Commercial Finance Made Simple
Whether you’re a start-up securing your first premises or an established firm expanding into new offices, commercial finance can unlock the next stage of your growth.
What Is Commercial Finance?
Commercial finance is an umbrella term for a wide range of funding products, both short and long-term, provided by external lenders. These solutions give businesses the flexibility to purchase, expand, or invest without tying up all their capital.
How Pia Financial Services Can Help
Our expertise in financial services means we can guide you through the options and recommend what works best for your business goals.
Here’s an overview of the main solutions:
Commercial Mortgages
A commercial mortgage is a secured loan designed for business use. It can be used to:
Buy or refinance a trading premises
Release value from an owned property
Renovate or expand your workspace
Consolidate existing loans
Buy out a partner’s share of a business
Who they’re for: Usually businesses with 3+ years of trading history.
Terms: Typically 3-30 years, with 25 years the most common.
Where they apply: Offices, retail, leisure, hospitality, agricultural property, or development land.
Commercial Investment Mortgages
Designed for properties let to tenants (not owner-occupied).
Borrowing starts from £25,000, with up to 75% Loan to Value (LTV).
Can be interest-only or repayment.
Suitable for commercial buildings, retail units and similar property types.
Expect higher rates and fees than owner-occupied mortgages.
Commercial Buy to Let (BTL)
Used to purchase a property that will be let to one or more businesses.
Also known as a commercial landlord mortgage.
Different from residential BTL, as there’s no residential element involved.
Specialist advice is essential, we’ll help you build a budget and plan before you start searching.
Bridging Loans
A short-term loan secured against a property, ideal when speed and flexibility are key.
Why choose a bridging loan?
Funds released quickly (often within 3-4 weeks)
Can be secured against properties unsuitable for standard mortgages
Interest can be rolled up, meaning no monthly repayments during the term
Typical uses include:
Raising finance fast
Refurbishing or finishing developments
Buying property at auction
Covering funding gaps between buying and selling
Raising a deposit
Development Finance
Development finance helps fund land purchases and build costs. It’s complex, but the right broker can structure your proposal to improve your chances of approval.
Typical structure:
Up to 70% of land cost
Up to 100% of build costs (if total borrowing ≤ 70% of the final gross development value)
Why use it?
Keep cash free for other opportunities
Take on larger or multiple projects simultaneously
Increase ROI by leveraging finance instead of only personal capital
Important: Most Commercial mortgages and some bridging finance are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
PIA FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS (A TRADING NAME OF PIA FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD) IS AN APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF COMMERCIAL FINANCE BROKERS UK LTD AND COMMERCIAL LENDING IS NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY.