What Is Commercial Finance?

Commercial finance is an umbrella term for any lending product designed to support businesses and commercial property investors. It ranges from long-term commercial mortgages secured against bricks and mortar to short-term revolving credit lines that smooth cash-flow gaps. 

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Unlike residential lending, commercial finance is underwritten primarily on the strength of the business, the asset, or projected income streams rather than personal salary.The commercial lending market is fragmented. High-street banks apply rigid criteria and slower timescales, while specialist lenders can offer far more flexibility on property type, trading history, and loan structure. Our role is to match your precise requirement to the right lender from the outset, saving you time, protecting your credit file, and maximising your chances of approval.

Commercial finance and business lending are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your business assets may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a loan secured against them.”

The Types of Commercial Finance We Arrange

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Commercial Mortgages

Long-term loans secured against owner-occupied business premises or investment commercial property. Typical terms run from five to twenty-five years, with loan-to-value ratios of up to 75%. We source rates across mainstream banks, challenger lenders, and specialist commercial desks.

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Semi-Commercial Mortgages

Finance for mixed-use properties that combine residential and commercial elements, such as a shop with a flat above. Valuation methodology and lender appetite differ significantly from pure residential or pure commercial deals, and our advisers understand which lenders price these assets most competitively.

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HMO Mortgages

Houses in Multiple Occupation require a specialist mortgage product. Lenders assess rental yield per room, licensing obligations, and fire-safety compliance. We work with lenders who accept HMOs of all sizes, including large HMOs of seven bedrooms and above.

Business Loans

Unsecured and secured term loans for working capital, equipment purchases, expansion, or refinancing existing debt. We compare products from high-street banks, alternative lenders, and government-backed schemes such as the British Business Bank.

Asset Finance

Finance structured around a specific asset, such as plant and machinery, vehicles, or technology. Products include hire purchase, finance lease, and operating lease. Assets can be new or used, and refinancing existing owned assets is also possible.

New Build Mortgages

Invoice Finance

Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices through invoice discounting or factoring facilities. Particularly useful for businesses with 30, 60, or 90-day payment terms that need to fund operations while waiting for customers to pay.

Who Can Apply?

Commercial finance is available to a broad range of applicants:

  • Limited companies and LLPs looking to purchase or refinance premises.
  • Sole traders and partnerships expanding their operations.
  • Property investors building or managing a portfolio of commercial or mixed assets.
  • Start-up businesses with a credible business plan and founder contribution.
  • Businesses with adverse credit where specialist lenders may still assist.
  • Most lenders require a minimum of two years’ trading history for commercial mortgages and business loans, though some products are available for younger businesses where the principals have relevant sector experience.
Who Can Apply?

How the Process Works

Initial Consultation

We start with a detailed fact-find covering your business, the purpose of the finance, the asset or transaction involved, and your timeline. This usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

Market Search

Our advisers search across 50+ lenders to identify those most likely to approve your application and offer competitive terms. We present you with a clear comparison before you commit to anything.

Application and Packaging

We compile your application pack, which typically includes two to three years of accounts, management accounts, a business plan, bank statements, and asset information. Strong packaging significantly improves approval speed.

Valuation and Underwriting

Where a property is involved, a commercial valuation will be instructed. For business loans, the lender will review your accounts and credit profile. We manage the process throughout and chase progress on your behalf.

Offer and Completion

Once a formal offer is issued, solicitors are instructed for any property-secured facility. We coordinate between all parties to ensure completion happens on time.

What Is Your Commercial Finance Situation?

I want to buy the premises my business trades from

Owner-occupied commercial mortgages are available up to 75% LTV for established businesses, and up to 70% for newer ventures. We source lenders who understand your specific sector, whether that is retail, manufacturing, professional services, or hospitality. Lenders assess rent cover or trading profit to service the debt, so preparation of clean, current accounts is key.

I am a property investor buying a commercial unit

Investment commercial mortgages are assessed on the passing rent and the strength of the tenant covenant. Single-let properties with strong tenants can achieve up to 75% LTV, while multi-let or vacant units attract more conservative lending. We have access to lenders across all risk tiers, so vacant or short-lease properties are not automatically excluded.

I own a mixed-use property and need to refinance it

Semi-commercial refinances are common where an investor wants to release equity from a mixed-use asset, consolidate existing lending, or move off an expired fixed rate. Lenders split their assessment between the commercial ground-floor yield and the residential upper-floor value. We source lenders who treat the whole building holistically to maximise what can be borrowed.

I need short-term business funding to cover a cash-flow gap

Invoice finance and unsecured business loans are both well-suited to short-term cash-flow requirements. Invoice finance facilities can be drawn within days once set up, and loan decisions from alternative lenders can be made within 24 hours. We identify the lowest-cost option relative to your situation rather than defaulting to the first available product.

My business has an adverse credit history

Adverse credit does not automatically disqualify a business from commercial finance. Specialist lenders assess the cause, severity, and recency of any credit issues alongside the strength of the business case and the asset security on offer. We work with several lenders who specifically cater for businesses that have experienced financial difficulty.

Every situation is unique.

Speak to an adviser to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help.

Frequently Asked

Questions

Clear,honest answers to the questions we hear most from clients and introducers.

How long does a commercial mortgage take to arrange?

Timescales vary by lender and complexity, but most commercial mortgages complete within six to twelve weeks from application. Straightforward owner-occupied cases with clean accounts can be faster. Complex investment cases or those requiring planning due diligence can take longer.

Most lenders require a minimum deposit of 25% to 30% of the purchase price, though some products allow up to 75% LTV on strong cases. The deposit can sometimes be funded by equity in other assets, subject to lender approval.

Yes, though options are more limited. Some lenders will consider businesses with less than two years’ trading where the principals have a strong track record in the sector and the business plan is robust. Government-backed schemes through the British Business Bank can also supplement private lending.

Typically two to three years of accounts, the most recent three to six months of business bank statements, a brief business plan or purpose summary, and proof of identity for all directors. Some lenders also request management accounts dated within three months.

Invoice finance works best for businesses that sell to other businesses (B2B) on credit terms and have a reasonably consistent invoice flow. It is less suited to retail, cash-on-delivery businesses, or those with very few large customers, as concentration risk can limit facility size.

Get in Touch

Our commercial finance advisers are available to discuss your requirements and provide a no-obligation assessment of your options. Contact Square Gain Capital today to take the next step.

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