Commercial Loans

A commercial loan is finance used for business or commercial property purposes — for example buying business premises, funding expansion, refinancing existing commercial finance or acquiring a business. It's assessed differently to residential lending because the lender considers the business, the security and the purpose of the funds.

You borrow an agreed amount, usually secured against commercial property or a business asset, and repay it over an agreed term. Terms, rates, loan structures and review conditions vary between lenders, so the structure is generally tailored to the purpose of the finance and the borrower's circumstances.

Borrowing capacity depends on the property type and location, the strength of the business, serviceability, the deposit or equity available and the lender's policy. Because commercial policy differs so much between lenders, it's worth reviewing options before assuming a limit.

Deposit requirements vary by lender, property type and loan purpose, and are typically higher than residential lending. Available equity in other property may also be considered as part of the contribution. We can outline what may be required for your scenario.

Self-employed borrowers are very common in commercial lending. Lenders will generally want to understand your trading history and financial position, and there are lenders with different approaches to how income and financials are assessed.

Yes, refinancing is a common reason businesses review their finance — for example when a loan is approaching review, when circumstances change, or when the current structure no longer suits. Any benefit depends on your situation, costs involved and lender assessment.

Business acquisition finance is available for eligible borrowers. Lenders typically consider the business being purchased, its financials, the industry, your experience and any security offered.

Timeframes depend on the lender, the complexity of the application and how quickly supporting documents can be provided. Commercial applications generally take longer than residential ones. We'll give you a realistic expectation for your specific scenario and keep the file moving.

Commonly requested items include identification, business details, financial statements, tax returns, property information, existing loan details and cash flow information. Requirements vary depending on the lender and the type of commercial finance.

Complex structures, multiple entities, recent changes in trading or unusual security are all situations we regularly see. Every application is assessed on its own merits under the lender's criteria, and a considered approach to lender selection and presentation can make a meaningful difference.