Do you support franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages?
The short answer and our scope
No — Best Business Loans does not currently support franchise finance, property finance, or commercial mortgage applications. We specialise in helping established UK businesses explore non-property commercial funding through a network of independent lenders and brokers. Our role is to guide, match, and introduce you to suitable finance providers; we do not lend money or provide regulated mortgage advice.
Franchise purchases, property acquisitions, and commercial mortgages often require specialist, FCA-authorised advice and underwriting under product-specific rules such as MCOB for mortgages. To remain clear, fair and not misleading, we want to set accurate expectations from the outset. If your enquiry is strictly property-backed or a franchise purchase, our platform is not the right route today.
If your funding need is unrelated to property acquisition or franchise purchase, we can help you compare a wide range of commercial finance options. These include asset finance, invoice finance, cashflow loans, equipment or vehicle funding, fit-out finance, and non-property working capital solutions. Submit a Quick Quote to check eligibility and be matched to providers who are actively lending in your sector.
What do we support instead?
- Cashflow and working capital loans for trading businesses.
- Asset, equipment, vehicles and fleet finance.
- Fit-out and refurbishment financing for non-property assets and works.
- Invoice finance and selective invoice discounting.
- Refinance and consolidation of existing commercial agreements.
- Growth Guarantee Scheme routes for eligible UK companies.
Why we don’t handle franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages
These product types typically require a different set of permissions, underwriting processes, and advice standards than our platform provides. Commercial mortgages and many property loans fall under specialised regulatory frameworks, and franchises are assessed using brand-specific models. We focus on non-property business finance where our AI-matching and partner network offer the most value and clarity.
Important compliance note
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that connects UK businesses with relevant finance providers. We are not a lender or broker and we do not give financial advice. Any funding offers, rates, and terms will be provided by third-party firms and depend on their criteria, your business profile, and a full assessment.
Understanding these finance types
What is franchise finance?
Franchise finance usually covers the upfront franchise fee, fit-out, working capital, and equipment needed to open a franchised outlet. Assessment often considers the franchisor’s brand strength, your experience, and the specific franchise model. Providers may ask for personal guarantees, security, and detailed business plans aligned to the franchisor’s requirements.
What is property finance?
Property finance can include bridging loans, development finance, investment property loans, and refurbishment funding. Underwriting is asset- and project-specific, with attention to loan-to-value, exit routes, and planning permissions. Some property finance activities may fall under specialist regulation or require advice from appropriately authorised firms.
What is a commercial mortgage?
A commercial mortgage funds the purchase or refinance of business premises such as offices, warehouses, or trading units. Lenders assess affordability, sector risk, deposit levels, security, and the stability of your trading performance. Many aspects of marketing and advice for mortgages are regulated, which is outside our current service scope.
Are these products regulated?
Elements of mortgage and home finance activity are regulated by the FCA under frameworks such as MCOB. Property finance can be regulated or unregulated depending on the product and circumstances. Franchise finance may involve regulated credit or be conducted by authorised brokers or lenders, depending on structure.
Who should you speak to for these products?
If you need a commercial mortgage, property development funding, or franchise purchase finance, consider contacting a specialist broker or lender who holds the appropriate permissions. They can advise on structures, security, rates, and terms specific to those products. Always verify authorisations on the FCA Register and ensure any proposal is clear, fair and not misleading.
Practical alternatives we can help you explore
Can non-property finance still achieve your goal?
In many cases, yes — especially if your main objective is to fund growth, equipment, vehicles, or a fit-out unrelated to buying property. By separating the business need from the property element, you may find a faster, flexible solution. Our AI-driven matching helps you locate providers that are actively lending to your sector right now.
Popular alternatives we support
- Asset finance: Acquire machinery, tools, and technology with manageable repayments.
- Equipment finance: Spread the cost of essential equipment without large upfront spending.
- Vehicles and fleets: Fund vans, cars, HGVs, and specialist vehicles.
- Fit-out finance: Refurbish, modernise, or reconfigure your trading environment.
- Invoice finance: Release cash from unpaid B2B invoices to improve working capital.
- Cashflow loans: Smooth seasonal fluctuations and maintain day-to-day operations.
- Refinance: Restructure existing agreements for improved cashflow and control.
- Growth Guarantee Scheme: Government-backed support for eligible UK companies via participating lenders.
When alternatives make sense
If you were considering a property-backed route mainly to access working capital, a non-property loan might be quicker. If you planned to purchase assets within a franchise, asset or equipment finance can sometimes be arranged independently of the franchise umbrella. If you aimed to refurbish premises you rent, fit-out finance can support the project without a mortgage.
Benefits of non-property routes
- Often quicker decision paths and simpler documentation than mortgages.
- Funding aligned directly to the asset or purpose, aiding budget control.
- Preserves property equity and reduces personal exposure where suitable.
Clear, fair, not misleading
We never guarantee approval or the lowest rate. Eligibility, costs, and timescales depend on your business profile and the providers’ criteria. Our aim is to make your options easier to compare so you can choose confidently.
How our AI matching works, who we help, and what to prepare
Simple steps to get matched
- Complete a Quick Quote: Share details about your business, funding purpose, and amount required.
- AI analysis: Our system aligns your profile with suitable non-property finance options across our network.
- Introductions: We introduce you to lenders or brokers who may be able to help.
- Your decision: Review offers, compare terms, and proceed only if you’re comfortable.
What we’ll typically ask for
- Basic company details and trading history.
- Latest financials, management accounts, or bank statements to assess affordability.
- Details about assets, equipment, vehicles, or invoices if relevant to the facility.
- Purpose of funds, timescales, and any existing finance commitments.
Who we commonly support
We help established SMEs across sectors including construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, and hospitality. If you operate in retail, see our sector page for guidance tailored to point-of-sale, stock cycles, and seasonal peaks. Explore our retailers business loans guide for practical options aligned to trading businesses.
What to expect after you submit
You’ll hear from relevant finance providers if your profile and requirements match their criteria. They may request additional information to complete their assessment. There’s no obligation to proceed, and you remain in control throughout.
Transparency and compliance
We follow the spirit of FCA and ASA guidance for financial promotions: clear, fair, and not misleading. We do not provide personal financial advice, and we don’t handle regulated mortgage applications. Always check regulated firms’ permissions on the FCA Register, and read all terms before committing.
FAQs, key takeaways, and next steps
Do you support franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages?
No — we do not currently support franchise finance, property finance, or commercial mortgages. Our platform focuses on non-property commercial finance for established UK businesses. If your need relates to working capital, assets, vehicles, fit-out, or invoices, we can help you explore options.
What if I’m opening a franchise but only need equipment or fit-out funding?
If your requirement is purely for equipment, vehicles, or a non-property fit-out, we may still be able to help. Submit a Quick Quote explaining the purpose, and we’ll assess potential options accordingly. We cannot support finance for the franchise fee or franchise acquisition itself.
Can you introduce me to mortgage or property finance providers?
We’re not set up to introduce commercial mortgage or property finance enquiries at this time. These areas are better served by specialist, authorised firms who provide product-specific advice. Consider engaging a broker or lender with relevant permissions and sector expertise.
How fast could I see options for non-property finance?
Timelines vary by provider, facility type, and the completeness of your documents. Some facilities can be assessed within days, while others may take longer. There is no guarantee of speed or approval, but our matching aims to save you time.
How do you ensure fairness and clarity?
We follow the spirit of FCA and ASA standards for financial promotions, ensuring communications are clear, fair, and not misleading. We avoid unrealistic claims and always signpost product limitations. All terms, rates, and eligibility are defined by the relevant finance provider.
Key takeaways
- We do not support franchise finance, property finance, or commercial mortgages.
- We do support non-property business finance such as asset, equipment, vehicles, fit-out, invoice, and working capital solutions.
- Our AI-driven platform introduces you to relevant lenders or brokers based on your profile and purpose.
- No guarantees of approval or the lowest rate — providers set criteria, terms, and costs.
- Submit a Quick Quote for an eligibility check or Decision in Principle-style guidance from matched providers.
Start your finance journey
If your requirement is non-property business finance, complete a Quick Quote to get matched with suitable providers. It’s free to submit, with no obligation to proceed. Updated October 2025.