What Is Fit-Out Finance?

Fit-out finance is a form of business funding used to refurbish, renovate or build out commercial spaces — retail stores, offices, hospitality venues, gyms, clinics and more. Instead of draining cash reserves, businesses can spread the cost of works and equipment over an agreed term.

Typical costs that may be covered include:

• Design and build works (CAT A/CAT B), joinery, partitions and ceilings
• Flooring, lighting and electricals
• HVAC, extraction and ventilation
• Furniture, fixtures and fittings (FF&E)
• Catering and kitchen equipment, refrigeration and dishwashers
• POS systems, displays and counters
• Signage, security, CCTV and fire systems
• Accessibility improvements and compliance works
• Technology, cabling, Wi‑Fi and AV

Many UK providers offer staged drawdowns for larger projects so you can align funding with contractors’ invoices.

Check your options in minutes — Free Eligibility Check

Who Is Fit-Out Finance For?

Whether you’re opening a first site, refreshing a flagship, or rolling out multiple locations, fit-out finance can help:

• Retail stores, showrooms and e-commerce pick-up sites
• Restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and dark kitchens
• Salons, spas and barbers
• Offices and co‑working spaces
• Clinics, dental and healthcare practices
• Hotels, B&Bs and serviced accommodation
• Gyms, leisure and fitness studios
• Breweries, taprooms and hospitality venues
• Warehouses, trade counters and pop‑ups

Start-ups and established SMEs are welcome. Many lenders consider businesses trading from 6–12 months; earlier-stage options may be available subject to status.

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Types of Fit-Out Funding We Can Connect You To

Every project is different. Through our UK panel, we introduce businesses to providers that offer:

• Unsecured business loans
  Use for blended project costs where assets aren’t suitable as collateral. Personal guarantees may be required.
• Secured business loans
  Use for larger projects. Security may be taken over property or other assets. Missing repayments could risk the asset used as security.
• Asset finance and equipment leasing
  Use for FF&E, catering lines, refrigeration, IT/AV or gym equipment. Spread costs over the useful life of assets.
• Hire purchase
  Own the equipment at term-end; staged payments with potential final balloon.
• Merchant cash advance
  Use for hospitality and retail with card takings. Flexible repayments as a percentage of future sales.
• Revolving credit/overdraft‑style facilities
  Draw down in stages to manage contractor invoices and project cash flow.
• Invoice finance (if applicable)
  For fit-out contractors and suppliers to manage debtor cycles.
• Refurbishment and improvement loans
  For property owners upgrading or repurposing a commercial space.

Notes:

• Rates, amounts and terms vary by lender, sector and credit profile.
• Expect requests for schedules of work, contractor quotes and affordability evidence.

One simple form to see which options could fit your project — Free Eligibility Check

How Our Process Works

1. Complete a quick enquiry
   Share a few details about your business and fit‑out plan. Under 2 minutes.
2. Instant matching
   We connect you with selected UK brokers and lenders experienced in fit‑out funding for your sector.
3. Rapid response
   Expect a call or email to discuss your project, budget and documents.
4. Compare and decide
   Review terms and choose what suits you. No pressure and no obligation to proceed.

We’re an introducer, not a lender. We don’t offer financial advice. Our service is free for business owners; we may receive a commission from partners if you proceed.

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What Fit-Out Costs Can Typically Be Funded?

A typical fit-out combines labour, materials and equipment. Lenders often consider:

• Professional fees: design, architect, PM, building control
• Preliminaries: strip‑out, enabling works, waste disposal
• Structural and M&E: electricals, HVAC, extraction, plumbing
• Interiors: partitions, ceilings, flooring, joinery, decoration
• FF&E: desks, seating, shelving, counters, lighting
• Specialist: kitchen lines, refrigeration, ovens, dishwashers
• Tech: POS, Wi‑Fi, cabling, AV, CCTV, alarms
• Compliance: fire safety, accessibility, signage
• Contingency: typically 5–10% for unforeseen items
• VAT/Tax: some lenders offer VAT funding to smooth cash flow

Your broker/lender will clarify eligible items and how they’re structured.

Eligibility Snapshot and Documents You May Need

Many partners can help businesses that:

• Are UK‑registered (limited company, LLP or partnership)
• Have a UK business bank account
• Are trading 6+ months (start‑up options may exist)
• Can demonstrate affordability via management accounts/business plan
• Hold a signed lease or heads of terms for new premises (if applicable)

Common documents requested:

• Last 3–12 months’ business bank statements
• Management or filed accounts
• Directors’ ID and proof of address
• Lease/heads of terms, floor plans, licences (if applicable)
• Quotes/schedule of works from contractors
• Asset list for equipment finance
• Forecast P&L/cash flow during and after fit‑out

Submitting clear documents helps lenders respond faster.

Share a few details and we’ll do the legwork — Free Eligibility Check

Terms, Costs and Repayments — What to Expect

• Amounts: typically from £10,000 to £5 million+ (project and profile dependent)
• Terms: commonly 6–72 months (equipment tied to useful life; unsecured often shorter)
• Repayments: monthly, or as a percentage of card takings for merchant cash advances
• Fees: arrangement/doc fees may apply; brokers may charge fees — always check Key Information and terms before agreeing
• Security: personal guarantees are common on unsecured loans; security may be required for larger or higher‑risk cases
• Credit checks: your enquiry with us won’t affect your credit score; lenders/brokers may conduct credit and affordability checks if you proceed

Important:

• Missing repayments can impact your business and personal credit profile
• For secured finance, your asset/property may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments

Why Use Fast Business Loans for Fit-Out Finance?

• Specialist matching: we connect you with partners who understand fit-outs in your sector
• Save time: one quick form, multiple relevant options
• Better fit: increase your chances by speaking to partners aligned to your project size, timeline and risk profile
• Human support: discuss your plan with experienced professionals
• No obligation, free to use: decide in your own time; we don’t charge business owners

Explore fit‑out funding now — Get Quote Now

Example Fit-Out Scenarios We Regularly See

• Independent restaurant: £90k kitchen and front‑of‑house refit via a blend of equipment leasing and an unsecured loan
• Multi‑site salon: £150k staged salon/office fit‑out funded using asset finance for chairs/basins and a revolving facility for contractor invoices
• Office refresh: £45k CAT B works funded over 36 months to preserve cash for growth
• Bar expansion: £120k refrigeration, counters, AV and signage using lease/hire purchase across 48–60 months

These are typical use cases for illustration only; terms and availability vary.

Timeline — How Quickly Can Funding Happen?

Timeframes vary by product type, complexity and documents. A simple unsecured facility can sometimes be agreed quickly once the lender has what they need. Asset finance may complete soon after equipment invoices are approved. Larger, secured or staged projects typically take longer due to additional checks and legal processes.

Tip: Providing clear schedules of work, quotes and lease details speeds up underwriting.

Share your timeline and we’ll match you accordingly — Free Eligibility Check

Fit-Out Finance vs Paying Cash — A Quick Comparison

The right approach depends on your cash flow, risk tolerance and growth plans. Always consider affordability.

Related Finance Options You May Consider

• Equipment finance for catering, refrigeration, AV or fitness equipment
• Asset finance for vehicles or machinery
• Business loans for working capital alongside your fit‑out
• Invoice finance for contractors or suppliers
• Sustainability loans for energy‑efficient upgrades (LED, heat pumps, solar, EV charging)

Tell us what you need — we’ll connect you with the most relevant specialists. Get Started

FAQs — Fit-Out Finance

Are you a lender?

No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We connect UK businesses with trusted brokers and lenders who offer fit-out finance. We don’t provide financial advice and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Will my enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Your enquiry with us won’t affect your credit score. If you decide to proceed, lenders/brokers may perform credit and affordability checks.

Can start-ups get fit-out finance?

Some partners consider start-ups, particularly where there is strong sector experience, robust plans and suitable security/guarantees. Availability depends on your circumstances.

How much can I borrow and for how long?

Partners on our panel typically support from around £10,000 up to multi‑million‑pound projects, with terms commonly from 6 to 72 months, depending on product and profile.

What can be included in fit-out finance?

Often FF&E, equipment, M&E works, joinery, technology and more. Lenders will confirm eligible items and structure.

Do I need security or a personal guarantee?

Many unsecured facilities require a personal guarantee. Larger or higher‑risk cases may need security over assets or property. Always review the lender’s terms.

Are there fees?

Lender and/or broker fees may apply. You’ll receive clear information before you agree to proceed. Our service is free for business owners; we may receive a commission from partners.

How fast can I get a decision?

Simple cases can receive quick decisions once documents are supplied. More complex or secured cases take longer due to underwriting and legal checks.

Can I finance VAT?

Some lenders offer VAT deferral or VAT loans. Availability depends on the product and your profile.

What information do you need to start?

Basic business details, contact info, funding amount, purpose and timeline. Lenders may later request bank statements, accounts, quotes and lease details.

Ready to check your eligibility? It takes around 2 minutes — Get Quote Now

Our Commitment to Clear, Fair and Not Misleading Promotions

• We’re an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice.
• Your enquiry is free and without obligation.
• Quotes and approvals are subject to status, credit and affordability checks.
• Terms, fees, interest rates and security requirements vary by lender and will be presented clearly before you decide.
• If you enter a secured agreement and fail to keep up repayments, your asset or property may be at risk.
• Your details are only shared with relevant finance partners aligned to your request.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

• Tell us about your business and fit‑out plan
• Get matched with experienced lenders/brokers
• Receive a quick call or email with next steps
• Compare options and choose what’s right for you

There’s no cost and no obligation. Start your fit‑out funding journey today.

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