Commercial Mortgages
Take the next step towards buying business premises, investing in commercial property or refinancing an existing mortgage.
Commercial finance, explained clearly
Rates, repayments and any lender or partner-broker fees are explained by the provider handling your application. Money Trumpet does not charge you to use our service.
What is a commercial mortgage?
A commercial mortgage is a loan secured against property used for business purposes. It can be used to purchase business premises, refinance an existing commercial property or fund a property investment that is let to another business.
Unlike a residential mortgage for your own home, a business mortgage is considered alongside the property's commercial use and the income available to support the borrowing. You repay the mortgage under the lender's agreed terms; the property is at risk if those payments are not maintained.
NatWest's commercial mortgage overview explains the secured nature of this borrowing. This is general market guidance, not a statement that NatWest is a Money Trumpet partner.
What are the main types of commercial mortgages?
The purpose of the property helps determine which mortgage route the provider considers.
Owner-occupied commercial mortgages
For business owners buying or refinancing the premises they trade from, such as a shop, office, workshop or warehouse.
Commercial investment mortgages
For buying or refinancing commercial properties rented to other businesses. Rental income and the lease help the lender understand the investment.
Semi-commercial mortgages
For mixed-use buildings with commercial and residential parts, such as a shop with a flat above. Explain who will occupy each part.
These are general mortgage categories, not confirmation that every property or scenario is accepted through our partners. Allica Bank's product information illustrates how owner-occupied and investment lending differ.
How much deposit do you need for a commercial mortgage?
The deposit depends on the lender, property and application. As a published lender guideline, NatWest suggests 25% of the property's value; this is not a universal minimum or a confirmed Money Trumpet partner requirement.
Loan-to-value, or LTV, compares the mortgage amount with the value of the property. For a purchase, your deposit reduces the amount you need to borrow. For refinancing, the provider considers the property's value and the debt already secured against it.
| Item | Illustrative amount |
|---|---|
| Property purchase price | £400,000 |
| Mortgage at 75% LTV | £300,000 |
| Deposit at 25% | £100,000 |
| Fees and purchase costs | Additional; not included in the deposit above |
This calculation is not a mortgage offer, rate quote or promise of lending at 75% LTV. A lender's valuation can differ from the purchase price, changing the deposit required. See NatWest's deposit guideline.
How are commercial mortgage rates and repayments decided?
Commercial mortgage rates depend on the provider's assessment of the borrower, property and proposed finance. The amount borrowed, LTV, term and repayment structure all affect the overall cost.
Fixed rate or variable rate?
A fixed rate keeps the interest rate unchanged for an agreed period. A variable rate can change, which can increase mortgage repayments. Compare the length of any fixed period as well as the full mortgage term.
Repayment or interest-only?
A repayment mortgage pays down both capital and interest. With an interest-only mortgage, payments do not reduce the principal: you need a credible way to repay the remaining balance when required. Interest-only availability and any initial interest-only period depend on the lender.
A commercial mortgage calculator provides an estimate, not an approval or final quote. Ask the provider for a written breakdown of rates, repayments and fees. Allica's published products show that repayment structures and early repayment charges vary.
What fees and property costs should you budget for?
Commercial property finance can involve arrangement, valuation, legal and specialist-broker fees. Buying and owning the property brings separate costs, so the mortgage payment is not the whole budget.
| Cost | What to check |
|---|---|
| Lender and partner-broker fees | How much is charged, when is it payable, and is it added to the mortgage? |
| Valuation and legal work | What work is required and could costs be payable even if the purchase does not complete? |
| Early repayment charges | What happens if you refinance, sell or make overpayments? |
| Property purchase tax | Which tax applies in the property's UK nation? Ask your solicitor about the transaction. |
| Ongoing property costs | Allow for business rates, insurance, maintenance and periods without rental income where relevant. |
Money Trumpet does not charge customers a fee for using its service. We may receive commission if finance completes. This does not mean the lender or another broker charges no fees; their charges must be explained separately.
See Allica's guide to mortgage fees and the British Business Bank's commercial property guidance.
Who can get a commercial mortgage?
Eligibility depends on the business, property and lender. Providers can consider limited companies, sole traders, partnerships and LLPs, but each sets its own rules on trading history, income, credit and acceptable security.
Commercial mortgage lenders need to understand how the borrowing will be repaid. For trading premises, business performance matters; for an investment property, the lease and rental income can be important. A property with a large valuation does not by itself guarantee approval.
What information will you need to provide?
Our initial form collects contact, business, property and finance details, your self-reported financial profile and timescale. The provider handling the next stage can request evidence, such as accounts, trading figures, lease information and proof of deposit, through its own secure process.
Give accurate income and turnover information. Money Trumpet does not assess affordability, perform a valuation or make the lending decision. NatWest's application guide explains how business information supports the lender's review.
Is a commercial mortgage right for your business?
Owning business property can give you more control over the premises, but it ties up funds and creates long-term responsibilities. Consider the deposit, ongoing costs and whether the building will still suit the business as it changes.
Property values can fall, tenants can leave and variable-rate payments can rise. Keep enough working capital for the business rather than treating every available pound as a deposit. The British Business Bank explains the benefits and risks of buying commercial property.
What are the alternatives to commercial mortgages?
Depending on the need, alternatives include continuing to lease premises, a suitable business loan or short-term commercial bridging finance with a clear repayment route. A bridging loan is not interchangeable with a long-term mortgage. Seek independent specialist advice before choosing a facility.
Our Types of Loans page explains the wider borrowing categories. Our secured loans service page covers a different, homeowner-focused route—not a substitute for commercial mortgage advice.
How do you apply for a commercial mortgage with Money Trumpet?
Complete our dedicated commercial mortgage form. Money Trumpet will pass your completed application to the lender or broker handling the next stage.
Tell us about your plans
Enter your business, property and finance requirements using the online form.
We pass it to a partner
Money Trumpet passes on the application. We do not assess it or provide mortgage advice.
The provider contacts you
The lender or broker discusses the case, requests further information and explains the next steps.
Review before committing
Check the provider's terms, costs and conditions. Submitting the form is not a mortgage offer.
Money Trumpet carries out no credit searches. Any subsequent provider checks are separate. Read our Privacy Policy for information about how application details are handled.
The provider controls the lending review, property valuation and legal stages. Timescales depend on the case; we do not promise an instant decision or completion date.
Are commercial mortgages regulated by the FCA?
The FCA does not regulate all forms of mortgages. In particular, the FCA does not regulate all forms of buy-to-let mortgages nor all mortgages for businesses.
The classification depends on the borrower, security, occupancy and relevant exclusions—not just the product name. Property used entirely for business cannot meet the FCA's regulated mortgage contract definition. Mixed-use property can be different, including where at least 40% of the land is used as or in connection with a dwelling and the other conditions are met. The provider should confirm the status and protections of the specific arrangement. See FCA PERG 4.4.
Money Trumpet's role
Money Trumpet passes the application to a partner; it does not advise on, assess or approve a commercial mortgage. Stork Finance Limited's consumer-credit authorisation should not be read as confirmation that every commercial finance arrangement is FCA-regulated.
Commercial mortgage FAQs
Is a commercial mortgage hard to get?
There is no automatic approval. The lender considers the business's ability to repay and whether the property provides acceptable security. Complete, accurate information helps it review the case but does not guarantee an offer.
Can a new business apply for a commercial mortgage?
Criteria vary. Some providers require established trading accounts, while others consider newer businesses in specific circumstances. Explain the trading history accurately and ask the partner handling your case about its requirements.
Can you get a commercial mortgage with bad credit?
A lender may consider some adverse credit, but acceptance depends on its criteria and the full case. Money Trumpet does not promise approval or carry out a credit search. Business-property borrowing is different from the consumer products on our Bad Credit Loans page.
Can you get a 90% or 100% commercial mortgage?
Do not assume that a small or zero cash deposit is available. A provider must confirm its LTV limit and any additional security requirements. Money Trumpet has not confirmed a 90% or 100% commercial mortgage product.
Can you refinance an existing commercial mortgage?
Refinancing can replace borrowing secured on commercial property. The provider needs details of the existing debt and the reason for refinancing. Compare new costs with any charges for leaving the current arrangement.
Are buy-to-let mortgages the same as commercial investment mortgages?
Not necessarily. Standard residential buy-to-let mortgages concern residential properties let to tenants. Commercial investment finance can cover property let to businesses. Mixed-use buildings need their own review.
Do commercial mortgages require a personal guarantee?
Some products do. Ask whether a guarantee is required, its limit, and when the lender can pursue the guarantor. Read the document and seek independent legal advice before signing.
How long does a commercial mortgage take?
There is no single completion time. The lender's review, valuation, legal work and any further information affect the timetable. Tell the provider about any purchase deadline rather than assuming finance will be ready.
Will applying through Money Trumpet affect my credit score?
Money Trumpet does not carry out a credit search. A lender or another broker can carry out separate checks later; ask what checks will be made and how they are recorded before proceeding.
Does Money Trumpet choose or recommend a mortgage for me?
No. Money Trumpet passes your application to a lender or broker and does not provide mortgage advice or select a mortgage on your behalf. The provider explains the products and service it offers. Contact us if you have a question about our introduction service.
Sources and review
Researched and written from scratch for Money Trumpet on 16 September 2026. General information, not a personal recommendation, mortgage offer or legal advice.
Sources include NatWest, Allica Bank, the British Business Bank and the FCA Handbook, linked alongside the relevant sections. Mentioning a source does not identify it as a Money Trumpet lending partner.
Ready to take the next step?
Start your commercial mortgage application online.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.