Do you support property-backed projects or commercial mortgages for energy upgrades?
Short answer
We do not provide commercial mortgages or arrange first-charge property finance ourselves. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps UK businesses find suitable finance providers for energy upgrades, and we can point you to specialist lenders or brokers when appropriate.
What Best Business Loans can and cannot do
Best Business Loans does not supply loans or act as a mortgage lender, and we are not authorised to give regulated mortgage advice. We act as an introducer: our AI-driven platform matches your business to lenders and brokers who may be able to help with finance for energy upgrades.
We currently do not accept or process commercial mortgage or property finance applications directly. If your project clearly requires a commercial mortgage, we will explain that limitation and, where suitable, recommend a specialist broker in our network for a separate, expert conversation.
For energy upgrades we can help with non-mortgage funding routes and some secured lending options offered by third-party providers. Any referral to a lender or broker will be made openly and with clear guidance on next steps so you can make an informed decision.
Alternative finance types commonly used for energy upgrades
Many UK businesses fund energy-efficient upgrades without a commercial mortgage by using sustainability loans, green loans, asset finance, or hire purchase agreements. These products can cover LED lighting, solar PV, heat pumps, battery storage, controls, and energy management systems.
Sustainability or green loans are increasingly available to SMEs and mid-sized firms and are often structured as unsecured or asset-backed term loans. You can read more about how we match businesses to these options on our sustainability loans page: https://bestbusinessloans.ai/loan/sustainability-loans/.
Asset finance and equipment leases let you secure or hire the new equipment rather than the building, reducing the need for property security. Invoice finance, cashflow loans or specialist retrofit finance can also bridge funding while projects start saving energy and costs.
Public and private grant schemes, landlord contributions, and energy performance contracts are further routes that reduce the upfront capital required. Best Business Loans will help you explore which route aligns with your project size, sector, and balance sheet position.
When property-backed finance is relevant and what it involves
Some lenders will offer loans secured against commercial property to fund large-scale energy upgrades, but those arrangements are typically handled by specialist commercial mortgage brokers or lenders. These facilities may include second-charge loans or bespoke retrofit finance secured on the building rather than a standard first-charge mortgage.
Property-backed lending usually requires a commercial valuation, a recent Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and evidence that the upgrade is viable and permitted by planning rules. Lenders assess loan-to-value (LTV), tenant mix, and whether the works increase the asset’s value and lettability.
If a lender is willing to take property security, expect due diligence such as structural reports, surveys, and a review of any existing charges. Terms can range from short-term bridging to longer-term amortising loans, and conditions will differ by lender and sector.
How to prepare and what we can do to help you get a quick decision
Start by gathering project details: estimated cost, supplier quotes, expected energy savings, an EPC, and information on building ownership or lease terms. Clear, concise documentation speeds up eligibility checks and helps our AI match you to appropriate providers.
Submit a Quick Quote (Decision in Principle / Eligibility check) through our short form to get an initial, non-binding assessment from our system. This quick step helps identify whether your project is likely to suit unsecured sustainability finance, asset-based lending, or a specialist property-backed product.
We then use AI to compare your details against lenders and brokers in our network, and provide introductions to those most likely to consider your enquiry. You stay in control and there’s no obligation to proceed with any referral we make.
Please note we do not give regulated mortgage advice and cannot complete mortgage paperwork on your behalf. Where a commercial mortgage is necessary, we will suggest regulated brokers who can advise on that specific product.
Risks, compliance and next steps
Securing lending against property increases complexity and risk; it can affect future sales, refinancing and owner liability. Seek professional legal and tax advice before accepting any property-backed offer, and ensure you understand charges, covenants and potential enforcement risks.
We ensure our communications are clear, fair and not misleading and will always state if a particular product is outside our scope. Our platform and partners aim to comply with UK rules for financial promotions and advertising, and we will never present a commercial mortgage as something we can originate when we cannot.
Ready to check eligibility? Submit a Quick Quote for a Decision in Principle and we’ll match your energy-upgrade project to suitable lenders and brokers quickly. If you want help preparing documents, our support team can guide you through the most helpful evidence to include.
Key takeaways
- Best Business Loans does not provide commercial mortgages or regulated mortgage advice.
- We can help you explore alternative funding for energy upgrades such as sustainability loans, asset finance and retrofit funding.
- For property-backed solutions we can refer you to specialist brokers and lenders, but we do not process mortgage applications ourselves.
- Start with a Quick Quote / Decision in Principle to check eligibility and get matched to suitable providers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you arrange a commercial mortgage for my retrofit project?
No — we do not arrange or underwrite commercial mortgages. We can, where appropriate, introduce you to specialist mortgage brokers in our network who can advise on that route.
What documents will lenders want for energy upgrade funding?
Typical documents include project quotes, equipment specifications, an EPC, ownership or lease documentation, and historical financials. Exact requirements vary by lender and product.
How long does an eligibility check take?
Submit a Quick Quote and our AI will usually provide an initial Decision in Principle within 24–72 hours, depending on the complexity of your project and the availability of matched lenders.
Are your referrals free?
Yes — it’s free to submit a Quick Quote and receive introductions. Any fees for finance or brokerage services will be disclosed by the lender or broker before you commit.
Important: Best Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender or regulated mortgage adviser. We do not provide regulated mortgage advice. For regulated mortgage products you should consult an FCA-authorised mortgage broker.
Need help preparing your Quick Quote? Contact our support team at hello@bestbusinessloans.ai or submit your details online to start a Decision in Principle today.