Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A commercial mortgage is a loan used to purchase, refinance or release equity from a property used for business or investment purposes.
This could include offices, shops, warehouses, industrial units, restaurants, care homes, healthcare premises, mixed-use properties and other commercial buildings.
At Wenham Specialist Finance, we work with a wide range of lenders to help businesses and investors find suitable commercial mortgage solutions based on their individual circumstances.
Commercial mortgages can be available to a wide range of applicants, including limited companies, partnerships, sole traders, property investors and individuals.
The right mortgage will depend on factors such as the property, the intended use, your business or investment experience, income and the overall strength of the application.
Even if your circumstances are more complex, it may still be possible to secure commercial finance. Our team can assess your situation and explore the options available to you.
We work with:
Limited companies (Ltd)
LLPs
Sole traders
Partnerships
Property investors
SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles)
Overseas investors (subject to criteria)
Loan sizes typically start from £100,000, with no strict upper limit depending on the lender and security.
Most lenders offer between 65% and 75% Loan-to-Value (LTV), although higher LTVs may be possible in certain circumstances.
The amount you can borrow will depend on several factors, including the value and type of property, your deposit or available equity, the property's income potential and your ability to afford the repayments.
Commercial mortgage lenders assess each application individually, so there is no single maximum borrowing amount that applies to everyone.
We can help you understand how much you may be able to borrow and identify lenders that are appropriate for your requirements.
Commercial mortgages can be available for a wide range of property types, including:
Offices
Shops and retail units
Warehouses and industrial units
Restaurants and hospitality premises
Care homes
Healthcare premises
Veterinary practices
Pharmacies
Mixed-use and semi-commercial properties
Commercial investment properties
Land and specialist commercial property
Every lender has different criteria, so speaking to a specialist commercial finance broker can help you understand which options may be available.
Commercial mortgage interest rates vary depending on the individual application and the lender's criteria.
Factors that can affect the rate include the type and value of the property, the loan-to-value ratio, the strength of the business or investment, your financial circumstances and the overall risk of the application.
Rather than focusing solely on the lowest rate, we consider the overall suitability of the finance and the lender's criteria for your circumstances.
The documents required will depend on the type of application and the lender involved. You may be asked to provide:
Proof of identity
Proof of address
Business accounts
Management accounts
Business bank statements
Personal and business tax information
Details of existing borrowing
Property details and leases
A business plan or projections, where applicable
We will explain what is required and help you prepare the information needed for your application.
Yes. Commercial mortgage refinancing can be used for a number of reasons, including securing a new rate, restructuring existing borrowing, raising capital or releasing equity from a commercial property.
You may also be able to refinance to support business expansion, purchase additional property or repay existing finance.
We can review your current circumstances and explore the refinancing options available to you.
The deposit required will depend on the lender, property type, loan amount and the overall strength of the application.
Some applications may require a larger deposit, while other circumstances may allow lenders to consider a higher loan-to-value.
The amount of deposit required can vary considerably, so it is worth speaking to a specialist broker before assuming that a particular level of deposit is needed.
Yes. Many commercial mortgages can be arranged through a limited company, depending on the lender's criteria and the nature of the transaction.
The structure of the application, the type of business and the property being purchased will all be considered by the lender.
We can help you understand the potential options and identify lenders that may be suitable for your circumstances.
Yes. Being self-employed does not automatically prevent you from obtaining a commercial mortgage.
Lenders will typically assess your business, income, accounts, experience and the property involved. The requirements can vary between lenders, particularly for newer businesses or applicants with more complex income.
A specialist broker can help identify lenders whose criteria may be suitable for your circumstances.
Possibly. A poor credit history does not necessarily mean that you will be unable to obtain commercial finance.
Lenders may consider factors such as the type and age of any adverse credit, the reason it occurred, the amount involved, your current financial position and the strength of the overall application.
Every case is assessed individually, so it is important to speak to a specialist broker before assuming that finance is unavailable.
In some circumstances, yes. Commercial finance may potentially be used to support the purchase of a business, depending on the structure of the transaction and the lender's criteria.
The finance may relate to the property, the business itself or a combination of both.
These applications can be complex, so specialist advice is recommended to ensure the proposed funding structure is appropriate.
The timescale can vary depending on the complexity of the application, the lender, the property and the information required.
Straightforward applications may progress relatively quickly, while more complex cases can take longer due to valuations, legal work and additional underwriting requirements.
We will keep you updated throughout the process and work to keep your application moving as efficiently as possible.
Depending on the lender and the type of application, fees may include arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees, broker fees and other associated costs.
The exact fees will vary depending on the lender and the complexity of the transaction. We will explain the costs involved as part of the finance process so you can make an informed decision.
A commercial mortgage is generally used to finance property that is used for business or commercial purposes, whereas a residential mortgage is typically used to purchase a home.
Commercial mortgages are assessed differently and lenders will consider factors such as the property, the business, rental income, trading performance and the overall purpose of the borrowing.
Commercial finance is often more complex, which is why specialist advice can be particularly valuable.
Being declined by one lender does not necessarily mean that finance is unavailable.
Different lenders have different criteria, and an application that does not fit one lender's requirements may potentially be suitable for another.
We can review the reasons for the decline, assess your circumstances and explore whether alternative commercial finance options may be available.
Choosing the right commercial finance can be just as important as securing the finance itself. At Wenham Specialist Finance, we take the time to understand your individual circumstances, your objectives and the wider picture behind your application.
Our experienced specialist finance team has access to a wide range of lenders and commercial finance solutions, helping us explore options that may be suitable for your needs.
Whether you are purchasing a commercial property, refinancing existing borrowing, raising capital or looking for finance for a more complex situation, we provide a personalised service from initial enquiry through to completion.
Our aim is simple: to make commercial finance clearer, more straightforward and easier to navigate.