Do you offer fit-out or refurbishment finance for premises?
Short answer — clear and immediate
Yes — Best Business Loans can help UK businesses find fit-out or refurbishment finance by matching them with lenders and brokers that specialise in commercial premises upgrades. We do not provide loans directly; instead our AI-driven platform connects you to lenders, brokers and finance routes that may be suitable for your project. Complete a Quick Quote to get an eligibility check or Decision in Principle quickly and without obligation.
What is fit-out and refurbishment finance?
Definition and typical uses
Fit-out and refurbishment finance covers funding to renovate, modernise or adapt commercial premises. Examples include shop refits, café and restaurant refurbishments, office modernisation, healthcare facility upgrades and warehouse improvements. These funds are used for interiors, fixtures, fittings, building works, compliance upgrades and sometimes external signage.
Why businesses seek this finance
Businesses use fit-out finance to improve customer experience, comply with regulations, increase energy efficiency or support expansion into larger premises. Refurbishment can also increase rental value or support rebranding and operational changes. Financing lets you spread cost and preserve working capital while delivering the project.
Common financing structures
Fit-out projects can be funded in several ways, including unsecured business loans, asset finance, hire purchase, commercial loans, refurbishment-specific loans and invoice or cashflow facilities. The best structure depends on the cost, asset type, security available and the business’s credit profile. Some lenders will accept a business charge, while other providers prefer personal guarantees or landlord agreements for tenant works.
How Best Business Loans helps (we are a matchmaker, not a lender)
We do not lend — we introduce
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps UK businesses identify relevant finance options for fit-outs and refurbishments. Our service analyses your needs and connects you with lenders and brokers actively lending to businesses like yours. This keeps the process efficient and avoids blind applications to unsuitable providers.
AI-driven matching and human oversight
Our AI matching technology assesses your business profile against lender criteria to surface the most relevant partners. Once matched, we share your details with selected brokers or lenders who can provide a quote or Decision in Principle. A member of our team may review matches to ensure relevance and compliance before introductions are made.
Transparent and compliant approach
We are clear that we do not guarantee funding or the lowest rate, and we do not provide regulated advice. All introductions are made with clear, fair and not misleading information in line with FCA guidance on financial promotions. You remain in full control of any subsequent application with the lender or broker you choose.
For general business lending options beyond fit-out finance, see our business loans overview.
Types of fit-out and refurbishment finance to consider
Unsecured business loans
Unsecured business loans can be quick to arrange and useful for lower-value fit-outs where no asset security is required. These loans rely on business cashflow and credit history rather than physical collateral. Interest rates and term flexibility vary by lender and credit profile.
Asset finance and hire purchase
Where fit-out includes expensive fixtures, commercial equipment or plant, asset finance or hire purchase can spread payments while the lender retains an asset lien. This approach suits projects with identifiable tangible items, such as kitchen equipment, manufacturing machinery, or specialised medical fittings. Asset finance can be tax-efficient in some cases, depending on accounting and capital allowances.
Invoice finance or cashflow facilities
If you have significant receivables, invoice finance or a short-term cashflow loan can fund phased refurbishments without long-term borrowing. These facilities unlock working capital while you manage project milestones. They are best for businesses with steady customer invoices and healthy debtor profiles.
Refurbishment-specific and commercial lenders
Some commercial lenders and specialist brokers offer loans tailored for tenant improvements, shopfitting and commercial refits. Terms often reflect the sector — hospitality projects may require different underwriting to industrial refurbishments. Specialist lenders understand lease terms, planning consent needs and landlord conditions better than generalist lenders.
Grants, landlord contributions and VAT considerations
Don’t forget to explore local business grants, landlord funding contributions and any VAT treatment that might apply to renovation works. Landlords sometimes share fit-out costs or provide incentives to tenants, especially for long leases. Energy-efficiency upgrades may qualify for sustainability grants or support schemes in the UK.
How to prepare for a fit-out or refurbishment finance application
Cost plan and project quote
Start with a detailed cost plan and contractor or supplier quotes to show lenders exactly what you want to fund. Lenders prefer clarity on project scope, milestones and expected timelines. A breakdown helps lenders assess risk and structure suitable drawdown schedules.
Financial information and documents
Have your company accounts, management accounts, bank statements and cashflow forecasts ready for the last 12–24 months. Lenders will review turnover, profit margins, outstanding liabilities and debtor concentration. A clear, realistic forecast that shows ability to service repayments improves your chances.
Lease, planning and permission checks
Ensure the lease permits the works and check whether landlord consent or planning permission is needed. Lenders often confirm that refurbishment plans do not breach lease covenants or require unauthorised structural changes. Early engagement with your landlord and a solicitor can prevent delays.
Credit profile and security
Understand your company and director credit history before applying, and consider what security you can offer if needed. Some lenders require charges on business assets or personal guarantees for small businesses. If you prefer unsecured options, be prepared for potentially higher costs or stricter affordability checks.
Decision in Principle and Quick Quote
Use a Decision in Principle (DIP) or Quick Quote to test eligibility before a full application. A DIP gives you an indicative outcome without commitment, helping you compare terms and choose a lender. Submit our Quick Quote to get an eligibility check and fast introductions to relevant lenders and brokers.
Choosing the right lender, next steps and key compliance notes
How to compare lenders and offers
Evaluate proposals on total cost, repayment term, flexibility, fees, early repayment penalties and any security required. Ask for an illustrative repayment schedule and total cost of credit before deciding. Seek clarity on staged releases if your project will be funded in phases.
When to use a broker
Specialist brokers can access niche lenders and negotiate terms for complex or larger projects. Brokers are useful when you need structured facilities, staged payments or bespoke security arrangements. Ensure any broker is transparent about fees and provides written details of commission and charges.
Compliance, transparency and fair communication
We follow UK advertising and financial promotion best practice by being clear about our role and not making misleading claims. Best Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide regulated advice. You will always be directed to authorised lenders or brokers who will handle regulated communication and approvals if required.
Next steps — get a Quick Quote
If you’re ready to explore funding options, complete our Quick Quote form for a fast eligibility check and Decision in Principle. Our AI system and network of brokers and lenders will match you with the most relevant partners for your fit-out or refurbishment. There is no obligation and no cost to submit a quote.
Key takeaways
- Best Business Loans does not lend directly; we match UK businesses with suitable lenders and brokers for fit-out and refurbishment projects.
- Common finance options include unsecured loans, asset finance, hire purchase, invoice finance and specialist refurbishment lending.
- Prepare detailed cost plans, accounts, lease permissions and cashflow forecasts to improve approval chances.
- Use a Decision in Principle or Quick Quote to test eligibility before committing to a full application.
- We aim to be transparent and compliant; you remain in control of any application with a lender or broker.
Ready to explore fit-out or refurbishment finance? Submit a Quick Quote now for a fast eligibility check and tailored introductions.
Published: Updated October 2025. For personalised guidance contact hello@bestbusinessloans.ai or submit a Quick Quote to start your eligibility check and Decision in Principle.