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Commercial mortgage brokers

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Commercial loans information

Helping you maximise the opportunity

From meeting lender requirements to negotiating terms, there are many challenges you face when trying to secure the right commercial mortgage for your needs.

Want to get back to focusing on your business? Then let our expert commercial finance brokers use their market understanding, and long-term relationships with lenders, to craft you a bespoke financial solution.

  • 100+ lenders in our network
  • Award-winning commercial mortgage brokers
  • Rated 'Excellent' by 5,000+ clients


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What is a commercial mortgage loan?

A commercial mortgage is generally a type of loan secured against a property that is used for business purposes.

Commercial mortgages are designed for businesses to borrow money to purchase or refinance a variety of non-residential property types. These include business premises, commercial buy-to-let properties, mixed-use properties that combine residential and commercial elements, and even land. They can also be used to purchase a business, including the property owned by the business (e.g. a shop).

There are a range of scenarios for which commercial lending is appropriate. These range from the purchase of a shop or a freehold containing a shop and flat above (sometimes known as a 'shop and uppers'), through to larger-scale purchases such as an office building or hotel.

How do commercial mortgages work?

"Many people use their experience of residential mortgages when trying to understand how commercial mortgages work but the two have differences.

While the residential mortgage application process is highly automated, commercial mortgage applications are manually processed. This is because every business has a unique way of working, so commercial property loans need to be flexible. Although this can slow the mortgage process, it also makes it possible to secure funding that's tailored to your unique business needs.

Commercial property loans also differ from residential mortgages in that there are usually no fixed rates. They usually come with higher interest rates as well, as lenders consider them to be a riskier type of loan. But since they're secured against property, they tend to offer better interest rates than regular business loans."


— Advisor working for Alexander Hall

How to get a commercial mortgage

It isn't advisable to try to get a business property loan directly from lenders yourself. The process of comparing different lenders' offerings and making an application can be complex and time-consuming.

Without proper understanding of lender requirements and the preparation of documents, you might find it difficult to present your application in the most favourable light. If problems arise during the application process, you won't have experience of how to solve them, which could lead to delays or even rejection.

The simplest, most efficient way to get a commercial mortgage is to partner with specialist brokers. Our experts can take the heavy lifting out of the process for you, achieving the best results for you in the shortest time possible - leaving you to focus on your day-to-day business.

How our commercial mortgage process works

Understanding your needs

You tell us about yourself and your business, including your financial situation and goals. We'll use this information to tailor the lenders and commercial mortgage deals we find to best serve your needs.

Negotiating with lenders

We search our vast network for suitable lenders, giving you access to a wider range of financing options. Then, we use our long-standing relationships and industry expertise to negotiate the best terms possible for you.

Gathering documentation

We tell you which documents you need to make a commercial mortgage application and help you prepare them.

Submitting your application

We complete your forms for you, presenting your application in the most favourable light to maximise your chances of approval.

Delivering ongoing support

We continue to advise you until you secure your commercial property loan, resolving any issues as they arise and giving you regular updates on progress.

Why choose Alexander Hall's commercial mortgage brokers?

After more than 30 years of providing best-in-class commercial mortgage advice, we have the experience to help you find the right solution for your needs. Here are some of the reasons you should choose us:

  • Impartial advisers: Our brokers give you the guidance you need to make the decisions that help your business, secure in the knowledge we have your back.
  • Extensive network: With 100+ lenders in our network, including commercial finance specialists, we can give you access to a wide range of options.
  • Hassle-free process: We simplify the complicated process of taking out a commercial property loan, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
  • Outstanding service: Thousands of customers have rated us as 'Excellent' on Trustpilot, and we promise to give you the same exceptional levels of service.
  • Award-winning brokers: We've won many awards over the years, including Best Broker for Customer Service in the Legal & General 2024 Mortgage Club Awards.

Commercial loans information

Commercial mortgage FAQs

What is commercial finance?

Commercial finance is a wide category of financial products and services designed for businesses, including commercial mortgages, development loans, bridging loans, working capital loans and more.

What is a commercial finance broker?

A commercial finance broker is an expert who acts as an intermediary between businesses seeking funding and lenders who provide financial products. Our brokers can help you secure commercial finance by:

  • Using their extensive market knowledge to help you find the right solution for your needs
  • Providing you with access to more options through our huge network of lenders
  • Helping you prepare for and submit your application, improving your chances of approval

Are commercial property loans regulated?

Mortgages for business property are typically not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), unlike residential mortgages. This gives lenders greater flexibility to set their rates and terms, reflecting the variety of businesses and commercial properties their mortgages can cater to.

Can you get a commercial loan on a residential property?

Commercial mortgages are typically used for business properties, rather than properties people will live in. If you want to secure a loan under your business for a property you will rent, it would be more appropriate to take out a limited company buy-to-let mortgage instead.

However, a commercial mortgage may be appropriate for certain transactions relating to dwellings. For example, if you were seeking to purchase a block of flats, including the freehold, it may be more appropriate to use a commercial loan on the entire block, rather than individual mortgages on each flat.

This type of mortgage will be taken out in the name of the business, although lenders will typically require personal undertakings from the business owners in the event of default.

Can I get a commercial mortgage as a first-time buyer?

Yes, you can get a mortgage for a business property as a first-time buyer. However, lenders will likely demand stricter criteria, including a large deposit, strong credit and a profitable business. Our expert brokers can help you maximise your chances of approval.

What deposit is required for a commercial mortgage?

The deposit required for a commercial property loan varies case-by-case but is higher than the typical 5% minimum needed for many residential mortgages. You can generally expect to put down 25-30% of the property's value for a commercial mortgage.

In general, being able to afford a larger deposit can improve your chances of approval.

What documents do I need for a commercial mortgage application?

The exact documentation you will need to apply for a commercial property mortgage depends on the purpose of the loan. However, documentation that is required for almost all applications includes:

  • Basic information about you and your business
  • Assets, liability, income and expenditure (ALIE) summary
  • 3-6 months' bank statements

How much commercial property loan can I get?

The amount of funding you can secure through a commercial property loan will depend on your specific circumstances and lenders' criteria.

In general, the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio you can get is 75% of the property value. For example, if you wanted to secure a mortgage for a £300,000 commercial property, the maximum amount of funding you could get would be £225,000.

How are commercial mortgage rates decided?

Each lender sets the interest rates on commercial property loans using their pricing structures. However, factors that lenders are likely to evaluate include:

  • The value of the loan
  • The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
  • The loan term length
  • The property value, type and location
  • The financial strength and credit score of your business
  • Your financial standing and credit history

Our commercial mortgage brokers can use their relationships with lenders to negotiate the best rates possible for you.

Expert commercial mortgage advice tailored to you

Alexander Hall's specialist commercial mortgage brokers take the time to understand your goals and discuss your business plans. We leverage our relationships with specialist and mainstream lenders to identify the right commercial lending solution for your business.

Call our expert advisers now

08000 38 37 36