Fit-Out Finance: Fast Funding Options for UK Business Refurbishments

Summary: Need funding to refurbish, refit or upgrade commercial premises? Fit-out finance helps businesses pay for design, construction, equipment and compliance works. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we quickly match your company with specialist lenders and brokers who may be able to provide facilities from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to get matched to the best providers for your project.

Get Your Free Eligibility Check — takes under 2 minutes and is no obligation.

What is fit-out finance and when do businesses use it?

Fit-out finance is a category of commercial funding used to pay for the works required to make a rented or purchased space ready for trading. That includes design, construction, fixtures, fittings and specialist equipment. Businesses use fit-out finance when they want to accelerate a refurbishment or open new premises without draining operational cashflow.

A quick definition

Fit-out finance is tailored to cover project costs related to turning an empty shell or existing space into a trading environment — from shopfitting and kitchens to office partitions and M&E upgrades.

Typical costs a fit-out facility can cover

• Design and project management fees
• Construction and contractor invoices
• Mechanical & electrical works (HVAC, lighting)
• Fixtures, fittings and furniture
• Specialist equipment (catering, POS systems)
• Compliance, licences and planning-related costs
• Professional fees (structural, legal) and contingency

Industries and project triggers

Common users include retail stores, cafés and restaurants, offices, pubs, leisure venues and healthcare premises. Typical triggers are lease renewals, site expansions, rebrands, regulatory upgrades and pre-opening fit-outs.

Get Quote Now — quick, no-obligation eligibility check.

How fit-out finance works in the UK

Fit-out funding is available in several structures depending on the size and nature of your project. Lenders and brokers will assess the project, your company’s finances and security options before recommending a suitable facility.

• Term loans — fixed sums for a fixed term, repayable monthly.
• Asset-backed loans or mortgages — larger facilities secured against property or assets.
• Equipment finance / hire purchase — pay for equipment over time, ownership transfers on final payment.
• Leasing — keep equipment on lease if you don’t want to buy outright.
• Staged drawdowns — funds released against milestones or supplier invoices.

Repayments, interest rates and security requirements vary by lender and are influenced by sector risk, company accounts and director guarantors. Fast Business Loans will ensure lenders only contact you after you submit basic details — your enquiry is not an application and does not commit you to borrow.

Free Eligibility Check — tell us about your project and we’ll match you to suitable partners.

Why partner with Fast Business Loans for your fit-out project?

• Speed: our matching process connects you to likely lenders/brokers quickly so you can progress your project to tender and works.
• Choice: we introduce you to a panel of commercial lenders and specialist brokers, not a single source of funding.
• Simplicity: one short enquiry — we handle the matching and save you time.
• No obligation and free to use: submitting an enquiry won’t commit you to an application.
• Data protection: we only share details with partners that can genuinely help your request.

We do not provide loans or regulated advice — we introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who will assess and, if appropriate, offer finance. For a quick start, Get Started with a Free Eligibility Check.

Fit-out finance options we can introduce you to

Our partners offer a range of solutions. The right mix depends on project size, cashflow and whether you can offer security.

Unsecured business loans

Best for small to medium refurbishments where directors prefer not to offer assets as security. Typical amounts from £10,000; shorter terms and higher rates compared with secured facilities.

Secured loans & asset-backed facilities

Used for larger projects. Security can include property or high-value assets which may reduce the cost of borrowing and extend terms.

Equipment & asset finance

For specialist kit such as kitchen equipment, refrigeration, audio-visual or heavy items. Repayments can match useful life of the asset.

Hire purchase & leasing

Spreads the cost of individual items. Leasing preserves cash and may offer tax advantages depending on your circumstances.

Revolving credit lines

Useful for phased works and managing contractor invoices as they arise.

Fit-out funding eligibility & required information

Minimum criteria our partners typically look for

• Limited companies and trading entities (not sole traders) — lenders’ criteria vary
• Trading history and turnover appropriate to facility size
• Affordable repayment profile and acceptable credit profile
• Project viability — clear use of funds and supplier quotes

Documents & data to prepare

• Recent management accounts or annual accounts
• Business plan or project summary
• Lease, licence or proof of property interest
• Contractor quotes, schedules and project timeline
• Director ID and proof of address (where required)

Strengthening your application

• Provide 2–3 supplier quotes to show competitive pricing
• Include a simple cashflow forecast demonstrating repayment capacity
• Confirm planning or licences if they affect works

When you submit details via our enquiry, remember: it is not an application — it’s information we use to match you with lenders/brokers who can help. Upload details once — we’ll do the matching.

Fit-out budget planner: example cost breakdown

Accurate budgets reduce surprises. The following is illustrative; adjust to suit your project.

Tip: always include a contingency of 10–15% and account for VAT, deposits and retention sums to suppliers.

Timeline: From initial enquiry to opening day

1. Submit enquiry (Day 0) — basic project and company details.
2. Consultation & document request (Day 1–3) — partners request supporting documents.
3. Indicative offers & partner introductions (Day 3–7) — suitable lenders/brokers contact you.
4. Credit assessment & approval (Week 2–3) — formal underwriting once you choose a partner.
5. Drawdown & supplier payments (Week 3+) — funds released according to agreed schedule.
6. Fit-out works & completion — staged payments and final inspections.

Complex projects or ones needing planning permission will take longer. For a quick start, Book your Free Eligibility Check.

Case snapshot: Retail refit completed with broker support (illustrative)

Illustrative example: A small café needed a second site refit costing £120,000. The owner wanted to preserve working capital. Our match introduced a broker who combined a £70k unsecured business loan with £50k equipment finance for ovens and refrigeration. Documents were supplied within a week and staged drawdowns matched the contractor’s milestones. The site opened 10 weeks after initial enquiry. Results varied by case and are not guaranteed.

Benefits and considerations to keep in mind

Key benefits

• Preserves cashflow so day-to-day operations aren’t disrupted
• Matches repayments to the expected returns of the refit
• Access to specialist lenders who understand fit-out risk

Considerations & risks

• Interest and fees increase project cost — compare total cost of credit
• Security and guarantees may be required for larger facilities
• Early repayment charges or covenants could apply — check terms

If borrowing isn’t the right route, consider landlord contributions, staged supplier payment terms or government/local grants where available (speak to your advisor for eligibility).

How to start your fit-out finance enquiry today

Three easy steps:

1. Complete our short online enquiry (takes under 2 minutes) — Get Quote Now.
2. We match your project to lenders/brokers most likely to help.
3. A partner will contact you with options — you decide whether to proceed.

Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Our service is free and no obligation.

Fit-out finance FAQs

How much can I borrow for a commercial fit-out?

Facilities typically start from around £10,000 and can extend into six or seven figures depending on lender appetite, company turnover and project viability.

Will applying through Fast Business Loans affect my credit score?

No — completing our enquiry is not a formal application and does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you proceed.

How quickly can funds be released?

Once approved and paperwork completed, many lenders arrange drawdowns within days for simple cases. Complex or secured deals take longer.

What security do lenders usually require?

For larger facilities lenders commonly seek security such as a charge over property or assets and sometimes director guarantees. Options vary by lender.

Can I finance both equipment and labour costs?

Yes. Many facilities cover contractor invoices, equipment and professional fees provided the use of funds is clear and suppliers are reputable.

Are there tax reliefs linked to fit-out investments?

Potentially. Capital allowances and other reliefs may apply to certain assets — speak to your accountant for tailored tax advice.

Glossary: essential fit-out finance terms

• Fit-out — the process of making premises ready to trade.
• Drawdown — releasing funds from a facility.
• Hire purchase — finance agreement to buy equipment with staged payments.
• Asset finance — loans secured on equipment.
• Personal guarantee — director-level guarantee of a company obligation.
• Contingency — budget reserve for unforeseen costs.

Helpful resources & next steps

Related guides on our site: Business Loans overview, Asset & Equipment Finance, Cash Flow Loans. For a detailed guide on fit-out costs see industry sources such as RICS (external).

For more detail about fit-out funding options on this subject, read our pillar guide to fit-out finance.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender — and we do not give regulated financial advice. All finance is subject to lender checks, affordability and terms. To start, Start Your Free Eligibility Check now.

– Q: What is fit-out finance and who is it for?
A: Fit-out finance funds the design, construction, M&E, fixtures, fittings and equipment needed to get UK shops, restaurants, offices and similar premises ready to trade.

– Q: How much can I borrow for a commercial fit-out?
A: Facilities typically start around £10,000 and can reach six or seven figures depending on turnover, security and project viability.

– Q: How quickly can fit-out funds be released?
A: Simple cases can draw down within days after approval and paperwork, while secured or more complex projects usually take longer.

– Q: Will completing Fast Business Loans’ enquiry affect my credit score?
A: No — it’s an eligibility check, not an application, and lenders only run credit checks if you choose to proceed.

– Q: What costs can a fit-out loan cover?
A: Funding can cover design and professional fees, contractor invoices, M&E works, furniture and fittings, specialist equipment, compliance costs and contingency.

– Q: What types of finance are available for a refurbishment?
A: Options include unsecured and secured business loans, equipment finance, hire purchase or leasing, revolving credit lines and staged drawdowns.

– Q: Do I need security or a personal guarantee for fit-out finance?
A: Smaller unsecured facilities may rely on director guarantees, while larger loans often require property or asset security.

– Q: What are typical terms and rates for fit-out finance?
A: Terms and pricing vary by lender, sector risk and security, ranging from short 1–5 year unsecured loans to longer-term secured facilities.

– Q: What eligibility and documents do lenders usually require?
A: Lenders typically look for a UK trading entity with suitable turnover and credit plus accounts, lease details, contractor quotes, a project summary and ID.

– Q: How do I start and what’s the process with Fast Business Loans?
A: Complete the Free Eligibility Check (under 2 minutes), we match you to suitable lenders/brokers, and you decide whether to proceed with any options offered.