Commercial Mortgages
Commercial mortgages for owner-occupied business premises and investment property UK-wide - from offices and retail to industrial units, healthcare premises, and mixed-use property, with 130+ specialist commercial lenders on our panel.
Owner-occupier and investment commercial mortgages
Commercial mortgages serve two purposes. Owner-occupier mortgages help businesses purchase their trading premises - replacing rent with a capital asset. Investment commercial mortgages fund property as an income-producing investment, assessed on net rental yield rather than the business's trading income. Both require specialist lenders that the high street serves only partially - particularly for specialist sectors, mixed-use properties, and larger loan sizes.
Every commercial property type placed
Owner-Occupied Premises
Businesses buying their own trading premises - offices, retail units, industrial properties, surgeries, and professional practices - using owner-occupier commercial mortgages assessed on the business's ability to service the debt.
Commercial Investment Mortgages
Tenanted commercial property assessed on net rental income relative to debt service. DSCR requirements typically 125-150% depending on property type and lender. Offices, retail, industrial, and mixed-use investment properties all placed.
Healthcare and Professional Premises
GP surgeries, dental practices, care homes, and other healthcare premises have specific income structures. Specialist healthcare commercial lenders understand NHS contract income, partnership borrowing, and CQC registration in ways general lenders do not.
Semi-Commercial and Mixed-Use
Shop with flat above, mixed-use block, or office with residential element - all requiring semi-commercial mortgage products not offered by most mainstream lenders. Specialist semi-commercial lenders assess the combined income from both elements.
Portfolio and Multi-Property
Investors with multiple commercial properties benefit from portfolio assessment rather than property-by-property underwriting. Portfolio commercial mortgages aggregate income across all properties for better overall pricing and LTV.
Large Loan Commercial Finance
Commercial mortgages above £5m require institutional lenders and private banks. We access the full range from specialist building societies to institutional funders on commercial loans from £5m to £50m and beyond.
How it works
Property and income overview
Share the property type, purchase price or value, rental income or trading income, and your business profile. We identify the most appropriate commercial lender for your specific transaction.
Lender approach and indicative terms
We present your case to the commercial lenders most experienced with your property type and income structure. Indicative terms returned within 24-48 hours for most commercial transactions.
Commercial valuation and underwriting
A specialist RICS commercial valuer is instructed. Commercial underwriting is property-specific and manual - we manage the underwriting relationship to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Legal completion
Commercial legal work is more complex than residential. We coordinate lender, solicitor, and borrower to maintain timelines. Typical total timeline: 4 to 8 weeks from application to offer.
Looking for a commercial mortgage?
Share the property type, purchase price, and income position. We return indicative commercial mortgage terms within 24 hours.
Types of Commercial Mortgage
Owner-Occupier
If your business will trade from the property, you are an owner-occupier borrower. Lenders tend to offer more favourable rates and higher LTV here because the business's continued success is directly tied to the premises. Typical LTV: 70-75%. Suitable for offices, warehouses, light industrial units and retail.
Commercial Investment (Buy-to-Let Commercial)
You purchase a commercial property and let it to one or more tenants. The lender underwrites primarily on rental income (ICR typically 125-135% at stressed rate). LTV is usually 65-70%. Vacant property or short unexpired leases make securing finance harder.
Semi-Commercial (Mixed-Use)
Properties combining residential and commercial elements - a shop with a flat above, or a pub with rooms - are assessed as semi-commercial. Some residential lenders offer semi-commercial products; others treat the whole property as commercial. LTV typically 65-75%.
Rates depend on lender type, property and borrower profile. See our commercial mortgage rates guide for current indicative ranges by asset type, or model repayments with the commercial mortgage calculator.
Who Qualifies for a Commercial Mortgage?
Lenders assess four main areas: the borrower (trading history, accounts, credit profile), the property (location, condition, lease structure), the income (rental yield or business turnover), and the LTV requested. Most lenders want at minimum two years' accounts for trading businesses, though newer companies can qualify with a strong business plan and experienced directors.
- Limited companies, LLPs, sole traders and partnerships can all apply
- Personal guarantees are almost always required from directors
- Credit blips are not necessarily disqualifying - specialist lenders exist for adverse credit
- Foreign nationals and expats can access commercial mortgages through specialist lenders
Buying a specific asset? See office mortgages, retail unit mortgages, or speak to our commercial mortgage broker team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum LTV for a commercial mortgage?
Up to 75% LTV for most commercial property types with specialist lenders. Lower LTV limits apply to some types - development sites, short-lease commercial, and specialist premises may be limited to 65-70% LTV. Owner-occupied commercial mortgages sometimes access higher LTVs than investment commercial mortgages.
How is a commercial mortgage assessed?
Owner-occupier commercial mortgages are assessed on the business's ability to service the debt from trading income (DSCR). Investment commercial mortgages are assessed on net rental income coverage relative to mortgage interest. Both types also consider the quality of the security property, its location, and its lease terms.
Can I get a commercial mortgage for a GP surgery or dental practice?
Yes. Specialist healthcare commercial lenders understand NHS contract income, partnership borrowing structures, and the specific security characteristics of healthcare premises. We work with the lenders most experienced with medical and dental practice commercial mortgages.
What is the minimum loan size for a commercial mortgage?
From £150,000 with specialist commercial lenders. Below this level, a business loan or secured finance product may be more appropriate. There is no practical upper limit - institutional lenders on our panel arrange commercial mortgages from £5m to £50m+.
Can a limited company take out a commercial mortgage?
Yes. Commercial mortgages are available to limited companies, LLPs, partnerships, and in some cases trusts. The specific borrowing entity affects documentation and legal structure but not the availability of commercial mortgage products.
How long does a commercial mortgage application take?
Straightforward cases can complete in 6-8 weeks. Complex structures, multiple titles or unusual property types may take 10-16 weeks. Using a specialist broker speeds up lender selection and packaging.
What is a semi-commercial mortgage?
A semi-commercial (or mixed-use) mortgage covers properties combining residential and commercial elements - for example, a shop with a flat above. Lenders assess both residential and commercial income streams.
Explore related pages
Commercial Portfolio Mortgages
Portfolio-level income assessment for multiple commercial properties.
Semi-Commercial Mortgages
Mixed-use property with commercial and residential elements.
Commercial Bridging Finance
Short-term commercial property acquisition finance.
High Value Mortgages
Large loan commercial and residential finance above £1m.