Quick summary

Need money to refurbish, equip or upgrade commercial premises? Fit-out finance covers projects like shop refits, restaurant kitchens, office reconfigurations and hotel refurbishments. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we introduce your business to specialist lenders and brokers who can provide funding of £10,000 and upwards. Submit a short enquiry and get a free eligibility check; there’s no obligation and we’ll match you with partners who understand your sector.

Ready to compare options? Start your Free Eligibility Check.

What Is Fit-Out Finance and When Do Businesses Use It?

Fit-out finance pays for the transformation of commercial spaces. Typical use cases include:

• Retail shop refits and new store openings
• Restaurant or café refurbishments and kitchen upgrades
• Office reconfigurations, workstations and comms
• Hospitality and leisure refurbishments (hotels, gyms, bars)
• Leasehold improvements and landlord-required works

Fit-outs are often described as: shell & core (main structure), Category A (basic finishes/services) and Category B (tenant-specific fittings and finishes). Project size ranges widely — from small cosmetic jobs to multi-site roll-outs.

Want to dive deeper into specialist financing options for a fit-out? Learn more about fit-out finance and how lenders view these projects on our detailed guide to fit-out finance: fit-out finance.

Ready to see who can help? Get Quote Now.

Typical Fit-Out Costs & Budget Considerations (UK benchmarks)

Indicative costs vary by sector, location and specification. The figures below are illustrative only — your lender or broker will assess your specific quotes.

Key cost drivers: grade of finishes, M&E (heating, lighting, ventilation), compliance works, landlord requirements and fit-out phasing. Cashflow is often the biggest planning challenge — staged payments to contractors and suppliers need bridging or a line of credit.

Common Fit-Out Finance Solutions We Introduce

Depending on size, timing and risk profile, lenders and brokers offer several routes:

Unsecured business loans

Quick to arrange for smaller projects. Typical amounts suitable from around £10,000 up to mid-six figures. Pros: faster decision times, no asset security. Cons: usually higher rates and shorter terms.

Secured business loans

Asset-backed lending or loans secured on property can support larger fit-outs. Pros: lower rates and larger amounts. Cons: longer underwriting, potential security requirements (business assets or guarantees).

Asset & equipment finance

Use for equipment-heavy fit-outs (kitchens, HVAC, POS systems). Can be structured as hire purchase or lease, spreading cost evenly and preserving cash.

Revolving credit / staged drawdowns

Lines of credit or facilities that allow staged drawdowns to match contractor payment schedules — useful when you need finance for progressive works.

Refurbishment or leasehold improvement loans

Specialist lenders tailor terms for leasehold improvements where landlord consents and clear work schedules are provided.

Every option has trade-offs. Let our partners identify the fastest, most cost-effective route for your project. Free Eligibility Check.

How Fast Business Loans Matches You with Fit-Out Finance Providers

1. Complete our short enquiry form — takes around 2 minutes.
2. We run a smart match against lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-out projects.
3. Selected partners contact you to review quotes and next steps.
4. Compare offers and proceed when you choose.

Benefits: no obligation, free to use, and submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. We act as an introducer, not a lender, and we do not provide regulated financial advice.

Start matching to specialist providers now: Start Your Enquiry.

Fit-Out Finance Eligibility — What Lenders Typically Review

Lenders commonly assess:

• Trading history and company structure
• Annual turnover and recent profitability
• Director(s) credit profile and track record
• Evidence of the fit-out plan: contractor quotes, timelines and permits
• Lease terms or property ownership details (if applicable)
• Bank statements and cashflow forecasts

How to strengthen your enquiry

• Provide detailed supplier estimates and a clear project timeline
• Show contingency planning and cashflow impact
• Prepare recent management accounts and bank statements

If your documents are ready, responses are faster. Submit basic details for a tailored match: Get Quote Now.

Preparing Your Fit-Out Finance Enquiry — Documents & Timeline

Typical checklist for the enquiry:

• Company name and registration number
• Contact name and phone/email
• Amount required (remember: funding starts from £10,000)
• Project scope and supplier/contractor estimates
• Lease or title documents, landlord consents (if leasehold)
• Recent management accounts and bank statements

From enquiry to funds drawdown: small unsecured facilities can complete in days; larger secured or multi-site deals may take several weeks depending on due diligence.

Smart Ways to Structure Fit-Out Funding

Consider combining products to manage cost and cashflow: e.g., a longer-term secured loan for major works plus equipment finance for high-value fittings. Staged drawdowns or a temporary bridging facility can keep operations running while works complete.

Sustainability upgrades (LED lighting, efficient HVAC, EV chargers) can be bundled into fit-out finance — some partners also know about grants or green finance options to reduce net cost.

Fit-Out Finance Case Snapshots (Illustrative)

Results vary — examples are illustrative only.

Fit-Out Finance FAQs

Can I get fit-out finance if I rent my premises?

Yes — many lenders fund leasehold fit-outs. You’ll typically need to show the lease, any landlord consents and a clear works specification.

How fast can fit-out funding be arranged?

Small unsecured loans can be approved in days; larger secured or multi-site facilities usually take weeks. Speed depends on documentation and lender type.

Will applying affect existing borrowing?

Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform checks if you progress with an application.

Do I have to accept an offer introduced to me?

No. You are under no obligation to accept any offer. Fast Business Loans simply introduces you to potential providers.

Still unsure? Request a Free Eligibility Check.

Next Steps — Unlock the Right Fit-Out Finance Today

Ready to move forward? Three quick steps:

1. Complete our short enquiry form — it takes less than 2 minutes.
2. We’ll match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-outs.
3. Compare offers and proceed only if the terms suit you.

Get started with a Free Eligibility Check — no cost, no obligation.

Important compliance note

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Any finance arranged via introduced lenders or brokers is subject to status, credit checks and affordability assessments by those providers. Our service is free to use; we may receive a commission from lenders or brokers if you proceed, but you are under no obligation to accept any quote.

We arrange funding for companies from approximately £10,000 and upwards. Submitting an enquiry is a quick way to discover the most suitable lenders and brokers for your fit-out project.