How quickly can I get a Decision in Principle for fit-out funding?
Short answer: most UK businesses receive a DiP within 2–24 hours
In many cases, a Decision in Principle (DiP) for fit-out funding can be issued the same day, often within 2–6 business hours once basic information is provided. More complex cases typically take 1–3 working days, and only specialist or higher-value projects may extend to 4–5 working days. Timings depend on your documentation readiness, trading profile, and the lender or broker’s underwriting process.
A DiP is an initial, non-binding indication of eligibility, amount, and terms, subject to full underwriting and verification. It is useful for negotiating with contractors and landlords while you finalise your finance package.
What drives the speed of a DiP for fit-out funding?
Funding type and provider style
Specialist fit-out finance and asset finance providers are usually set up for fast indicative decisions. They can often assess on the day if your case is straightforward and well presented.
Unsecured business loans can be quick too, but mid-ticket requests may trigger extra checks. For larger fit-out projects involving multiple assets or staged drawdowns, expect longer timelines.
Business profile readiness
DiPs are fastest when lenders can see recent bank statements, basic financials, and a clear project summary. If these are not available, decision times slow down while your information is requested.
Trading history matters as well, because strong, stable turnover and profitability can accelerate approvals. Newly incorporated businesses or those with volatile cash flow often face more questions.
Credit and affordability checks
Some providers use a soft credit search at DiP stage, which does not affect your score. Others may require a hard search earlier, particularly for higher amounts or where security is involved.
Affordability is assessed against projected cash flow and current commitments. If your case sits on a borderline, an underwriter may ask for more detail before issuing a DiP.
Project clarity and risk
Lenders look for a concise summary of your works, costs, and timeline. Clear contractor quotations and proof of landlord consent (if applicable) help reduce risk perceptions.
Projects in sectors with strong track records for fit-out repayments, like healthcare or established hospitality, can sometimes progress faster. Complex, bespoke, or highly seasonal premises may need extra scrutiny.
Typical same-day scenarios
Smaller, standard fit-outs under £100,000 with solid trading tend to receive a DiP in hours. If you have a clean credit profile and up-to-date records, providers can move quickly.
Repeat customers with a previous successful funding history often see faster decisions too. Providers value familiarity with your performance and project delivery.
What information speeds up a fit-out DiP?
Core business and trading details
Be ready to share your legal business name, company number, and trading address. Provide the number of years trading and a short description of your sector and services.
Include turnover, profitability, and any group links if relevant. If you have multiple premises, explain which location is being fit-out.
Financial documentation
Most providers will request recent business bank statements, typically 3–6 months. If available, include your latest annual accounts or management accounts.
VAT returns or a basic P&L snapshot can help for mid-year clarity. Clear, current data reduces back-and-forth and accelerates a DiP.
Project scope and costing
Share contractor quotes, bills of materials, and any staged payment schedule. Summarise what is being funded, such as joinery, M&E, signage, partitions, or flooring.
If any equipment or furniture is included, note the supplier and lead times. Lenders like to see transparent, realistic budgets across the project phases.
Premises and permissions
If you lease the premises, a copy or summary of the lease and landlord consent will help. If applicable, provide outline planning or licensing steps and timings.
State whether the property will be trading during works, or if there will be downtime. These operational details inform affordability modelling.
Ownership and directors
Lenders often request director details and shareholdings at DiP stage. For SMEs, a personal guarantee may be discussed, depending on structure and risk.
Make sure the registered address and ID information are consistent across documents. Consistency speeds up KYC and AML checks where required.
A realistic timeline for DiP on fit-out funding
Same-day decisions (approx. 2–6 business hours)
Best-case timing applies when your information is complete and the case is straightforward. Many fit-out and asset finance specialists run quick indicative checks at intake.
Strong bank statements, simple project scope, and standard supplier quotes help. Your DiP letter or email will typically outline amount, term, and next steps.
Next-day decisions (within 1 working day)
This is common for mid-range fit-outs or where a quick affordability review is needed. Underwriters may read your statements and accounts in more detail before issuing a DiP.
If a small clarification is needed, respond quickly to avoid slipping to day two or three. Clear email responses and updated files keep momentum.
Two to three working days
Expect this timeframe if spend is higher, documents are incomplete, or multiple sites are involved. You may be asked for updated management accounts or extra supplier detail.
If the lender needs to check landlord consent or insurance treatments, add a day. This is still a normal window for a robust DiP.
Four to five working days
Larger, phased refurbishment programmes sometimes take this long at DiP stage. Complex M&E or regulatory sign-offs can lengthen internal risk assessments.
If the provider is building a structure with staged drawdowns, that adds review time. Early clarity on milestones helps keep within five days.
Validity and next steps
Many DiPs are valid for 14–30 days, depending on the provider. If your project evolves, the DiP may be refreshed against the latest information.
Remember, a DiP is indicative and not a binding offer. Final terms follow full underwriting, documentation, and any security arrangements.
How Best Business Loans helps you get a faster DiP
Smart matching to active fit-out funders
Complete a Quick Quote and our technology matches your profile to relevant providers. We only introduce you to lenders or brokers actively supporting fit-out in your sector.
This saves time contacting multiple firms and reduces the risk of mismatched criteria. Speed improves when your case lands with the right specialist first time.
Document-ready support
We guide you on what to upload to help providers move fast. Prepare 3–6 months bank statements, latest accounts, project quotes, and lease consent if applicable.
A concise project summary is also valuable. It should include scope, timelines, and staged payment needs.
Clear expectations and compliant communication
We are not a lender and we do not provide financial advice. We introduce you to funding providers who may issue a DiP based on their own criteria.
Timescales are indicative, and we avoid promises that can’t be universally met. Your actual outcome will depend on your documents, trading profile, and provider decisions.
Explore your options and next steps
Learn more about eligibility, common use cases, and providers on our page for Fit-Out Finance. It explains how refurbishment, shopfitting, and premises upgrades are commonly funded.
When you’re ready, submit a Quick Quote for an eligibility check and introductions. There’s no obligation to proceed, and your enquiry is handled confidentially.
Who we can and cannot help
We typically support established UK limited companies across sectors like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages.
If your business sits outside those parameters, you may wish to consult a specialist adviser. Providers in our network can confirm specific criteria once introduced.
FAQs, compliance notes, and key takeaways
How quickly can I get a DiP for fit-out funding?
Simple cases can receive a DiP within 2–6 business hours after submitting core details. Many others complete within 1–3 working days.
Larger or complex projects may take up to 5 working days. Faster outcomes rely on complete, consistent documentation.
Will a DiP affect my credit score?
Some providers use soft searches at DiP stage, which do not impact your score. Others may require a hard search earlier for larger requests.
Always ask your matched provider what type of search they will perform. Transparency helps you make informed decisions.
What documents should I have ready?
3–6 months of business bank statements and latest accounts are commonly requested. Include contractor quotes, a basic project summary, and lease consent if relevant.
Having these documents ready is the biggest accelerator for a quick DiP. Clear, current data reduces underwriting friction.
How long is a DiP valid?
Validity varies by provider but is often 14–30 days. If your fit-out plans change, the provider may refresh the DiP against updated details.
Final approval will depend on full underwriting and any conditions being met. Rates and terms can change before completion.
What happens after I receive a DiP?
You will progress to full underwriting and documentation checks. The provider will confirm security, guarantees, and any staged drawdowns.
Once satisfied, they issue an offer for signature. Funds then follow according to the agreed structure.
Compliance and transparency commitment
Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer and does not offer loans directly. Our communications aim to be clear, fair, and not misleading.
We do not guarantee funding, rates, or timescales. A DiP is indicative and subject to provider assessment and change.
Key takeaways
- Most DiPs for fit-out funding are issued within 2–24 hours once basics are supplied.
- Complex, higher-value, or staged projects can take up to 5 working days.
- Have bank statements, accounts, project quotes, and lease consent ready to go.
- DiPs are non-binding and subject to full underwriting and verification.
- Submit a Quick Quote to be matched with relevant UK providers quickly.
Updated: October 2025
Important: Nothing on this page constitutes financial advice. Always consider independent professional advice where appropriate.
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