What is fit‑out finance?

Fit‑out finance is a category of business funding designed to cover the costs of making a commercial space ready for use. That includes Cat A/Cat B works, interior refurbishment, mechanical & electrical upgrades, specialist ventilation, signage, and FF&E such as chairs, shelving and kitchen equipment.

Fit‑out projects vary widely in scale — from small shop refits to multi‑site hospitality rollouts. Finance can be unsecured, secured against assets or property, or structured as staged drawdowns to match contractor payment milestones. Fast Business Loans introduces businesses (minimum enquiries for loans of £10,000 and up) to lenders and brokers who specialise in these solutions.

For practical reading on options and examples of fit‑out lending, see our detailed guide to fit‑out finance.

When businesses choose fit‑out funding

Launching a new site

Opening a new retail unit, restaurant or office often requires significant upfront capital before trading begins. Fit‑out finance covers the capital needed to take a unit from shell to operating.

Rebranding or reconfiguring space

Changes in customer experience or hybrid working models can require new layouts, improved IT & AV, and refits. Finance lets you modernise without draining cash reserves.

Compliance, accessibility & sustainability upgrades

Fire safety works, accessibility improvements and energy efficiency upgrades are increasingly important. Specialist lenders can structure finance to include CAPEX for low‑carbon equipment, sometimes alongside grants or landlord contributions.

Get a tailored fit‑out funding match — complete a short enquiry and a lender or broker will contact you to discuss options.

Typical fit‑out costs & common funding gaps

Fit‑out costs depend on specification and sector. Typical cost headings:

• Design & professional fees (architect, M&E consultant)
• Soft strip & preparatory works
• Construction & finishes (Cat A/Cat B)
• M&E, lighting, fire & security systems
• Fixtures, fittings & equipment (FF&E)
• Contingency (typically 5–10%)
• VAT and working capital for staged payments

Common funding gaps arise from deposits, staged contractor payments, landlord retention requirements and VAT timing. Many businesses use a blend of fit‑out loan + asset finance or staged drawdowns to manage cashflow.

Check your eligibility in minutes — no credit impact.

Fit‑out finance options we can introduce

Fast Business Loans connects you to lenders and brokers able to offer a range of solutions. Below are the typical options and when they suit your project.

Unsecured business loans

Quick to arrange, suitable for lower‑value fit‑outs (from around £10k). Terms usually short to medium (1–5 years). No asset security required but rates reflect unsecured risk.

Asset finance & hire purchase

Ideal for FF&E and equipment. You spread cost over an agreed term; ownership transfers at the end of the agreement. Useful when you want off‑balance sheet flexibility.

Commercial property loans & refurbishment mortgages

For major refurbishments or owner‑occupied properties, a secured commercial mortgage or refurbishment facility can fund larger projects with longer repayment profiles.

Invoice finance / revolving facilities

For contractors and businesses with staged invoicing, invoice finance or an overdraft facility keeps contractors paid while the fit‑out progresses.

Blended solutions

Often the best route is a blended package: part unsecured loan for immediate cash, asset finance for FF&E, and commercial lending for major structural works. Our partners can structure combined solutions.

Actual ranges and terms are set by lenders. Submit a single enquiry and compare multiple offers: Submit your enquiry now.

How Fast Business Loans works (step‑by‑step)

1. Short enquiry: Tell us a few details about your business and project (takes under 2 minutes).
2. Match: We introduce your enquiry to selected lenders and brokers who specialise in fit‑outs.
3. Response: A partner will contact you—usually within 24 hours—to discuss terms and next steps.
4. Compare & proceed: Review quotes, choose the best fit and progress directly with the lender/broker.

We only introduce your details to partners who can help with your request. Our service is free, no obligation and designed to save you time.

Start your fit‑out finance enquiry.

Fit‑out finance eligibility & documents checklist

Having the right documents speeds up matching and underwriting. Typical requirements:

• Proof of identity and director details
• Company accounts or management accounts (last 12–24 months)
• Bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
• Project quotes / contractor schedules
• Landlord consent or lease details (if relevant)
• Business plan or cashflow projections for new ventures
• Details of existing debts and security offered

Start‑ups and businesses with limited trading history may still be eligible if supported by robust projections or third‑party guarantees. If you’re unsure, complete our short enquiry and a specialist will advise what’s needed.

Why businesses choose our introducer service

Save time: one enquiry, multiple matches. Increase your odds: we connect you to partners who specialise in your sector. Get speed: many partners respond within hours.

Sector expertise

We match retail, hospitality, healthcare and professional corporate refurbishments with lenders who understand the sector drivers, seasonal trading and fit‑out cost profiles.

Transparency & no obligation

Our service is free for businesses. You decide whether to proceed with any offer. We are an introducer — not a lender or financial adviser.

Get matched with fit‑out lending specialists.

Fit‑out financing success snapshots

Here are anonymised examples of how businesses used fit‑out finance.

Independent café — £85,000 Cat B fit‑out

Challenge: fast opening with limited cash. Solution: unsecured loan + asset finance for kitchen equipment. Outcome: funding agreed within a week; staged drawdowns matched contractor milestones.

Dental multi‑site rollout — £460,000 equipment & refurb

Challenge: simultaneous refits across three sites. Solution: blended package with refurbishment facility and hire purchase for dental chairs. Outcome: works completed without impacting working capital.

Results vary by lender and business circumstances; all offers are subject to underwriting.

Planning your fit‑out budget — mini checklist

Use this short checklist to prepare:

• Obtain 2–3 detailed contractor quotes
• Include a 5–10% contingency
• Confirm landlord and planning consents
• Schedule payment milestones with contractors
• Identify VAT treatment and timing
• Decide what assets you’ll buy outright vs finance

Having this information ready helps our partners provide accurate, comparable quotes. Get Quote Now.

Fit‑out finance FAQ

Can start‑ups secure fit‑out finance?

Possibly. Some lenders consider strong projections, franchise backing or director guarantees. Our partners can advise on suitable routes.

How much can I borrow?

Amounts vary; we introduce options from around £10,000 upwards to several million depending on property security and project size.

Do lenders require security?

Some do — especially for larger refurbishment loans. Others offer unsecured loans for smaller sums. Your match will depend on the risk profile.

How quickly will funds be released?

Timescales depend on the product: unsecured facilities can be faster (days–weeks); secured or property‑backed facilities may take longer (weeks–months).

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our short enquiry is a soft process and does not affect your business credit score. Lenders may carry out checks later if you proceed.

Have a question not listed here? Ask us — free consultation.

Ready to transform your space?

If you’re planning a shop, office or hospitality fit‑out, don’t let cashflow slow you down. Complete one short enquiry and get matched to lenders and brokers who can provide quotes tailored to your project. Our service is free, fast and no obligation.

Get Your Fit‑Out Finance Quote Now

Fast Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders and brokers; we do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to status, lender terms and affordability checks. Offers and timescales vary by lender.