include purchasing at auction, funding a property before a sale completes, or financing a light refurbishment before flipping or refinancing.
Bridging rates are quoted monthly rather than annually, and the exit strategy matters as much as the entry — lenders need to see a credible route to repayment. We review your exit before recommending any bridge.
Talk to us about bridgingCommercial finance FAQs
Most commercial mortgage lenders require a minimum 25–35% deposit, making maximum LTVs of 65–75%. Owner-occupied premises can sometimes achieve 75% LTV. Investment properties typically require 30–40%. The exact requirement depends on the property type, tenant profile, and business financials.
For owner-occupied commercial mortgages: typically 2–3 years of business accounts, management accounts, a business plan (for new premises), and personal financial information for all directors. For investment commercial property: the tenancy schedule, lease terms, and rental income history are central to the assessment.
Most commercial mortgages are not regulated by the FCA — they are business lending products. However, some elements of semi-commercial transactions may involve regulated advice. We will make clear at the outset what type of advice applies to your situation.
Regulated bridging can complete in as little as 5–10 working days once an offer is issued, though a realistic expectation for most cases is 2–4 weeks. Auction purchases with a 28-day completion deadline are achievable. The speed depends on how quickly valuations can be instructed and legal work completed.
Tell us about your project
We'll come back to you within 1 working day.
Thanks — we'll be in touch shortly.
We aim to respond within 1 working day.
Important: Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice ranging from £100 to £750. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate most commercial mortgages or development finance.