Is finance available for office fit-outs and refurbishments?

Yes — finance is widely available for office fit-outs and refurbishments in the UK

Yes. Established UK businesses can typically finance office fit-outs and refurbishments through asset finance, unsecured business loans, and specialist fit-out facilities. The right route depends on what you are funding, your balance sheet strength, and your lease terms.

Best Business Loans does not lend directly, but we help you explore suitable providers who fund furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), IT and AV, mechanical and electrical works, CAT A/CAT B fit-outs, and compliant refurbishments. The aim is to spread costs over 12–84 months to protect working capital and align repayments with the useful life of the assets.

You can often finance both tangible items and a portion of “soft costs” such as design, installation and project management. Eligibility, limits and pricing vary by lender, sector and credit profile, and a personal guarantee or security may be required.

What can typically be funded?

Furniture, workstations, joinery and storage
Partitions, ceilings, flooring, decoration and signage
Lighting, HVAC, electrical and data cabling
IT, AV, access control, CCTV and security
Breakout areas, kitchens and washrooms
Compliance-related upgrades and dilapidations works

Common funding types for fit-outs

Asset finance for FF&E and technology
Specialist fit-out loans covering multi-trade projects
Unsecured business loans and revolving credit facilities
Invoice finance or merchant cash advance for cash flow support
Green or sustainability loans for energy efficiency improvements

The main ways UK companies fund office fit-outs

Different components of a refurbishment are best suited to different finance types. Many businesses use a blended approach to match lenders’ criteria to the project’s cost breakdown. This helps you secure competitive terms while keeping cash free for operations.

Below are the routes most commonly used by established SMEs and mid-market firms. Best Business Loans can help you explore one or a combination of these options based on your project plan and supplier quotes.

Remember, the most suitable facility depends on your company’s trading history, affordability and the asset profile being funded. Lenders may also consider your lease length and landlord contributions.

Asset finance and specialist fit-out loans

Asset finance is ideal for funding furniture, fixtures, technology and other tangible items. You repay over a fixed term while using the assets in your business. This can be tax-efficient and preserves cash.

Specialist fit-out loans can cover a wider scope, including certain soft costs such as installation and project management. Lenders may stage payments to contractors against milestones.

Hire purchase vs finance lease for FF&E

Hire Purchase: You own the assets at term-end, often with a nominal fee.
Finance Lease: You rent the assets over the term and may continue leasing or agree a secondary period.
Terms: Typically 24–60 months for FF&E and technology, subject to asset life and credit.

Unsecured loans and revolving credit

Unsecured business loans can cover a broader mix of costs, including fit-out services and compliance items. Terms usually range from 12–60 months, subject to status and affordability.

Revolving credit facilities and business lines of credit are flexible for staged drawdowns. They can work alongside asset finance to provide contingency for overruns.

Invoice finance and merchant cash advance

If you invoice other businesses on terms, invoice finance can release cash tied up in receivables to support refurbishment spend. It scales with turnover and can be used alongside project funding.

Merchant cash advance may suit firms with strong card sales, allowing repayments that flex with revenue. It is typically used for smaller refurbishments or bridging short-term cash gaps.

Costs, terms and what lenders will cover

Lenders usually like clear quotes, schedules of works and a timeline. They will check that the finance term aligns with the lifespan of the assets and the lease length if you are a tenant. A director’s guarantee or debenture may be requested.

It is normal for multiple suppliers to be involved. Many providers support multi-supplier projects, including staged vendor payments, to keep your contractors moving.

Where relevant, lenders will want to know about landlord contributions, rent-free periods and dilapidations obligations. This helps evidence a balanced funding approach and project viability.

Terms, VAT and staged payments

Typical terms: 12–84 months depending on asset type and credit strength.
VAT: Some lenders offer VAT deferral or will fund VAT within the facility; others expect you to reclaim via HMRC.
Staged payments: Funds released against agreed milestones, certification or supplier invoices.

Security, guarantees and eligibility

Security: May include the assets financed, a debenture or personal guarantees from directors.
Eligibility: Stronger approvals for profitable, established companies with stable cash flow.
Documents: Management accounts, bank statements, aged debtor/creditor reports and project quotes.

Sustainability and energy upgrades

Many lenders support energy-efficient fit-outs, such as LED lighting, modern HVAC, heat pumps and building management systems. This can be positioned as sustainability finance where appropriate.

Businesses seeking to reduce energy costs or meet ESG goals may access dedicated green facilities. These can sometimes include improved terms for qualifying improvements.

Some projects may be eligible for government-backed support schemes, subject to availability and criteria. Your matched broker or lender can advise on current options.

How Best Business Loans helps you get matched

BestBusinessLoans.ai helps you navigate funding options and connect with providers who are active in your sector. We are an independent introducer, not a lender, and there is no obligation to proceed.

Our AI-driven approach helps shortlist relevant lenders and brokers quickly. This saves you time compared to contacting multiple companies individually.

You remain in control, reviewing terms and choosing the path that fits your budget and project plan. We aim to make the process faster, clearer and more confident.

Quick steps to explore fit-out finance

Complete a Quick Quote. Tell us about your project, budget and timescales.
Receive AI-backed matching. We align your profile with suitable providers.
Get introduced. Speak with lenders or brokers who may support your needs.
Decide your route. Compare options and proceed if the terms fit.

What lenders look for on office projects

Clear cost breakdown: FF&E vs works vs soft costs
Supplier quotes and milestone plan
Lease term and landlord contributions
Affordability based on cash flow and forecasts

Sector scenarios we commonly see

Professional services: Law firms and accountants modernising client areas and meeting rooms.
Tech and creative: AV, collaboration spaces, acoustic treatments and agile furniture.
Healthcare and education: Compliance-led refurbishments and accessibility upgrades.

If you are a legal practice planning an office refresh, learn more about tailored options for finance for solicitors. Our matching process can connect you to providers experienced with regulated professional services.

Ready to explore options?

Submit a Quick Quote for a free eligibility check or Decision in Principle. It typically takes a few minutes to get started.

There is no obligation to proceed, and your information is handled securely and confidentially. You will only be introduced to relevant, trusted providers.

Best Business Loans aims to help you make smarter, faster funding decisions for your fit-out or refurbishment project. Start your journey today.

FAQs and key takeaways

Is finance available for CAT A and CAT B fit-outs?

Yes, many lenders support both CAT A and CAT B works, including partitions, lighting, flooring and FF&E. The mix of finance types used will depend on how much of the scope is tangible assets versus services. Project documentation and a clear schedule of works help approval.

Can soft costs like design and project management be financed?

Often, yes, within specialist fit-out loans or as part of an unsecured facility. Lender appetite varies, and caps may apply to the proportion of soft costs. Your matched provider will confirm what can be included.

Do we need to own our building?

No, tenants can finance fit-outs on leased premises. Lenders may consider the lease length to ensure the finance term is sensible. Landlord consent and contributions are helpful but not always required.

What size projects can be funded?

Facilities can range from tens of thousands to multi-million-pound projects for established companies. The appropriate size depends on affordability and credit strength. Multi-supplier and staged payments are common for larger fit-outs.

How long does it take to arrange funding?

Simple asset finance can complete in days once documents are in place. Larger, multi-trade refurbishments may take longer due to underwriting and milestone structuring. Early engagement and clear paperwork help speed up timelines.

Will a personal guarantee be required?

A director’s guarantee is common for unsecured and some asset-backed facilities. Requirements depend on the lender, facility size and your financial profile. Security may include the assets financed or a debenture.

Does Best Business Loans charge fees?

It is free to submit a Quick Quote and be matched with suitable providers. If any fees are applicable, they will be disclosed clearly by the broker or lender before you proceed. You remain under no obligation to accept any offer.

Key takeaways

Yes — office fit-outs and refurbishments can be financed through several established routes.
Asset finance suits FF&E and technology; unsecured loans and fit-out facilities can cover wider project costs.
Terms typically range from 12–84 months, with staged payments and possible VAT solutions.
Eligibility depends on trading history, affordability and project scope, and guarantees may be required.
Best Business Loans matches you with suitable UK lenders and brokers — fast, secure and with no obligation.

Important information

BestBusinessLoans.ai is an independent introducer and does not offer loans directly. Finance is for UK business purposes only and is subject to status, affordability and lender criteria.

Terms and conditions apply, and security or a personal guarantee may be required. We aim for clear, fair and not misleading information; this content is for guidance and is not financial advice.

We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages. Availability of products and schemes may change; always check current eligibility with providers.

Updated: October 2025

Next step: Complete your Quick Quote to check eligibility for office fit-out and refurbishment finance.