Fit-Out Finance for UK Businesses: Compare Options in Minutes

Summary: Fit-out finance helps UK businesses fund commercial refurbishments — from shopfronts and kitchens to HVAC, lighting and furniture. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend; we match companies needing £10,000+ with suitable lenders and brokers quickly and for free. Complete a short enquiry and get matched to partners who can provide quotes, usually within hours. Start your free eligibility check now: Free Eligibility Check.

Ready to Refurbish? We’ll Connect You Fast

Refurbishing or fitting-out premises is exciting — and expensive. Tight timelines, landlord approvals and contractor schedules make getting the right finance critical. At Fast Business Loans we make that part simple: you complete a short enquiry (it’s not an application), we match your business to specialist lenders and brokers who understand fit-outs, and they contact you with options.

Typical sectors that use fit-out finance include retail, hospitality (restaurants, cafés, pubs), offices and leisure. Our service is free and no-obligation — and enquiring does not affect your credit score. Ready to compare options? Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

What Is Fit-Out Finance?

Fit-out finance is commercial funding purpose-built to pay for fitting out or refurbishing business premises. It covers structural and non-structural costs required to prepare a space for trading.

Fit-out finance at a glance

• Purpose: finance shopfitting, kitchens, fixtures, IT cabling, signage and compliance work.
• Typical values: from around £10,000 upwards.
• Terms: short (months) to medium/long (up to several years) depending on product.
• Security: unsecured, secured on business assets, or commercial property depending on lender.
• Time to funds: from 48 hours to several weeks depending on product and documents.

What projects qualify?

Eligible expenses commonly include:

• Shopfitting and joinery
• Commercial kitchens, extraction and ventilation
• Flooring, lighting and heating (HVAC)
• Fixed furniture, shelving and display units
• Signage, glazing and external works
• Compliance works (fire safety, accessibility)

Quick comparison

How Fit-Out Funding Works from Enquiry to Installation

1. Complete our short enquiry form — it takes under 2 minutes and is not a loan application.
2. We match your details to lenders and brokers from our panel who specialise in fit-outs.
3. A broker or lender contacts you to discuss the project and request documents.
4. Quotes and term sheets are provided for you to compare.
5. Choose an offer and complete lender paperwork — lenders may perform credit checks at this stage.
6. Funds are released and installation begins per the agreed drawdown schedule.

Want to start? Get My Fit-Out Finance Quote — quick, free and no obligation.

Who Uses Fit-Out Finance?

Many sectors routinely use fit-out funding. Below are common examples.

Retail & e-commerce store fronts

From high street shops to concept stores — fit-out finance covers displays, stockroom works and POS systems.

Restaurants, cafés, pubs and QSR chains

Kitchen fit-outs, extraction, dining area refurbs and accessibility works are frequently funded.

Clinics, pharmacies and healthcare practices

Specialist electrical, plumbing and partitioning for clinical compliance.

Serviced offices & co-working spaces

Open-plan refits, meeting rooms and M&E upgrades to attract tenants.

Leisure, gyms, salons and spas

Changing rooms, treatment rooms, specialist flooring and equipment installations.

Funding Options We Can Introduce

Fast Business Loans connects you with brokers and lenders who offer a range of products — we do not lend ourselves.

Unsecured Fit-Out Loans

Suitable for smaller projects and businesses with a clean credit profile. Typical sizes from £10k to £150k; terms often 12–60 months.

Secured Fit-Out Loans

Larger amounts or longer terms secured against business assets or property. Suitable for major refurbishments.

Asset Finance & Hire Purchase

Ideal for financing fixtures, ovens, refrigeration and other tangible assets — you pay over time while using the equipment.

Operating Leases

Leases for equipment where ownership remains with the lessor — useful for high-cost kit with upgrade cycles.

Merchant Cash Advance for Refurbishment

Short-term option where repayments are linked to card takings — suitable for card-heavy retail and hospitality businesses.

Commercial Bridging Loans

Short-term bridging for urgent works or when timing between property transactions and build works is tight.

What lenders often ask for:

• Trading history and recent management accounts
• Turnover and bank statements
• Contractor quotes and schedules of works
• Landlord consent or lease details where premises are rented
• Planning permissions or compliance certificates if required

For more background on fit-out lending types see our fit-out finance overview: fit-out finance.

Why Partner with Fast Business Loans?

• Free matching service — we only make money when you complete an enquiry and are matched.
• Fast responses — quotes typically arrive within hours during business days.
• Wide lender & broker panel covering specialist fit-out needs.
• Sector expertise — we match you to partners who understand your industry.
• Secure handling of your data and clear, transparent process.

“We secured a £150k shop refit in 10 days and the new layout was installed two weeks later — excellent support from the broker introduced by Fast Business Loans.” — Independent retailer, Manchester

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Costs, Terms and What to Budget

Loan sizes commonly range from £10,000 to £1,000,000+ depending on project and security. Terms vary: short-term bridging or merchant advances (weeks to months) to medium-term loans and asset finance (12–84 months).

Rates fluctuate by lender and borrower profile. Always request each lender’s full APR, arrangement fees, early repayment charges and any ongoing fees before proceeding.

For impartial guidance on business finance options see GOV.UK business finance overview (gov.uk/business-finance-support).

Eligibility Snapshot & Supporting Documents

Common eligibility factors:

• Limited company trading in the UK (we do not match sole traders/professions loans)
• Minimum loan size typically £10,000
• Turnover expectations vary by lender
• Credit history, management experience and cash flow projections
• Landlord consent for leased premises

Documents to prepare:

• Latest management accounts & bank statements
• Contractor quotes and fit-out schedule
• Business plan or project summary
• Lease or property ownership details

Note: some lenders may require personal guarantees for owner-managed companies.

Tips to Strengthen Your Fit-Out Finance Application

1. Get two or three detailed contractor quotes and a clear project timeline.
2. Include a contingency (typically 5–10%) in costings — show this to lenders.
3. Prepare a simple cash flow forecast showing repayments and projected sales.
4. Secure landlord consent early if premises are leased.
5. Compile compliance documentation (electrical, gas, extraction) in advance.
6. Highlight sustainability improvements — some lenders favour energy-efficient upgrades.

Mini Case Study: 6-Week Restaurant Refit

A regional bistro required a £120,000 refit to upgrade kitchen extraction and refresh the dining area. Fast Business Loans matched the director with a broker experienced in hospitality fit-outs. Quote and terms were agreed within 5 days; funds released after contract signatures and landlord consent. Refit completed in six weeks and trading improved by 18% month-on-month.

Fit-Out Finance FAQs

Can I apply for fit-out finance as a start-up with no trading history?

Some lenders consider new businesses if directors can offer additional security, a strong business plan, or personal guarantees. Availability varies — we match you with partners experienced in start-up fit-outs.

How quickly can funds be released for a refurbishment?

Timescales depend on product and documentation. Some lenders offer drawdown within 48 hours of contract completion; others may take several weeks. Faster options may include merchant cash advances or bridging finance.

Do lenders require personal guarantees?

Many lenders ask for personal guarantees, particularly for owner-managed businesses or where security is limited. Terms depend on lender and case specifics.

Can I finance soft furnishings and décor?

Yes — many fit-out products include fixtures, fittings, and soft furnishings. Asset finance is commonly used for equipment; unsecured loans can cover décor and minor works.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry with Fast Business Loans will not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks if you choose to progress with an application.

What if my premises are leased rather than owned?

Leased premises are commonly funded but lenders usually require landlord consent. Include lease details and a landlord contact to speed the process.

Start Your Fit-Out Finance Enquiry

Ready to explore fit-out finance options? Complete our short enquiry — it’s free, quick and carries no obligation. We’ll match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and project size.

• Free matching with trusted UK lenders and brokers
• Enquiry does not affect your credit score
• Quotes typically returned within hours

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or financial advice. Any finance offered is subject to status and lender terms. Lenders will confirm rates, fees and repayment obligations before you proceed. Ensure you can afford repayments before committing.

For impartial information on business finance, see: gov.uk – Business finance and support.

– What is fit-out finance?
It’s commercial funding designed to pay for refurbishing business premises, covering shopfitting, kitchens, HVAC, fixtures, signage and compliance works.

– How does Fast Business Loans help with fit-out finance?
You complete a quick, free enquiry (not an application) and we match your UK company with specialist brokers and lenders who send quotes to compare, usually within hours.

– Is the enquiry a loan application?
No—it’s an information-only enquiry used to connect you with suitable lenders and brokers.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, your enquiry won’t affect your credit score, and checks only happen if you choose to proceed with a lender.

– How fast can I get funds for a refurbishment?
Depending on product and documents, some lenders can release funds within 48 hours while others take several days to a few weeks.

– What loan amounts and terms are available for fit-outs?
Typical amounts start from £10,000 up to £1,000,000+ with terms from a few months to around 84 months, depending on product and security.

– What finance options can I compare for a fit-out?
Unsecured and secured fit-out loans, asset finance/hire purchase, operating leases, merchant cash advances and commercial bridging loans.

– Who is eligible for fit-out finance?
We match UK limited companies (not sole traders), with lenders assessing trading history, credit profile, turnover and project details.

– What documents will lenders usually ask for?
Expect management accounts, bank statements, contractor quotes and schedules of works, lease details/landlord consent, and any planning or compliance certificates.

– Do lenders require personal guarantees or security?
Many lenders request personal guarantees and may secure larger deals against business assets or property, subject to your case.