Frequently Asked Questions

The main types include owner occupier commercial mortgages (where you trade from the property), investment commercial mortgages (where the property is let to a third party), semi-commercial mortgages (for mixed-use properties such as a shop with a flat above), and buy-to-let commercial mortgages for professional landlords. We arrange all of these and can advise on which is right for your situation.

Yes. Whilst we are based in Berkshire and have particular expertise in Reading, Slough, and the surrounding area, we work with clients throughout the United Kingdom. Commercial mortgage requirements are assessed on the property and the borrower, not the location of our office.

Yes, we are fully independent. We are not tied to any lender, network, or referral arrangement. That means we search across the whole market to find the most suitable commercial mortgage deal for your circumstances, with no bias towards any particular lender.

Rates on a commercial mortgage vary depending on a range of factors including property type, loan-to-value, the strength of your business or rental income, and the lender’s current appetite. We source competitive rates from across our lender panel and present your options clearly so you can make an informed decision.

Your maximum borrowing will depend on the value of the property, the strength of your income or rental yield, and the lender’s criteria. Most commercial mortgage lenders will lend up to 70–75% of the property value, though this varies by deal type and lender. We assess your full picture before recommending a borrowing structure that suits you.

Yes. Typically you will need a minimum deposit of 25%, meaning a maximum loan-to-value of 75%. Some lenders may require more depending on the property type, your trading history, or the level of perceived risk. For development finance and bridging loans, the structure can differ — we will explain what is required for your specific case.

Typical costs associated with a commercial mortgage include a lender arrangement fee, valuation fee, legal fees, and in some cases a broker fee. We are transparent about all costs from the outset. There are no hidden charges, and we will provide a clear summary of the total cost of your commercial property finance before you proceed.

Most commercial property mortgages complete within 4 to 12 weeks from application, depending on the complexity of the case, the lender’s processes, and how quickly solicitors and valuers can act. We manage the process actively to avoid unnecessary delays.

The initial conversation is straightforward and carries no obligation. We will ask you about the property, your goals, and your financial position. This allows us to identify the right type of commercial property finance for your situation and give you an honest assessment of your options before we proceed.

The documents required will depend on the type of commercial mortgage and the lender, but typically include:
● Last 2–3 years of business accounts or tax returns
● Proof of identity and address
● Details of the property being purchased or refinanced
● A business plan or rental schedule where applicable
● Details of existing finance or liabilities
We will guide you through exactly what is needed for your specific case.

Yes. Once we have identified the right deal, we manage the application from start to finish — including liaising with the lender, solicitors, and valuers on your behalf. You can focus on your business while we handle the paperwork and keep the process moving.

An owner occupier commercial mortgage is for business owners who want to purchase the premises from which they trade. Rather than paying rent to a landlord, you own the property and build equity over time. It offers greater long-term cost stability and control over your business environment.

A semi-commercial mortgage covers mixed-use properties, for example, a ground-floor commercial unit with residential accommodation above. These properties have a dual income stream and require specialist lending. We structure semi-commercial finance correctly to reflect both the commercial and residential elements and maximise your borrowing potential.

A bridging loan is a short-term finance solution, typically used when speed is critical or when a property purchase needs to complete before long-term finance is in place. Common uses include auction purchases, breaking a property chain, or funding a refurbishment prior to a commercial mortgage. Bridging finance can often be arranged much faster than a standard commercial property loan.

Development finance funds the construction or significant refurbishment of a property. It is typically released in stages as the build progresses, rather than as a lump sum. We arrange property development finance for new builds, conversions, and major refurbishments, structured to align with your project timeline.

Yes. Unsecured business loans are available for businesses that need capital without tying the funding to a property asset. They are typically faster to arrange and offer greater flexibility, though loan amounts and terms will differ from a secured commercial mortgage. We can advise on whether this is the right option for your requirements.

Yes, in many cases. Adverse credit does not automatically disqualify you from commercial property finance. Specialist lenders exist who assess applications on their individual merits rather than a credit score alone. We have experience placing complex cases and will give you an honest assessment of your options.

It is possible, though lenders will want to understand your business plan, personal financial position, and the viability of the property. Some lenders are more open to start-up or early-stage businesses than others. We know which commercial mortgage lenders are most likely to consider your application and can position your case effectively.

Yes, this is one of our strengths. With 22 years of experience in commercial property lending, we regularly place cases that other brokers find difficult: properties with unusual tenancy arrangements, borrowers with non-standard income, mixed portfolios, and time-sensitive transactions. If you’ve been turned down elsewhere, we would encourage you to speak with us.

Yes. Professional landlords are one of our core client groups. Whether you are expanding your portfolio, refinancing existing commercial property loans, or looking at semi-commercial or buy-to-let commercial finance, we have the experience and lender relationships to support your plans.