What is fit-out finance and how does it work?

Fit-out finance is the range of business lending options designed to pay for the refurbishment, fit-out or refurbishment of commercial premises — from shop displays and kitchen installs to Cat B office works and compliance upgrades. Funding can cover hard costs (construction, materials), equipment (ovens, HVAC, specialist medical kit) and often soft costs (design fees, licences).

Fast Business Loans does not lend. We connect your business with lenders and brokers who can provide tailored offers. Submitting an enquiry is not an application — it’s information we use to match you with the providers most likely to offer competitive terms. Complete our two‑minute enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check.

Common fit-out funding structures

• Unsecured business loans — Quick to arrange, good for smaller projects where directors don’t want to offer security. Usually higher rates than secured options.
• Secured loans — Backed by property or other assets; can offer lower rates for larger refurbishments but involve security and valuation processes.
• Asset & equipment finance — Spread the cost of major items (kitchen lines, extractors, specialist chairs) over fixed terms, often with tax-efficient structures.
• Lease and hire-purchase — For equipment-heavy fit-outs; preserve cash while paying over time.
• Short-term bridging — Bridge cash until longer-term funding is in place; useful for staged projects or late supplier payments.
• Invoice finance / merchant cash advance — Alternatives for working capital during fit-out but not usually ideal for major construction costs.

Typical loan sizes we help arrange start from around £10,000 and can range into the hundreds of thousands or millions depending on lender capacity and project needs.

How Fast Business Loans matches you with fit-out lenders

We use a fast, 4-step matching process designed for speed and relevance:

1. Complete a short enquiry with project details and contact info (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We review your needs and match you with lenders or brokers from our panel who specialise in fit-outs and your sector.
3. Matched partners contact you—often within hours—to request any supporting documents and provide indicative terms.
4. You compare offers, choose the best fit, and proceed directly with the lender or broker.

We prioritise quick responses and relevant matches — but remember that any formal offer is subject to the lender’s checks and terms. Ready to see if your project qualifies? Get a Fit-Out Finance Quote.

Documentation & details we’ll ask for

To match you effectively, partners typically need:

• Basic company information and contact details
• Estimated project cost and scope (design plans or a brief description)
• Latest management accounts or financials
• Projected revenue impact or business plan for post-fit-out trading
• Details of any proposed security or guarantees

Submitting these via our enquiry helps speed up responses. All data is handled securely and only shared with relevant partners who can help your project.

Fit-out finance options by sector

Different sectors have different lending profiles. Below are common scenarios and the finance types that often work best.

Retail & e-commerce fit-outs

Shop layouts, display units, POS systems. Lenders will consider seasonal cashflow and stock cycles. Asset finance plus a short-term working capital loan is a common mix.

Hospitality & leisure (restaurants, pubs, gyms)

Kitchen fit-outs, bar installations, ventilation and extraction systems. Staged drawdowns and asset finance for costly equipment help manage cashflow during install.

Offices & professional services

Cat B works, furniture, IT infrastructure. Asset finance and unsecured term loans are typical; landlords’ consent may be required for certain works.

Healthcare & wellness clinics

Specialist equipment and compliance upgrades. Lenders experienced in regulated sectors can structure funding around equipment lifecycles and reimbursement streams.

Industrial & manufacturing units

Mezzanines, workflow modifications, safety upgrades. Larger projects often combine secured lending with equipment financing.

Understanding the costs of a commercial fit-out

Costs vary by sector, design standard and location. Key cost drivers include:

• Design and professional fees
• Construction and contractor labour
• Specialist equipment and installation
• Compliance and building control charges
• Contingency for overruns

As a rule of thumb, obtain several contractor quotes and include a contingency (typically 10%–20%). Many lenders will support staged drawdowns tied to supplier invoices to control spending.

Eligibility & credit considerations

Lenders typically assess:

• Trading history and turnover
• Profitability and management accounts
• Credit profile of the business and directors
• The value and type of any security offered

Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans performs a soft, non-credit-search match — it won’t affect your credit file. Formal applications may include full credit checks and valuations.

How to improve approval chances

• Prepare itemised quotes and a clear project plan
• Provide up-to-date financials and realistic forecasts
• Show how the fit-out will improve revenue or efficiency
• Consider asset finance for high-value equipment

Comparing fit-out finance products: key questions to ask

When you receive offers, compare on these points:

• Interest rate type (fixed or variable) and representative APR
• Arrangement fees, ongoing fees and early repayment charges
• Security: is property, equipment or personal guarantee required?
• Flexibility of drawdowns and staged payments
• Repayment term and any seasonal repayment arrangements
• What happens if costs overrun or the project timeline changes?

Fast Business Loans introduces multiple options so you can compare objectively and choose the best fit. Get Matched with Lenders

Case snapshot: funding a £250k restaurant fit-out

Scenario: Independent restaurant required a full kitchen upgrade, new bar and dining refurb. Total budget £250,000.

Structure: Client was introduced to two lenders — one offered £150,000 unsecured term loan (5-year term) and another provided £100,000 in asset finance for kitchen equipment (7-year term). Drawdowns were staged against supplier invoices.

Outcome: Works completed in 10 weeks; financing terms aligned to seasonal cashflow and repayments. Illustrative example only — actual outcomes vary by lender and business.

Why businesses choose Fast Business Loans

Businesses use Fast Business Loans because we:

• Save time by matching you with relevant lenders and brokers
• Increase your chance of a competitive offer by targeting the right partners
• Offer a free, no‑obligation introduction process
• Protect your credit score — the enquiry is non‑impacting

We’re an introducer — we don’t provide finance ourselves or give regulated financial advice. If you’re ready to explore options, Start Your Enquiry and get responses from specialist lenders and brokers.

FAQs: Fit-out finance with Fast Business Loans

What types of fit-out projects can you help finance?

We connect businesses seeking shopfitting, restaurant or kitchen refits, office Cat B works, healthcare upgrades and larger industrial refurbishments with lenders that specialise in those sectors.

How quickly will I receive offers after submitting the enquiry?

Submit our short enquiry and, during business hours, matched partners generally respond within a few hours. Complex projects may take longer as lenders review quotes and documentation.

Will submitting an enquiry affect our credit score?

No. The initial enquiry is a soft matchmaking step and does not impact credit files. Lenders may run formal credit checks later in the application process.

Do I need property security?

Not always. Many lenders offer unsecured options for smaller sums, but larger or longer-term funding is more likely to require security such as property or director guarantees.

Can I finance soft costs like design fees and licences?

Yes — some lenders will include design and professional fees in the funding package. Be clear in your enquiry so we can match you with partners who accept soft costs.

If your question isn’t listed, complete our short enquiry and a specialist will contact you. Free Eligibility Check

Getting started: 3 steps to secure fit-out finance

1. Complete our short enquiry form with project and business details: Get Quote Now.
2. We match you to lenders and brokers with relevant sector experience.
3. Compare the offers you receive and proceed directly with the provider you choose.

There’s no cost to use our service and no obligation to proceed after you’re matched. If you want project-specific guidance before applying, include your brief in the enquiry and a matched partner will call to help.

Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer only and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. All finance is subject to status, lender terms and credit checks. Submitting an enquiry is not a loan application.