Summary: Fit-out finance helps UK businesses fund the cost of refurbishing or fitting out commercial premises — from design and construction to fixtures, fittings and compliance works. Fast Business Loans does not lend; we introduce businesses to specialist brokers and lenders who can provide tailored fit-out loan options from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a quick, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll match you with partners who can provide fast quotes without affecting your credit score.

Fit-Out Finance for UK Businesses – Fast, flexible, and focused on your project

Commercial refurbishments and fit-outs can quickly eat into working capital. Whether you’re opening a new shop, upgrading a restaurant, or modernising an office, fit-out funding lets you spread the cost so your business keeps operating while improvements happen. Fast Business Loans connects you to brokers and lenders experienced in fit-out loans and commercial refurbishment funding across the UK. Our service is free and matching is no obligation — start with a quick eligibility check and get tailored quotes fast.

Get Started – 2‑Minute Eligibility Check

Why fit-out finance matters for growth-oriented firms

Fit-outs are more than cosmetic changes: they can affect customer experience, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. That’s why many businesses choose to finance fit-outs instead of paying upfront.

• Cash flow protection — keep operating capital available while improving your premises.
• Faster launches and refurbishments — access funds to start work immediately.
• Improved ROI — staged investment can increase turnover (better layout, modern equipment, improved ambience).
• Meet lease or landlord requirements — fund mandatory upgrades without large capital outlay.

Typical cost drivers: design fees, building works, mechanical & electrical upgrades, fixtures & fittings (FF&E), compliance and contingency allowances. Industries using fit-out finance most often include retail, hospitality, offices, and clinics.

What is fit-out finance? Definition, uses and how it works

Fit-out finance covers funding for the refurbishment or fitting-out of commercial premises. Use the funds to pay contractors, buy fixtures and equipment, or bridge VAT and staged payment schedules.

Fit-outs are commonly described as:

• CAT A: Basic finishes and core services (flooring, ceilings, power). Often landlord-driven.
• CAT B: Tenant-specific fit-out — partitions, furnishings, fixtures and signage.

How it typically works:

• Submit a short enquiry (not an application) — it won’t affect your credit score.
• We match you with lenders/brokers who specialise in fit-out finance.
• Discuss terms and provide project documents and accounts.
• Choose an offer and the lender arranges funding (often drawn to contractor invoices or paid to you to cover costs).

Funding options our broker panel can introduce

Different lenders focus on different structures. Below are the common funding types our partners can source — and who they typically suit.

Unsecured fit-out loans (working capital boosts)

Best for businesses with good trading history and turnover that prefer not to use property as security. Typical amounts from £10,000 up to mid-six figures; terms usually 1–5 years.

• Pros: quick to arrange, no property security required in many cases.
• Cons: higher interest rates; lenders assess affordability strictly.

Secured fit-out loans (property or asset backed)

Lower interest rates where security is provided (debenture or charge against property). Suitable for larger projects or businesses with existing property assets.

• Pros: potentially lower cost, larger amounts available.
• Cons: risk to secured assets, longer legal process.

Asset & equipment finance for interior fixtures

Lease or hire-purchase for furniture, kitchen equipment or specialist machinery. Repayments aligned to the useful life of the asset.

VAT & staged payment facilities

Short-term facilities to cover VAT or staged contractor invoices until rental or sales income picks up. Useful when VAT on a fit-out is payable up front.

Merchant cash advance for hospitality & retail

Repayments tied to card takings. Fast to access but can be more expensive; suited to seasonal or high-turnover hospitality and retail businesses.

Want help matching to the right structure? Get Quote Now — free, no obligation, and quick.

Why use Fast Business Loans for your fit-out project?

• Free matching service — we introduce you to lenders and brokers; we don’t lend ourselves.
• Save time — one short enquiry and we do the legwork to find suitable partners.
• Sector experience — we work with lenders who understand retail, hospitality, office and specialist fit-outs.
• No initial credit impact — submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score.
• Human support — our team helps clarify documentation and next steps.

Start Your Enquiry – No Obligation

Eligibility snapshot: who typically qualifies for fit-out finance?

Each lender has its own criteria, but common factors include:

• Trading history — many lenders prefer at least 6–12 months trading; established SMEs with 2+ years have more options.
• Turnover and cashflow — demonstrated ability to service repayments.
• Management accounts or historic accounts — to show affordability.
• Director credit history — relevant for unsecured options and smaller businesses.
• Security options — property or asset security increases lender appetite for larger sums.

Start-ups or new sites still have options with specialist lenders, often supported by pro forma financials, business plans and landlord consent.

What information and documents will you need?

Note: partners may request further checks under their own terms and affordability rules.

Fit-out cost calculator: from budget to funding gap (estimate guide)

Typical fit-out cost categories:

• Pre-construction: design, surveys and planning fees (5–10%).
• Construction: structure, M&E, carpentry (50–70%).
• Fixtures, fittings & equipment (FF&E) (10–25%).
• Contingency (5–10%).

Quick manual example: projected fit-out = £80,000. Business has £20,000 available → funding gap £60,000. You can request quotes to cover full gap or part-cover with a mix of asset finance for equipment and a loan for construction.

Free Eligibility Check — tell us your estimated budget and we’ll match you to lenders who can help.

Sector-specific fit-out considerations & funding tips

Retail & e-commerce showrooms

Focus on display fixtures, lighting and POS equipment. Lenders look for projected footfall and lease length.

Hospitality (restaurants, bars, cafés)

Kitchen equipment often qualifies for asset finance; ventilation and compliance costs can be significant. Seasonal trading may affect repayment schedules — consider flexible structures.

Office & co‑working spaces

Open-plan fit-outs with modular furniture can be supported by asset finance; longer-term loans suit established occupants.

Health, beauty & wellness clinics

Specialist equipment and partition works; lenders will want evidence of operator qualifications and projected appointment schedules.

For example, if you’re planning a restaurant refit you may find specialist options discussed on our fit-out pages — see how fit-out finance can work for hospitality projects: fit‑out finance.

Step-by-step: from enquiry to funds in your account

1. Complete a short enquiry (2 minutes) — we ask about business, funding required and contact details.
2. We match you to up to three lenders or brokers best placed for your sector and project.
3. Discuss terms with partners and submit documents.
4. Receive offers and choose the most suitable. Lenders pay funds directly to you or your contractors per the agreed drawdown schedule.

We handle introductions — you decide whether to proceed. Data is shared only with matched partners for the purpose of arranging finance.

Responsible borrowing & risk management

Before taking finance, always:

• Test affordability under different revenue scenarios.
• Build a contingency into the budget.
• Check terms for fees, early repayment charges and interest type.
• Consider professional advice from your accountant or solicitor for large projects.

Success snapshot: transformational fit-out funding in action

Example (anonymised): A café chain needed a £120,000 refit across two sites. After a single enquiry they were introduced to a lender offering a blended package: asset finance for kitchen equipment and a secured loan for refurbishment. Funds were agreed in 10 days and completed within six weeks — resulting in increased weekly turnover and a quicker payback than projected.

FAQs on fit-out finance & Fast Business Loans

Are fit-out loans different from refurbishment loans?

They are similar. “Fit-out” often refers to the tenant-specific works (CAT B) while “refurbishment” can include broader building works. Lenders may use the terms interchangeably but will want detailed budgets and quotes.

Can I fund both soft furnishings and structural works?

Yes. Lenders will classify costs; some prefer asset finance for fixtures and hire-purchase for equipment, and loans for construction and structural works.

How fast can fit-out finance be approved?

Matching and initial quotes can come within hours. Full approval depends on documentation and security requirements — many lenders can agree terms in days, with funds released once paperwork is complete.

Do start-ups with limited trading history stand a chance?

Yes — specialist lenders and brokers work with start-ups using business plans, forecasts and landlord agreements. Options and costs vary, so matching to the right partner is important.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting a short enquiry to Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out soft or hard credit checks if you proceed.

Are there government-backed schemes for fit-out projects?

There are occasional regional or sector schemes (e.g. regeneration funding). We can introduce you to brokers who understand local grant and loan options where available.

Ready to transform your space?

If you’re planning a shop, office, restaurant or clinic fit-out, don’t tie up cash unnecessarily. Fast Business Loans will match you with lenders and brokers who understand fit-out projects and can provide quick, tailored quotes. Our service is free, quick and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Get Your Fit-Out Finance Quote Today

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is a request for an introduction and will not affect your credit score. Finance is subject to status, terms and affordability checks.

– What is fit-out finance for UK businesses?
Fit-out finance helps UK businesses fund the refurbishment or fitting-out of commercial premises, covering design, construction, fixtures, equipment and compliance costs.

– How much can I borrow for a commercial fit-out?
Lenders we introduce typically offer from around £10,000, with larger amounts available (often to mid-six figures or more) depending on affordability and security.

– How quickly can fit-out finance be approved and funded?
You can receive matched introductions and indicative quotes within hours, with many lenders approving in days and releasing funds once paperwork is complete.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, our short enquiry is not an application and won’t affect your credit score, though lenders may run checks if you choose to proceed.

– Do you lend directly or give financial advice?
Fast Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice; we connect you free of charge with trusted UK brokers and lenders on a no‑obligation basis.

– What can a fit-out loan be used for?
Funds can cover CAT A and CAT B works including design fees, building and M&E works, fixtures and fittings, equipment, VAT and staged contractor payments.

– Do I need security for a fit-out loan?
Both unsecured and secured options exist, with secured facilities typically offering larger amounts or lower rates in exchange for property or asset security.

– Can start-ups or new sites get fit-out funding?
Yes, specialist lenders can consider start-ups using business plans, forecasts and landlord consent, though pricing and limits vary.

– What are the eligibility criteria and documents needed?
Lenders usually assess trading history, turnover and cash flow, accounts and director credit, and will ask for a project budget, contractor quotes, recent bank statements and lease/landlord approvals.

– What interest rates and terms are available for fit-out finance?
Rates and terms vary by lender, security and profile, but unsecured terms are commonly 1–5 years with secured or asset finance potentially longer and often lower cost.