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

Summary: Fit-out finance pays for interior refurbishments, fixtures, M&E, signage and other conversion costs. Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and SMEs (from around £10,000+) find and compare fit-out funding quickly by matching your enquiry with specialist lenders and brokers. Complete a short, no-obligation Free Eligibility Check and we’ll connect you to the best partners for your project.

What is fit-out finance?

Fit-out finance covers the capital required to convert or refurbish commercial premises — from shop refits and restaurant refurbishments to office remodelling, clinic expansions and leisure venue improvements. Typical costs include partitioning, flooring, lighting, fixtures and fittings, kitchen or bar equipment, mechanical & electrical works, signage and decoration. Fit-out funding can also include professional fees such as design, planning and project management, depending on the lender.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer: we don’t lend directly. When you complete a Free Eligibility Check we match your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-out projects so you get relevant quotes quickly and without obligation.

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How Fast Business Loans helps you secure fit-out funding

Our process is designed to be fast, transparent and business-focused:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes around 2 minutes) with project details and funding amount.
2. We match your enquiry to lenders and brokers on our panel who specialise in commercial fit-outs.
3. Selected partners contact you with tailored quotes or to request documentation.
4. You compare options and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.

What UK businesses say

“Submitted our refurb outline in the morning and had three relevant contacts by the afternoon — saved us weeks of searching.” — Independent retailer, Midlands

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Fit-out finance options we can introduce

Depending on your project, timescale and security availability, our partners can offer a range of products:

Unsecured Business Loans

• Good for smaller fit-outs or soft costs.
• Typically faster to arrange, but usually require business trading history and demonstrable cashflow.
• Loan sizes from around £10,000 upwards.

Asset Finance / Hire Purchase

• Suitable for funding expensive fixtures, kitchen equipment or AV systems.
• Asset acts as security; structured repayments spread cost.

Leasing

• Ideal for furniture, IT and specialist equipment where you prefer a rental-style agreement.
• Preserves capital and can include maintenance options.

Revolving Credit / Overdraft

• Helps manage staged payments and unforeseen costs during a project.
• Flexibility to draw and repay as needed.

Merchant Cash Advance

• Alternative for retail and hospitality businesses with strong card takings; repayments are linked to turnover.

All options depend on eligibility and lender underwriting. If you need detailed guidance on fit-out funding types, our partners can advise once they review your project.

Learn more about specialist fit-out options on our dedicated fit-out resources page: fit-out finance.

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Typical fit-out costs & how finance can help

Costs vary by sector, location and specification. As a rough guide (averages will vary):

• Basic office refresh: £25–£60 per sq ft
• Retail refit (mid-spec): £75–£150 per sq ft
• Restaurant / bar: £150–£350+ per sq ft (kitchens and services add cost)
• Specialist medical or lab fit-out: higher due to compliance and equipment

Finance helps by spreading upfront supplier payments, funding deposits, and covering contingency so projects proceed on schedule. Many lenders accept staged drawdowns tied to contractor milestones, which reduces cashflow pressure.

Need £10k+ for a refurbishment? Start Your Enquiry

Eligibility checklist for fit-out funding

Typical criteria lenders look for include:

• Trading history (many lenders prefer at least 12 months, but options exist for newer companies)
• Minimum loan size (we commonly place loans from around £10,000 upwards)
• Turnover and cashflow to support repayments
• Management experience and project plan
• Supplier quotes, cost breakdown and, where relevant, tenancy/landlord consent

Documentation lenders commonly request: management accounts, bank statements, supplier quotations and a brief project specification.

See If You Qualify — Free & No Obligation

What lenders consider when assessing fit-out finance

Assessments are focused on project viability and the borrower’s ability to repay. Key areas:

Project viability

Clear cost plan, supplier reputation, and realistic schedule.

Cashflow forecasts

Projected revenues or savings from the fit-out (e.g., increased covers for a restaurant) help support approvals.

Security & Guarantees

Some facilities require assets as security or personal guarantees, depending on structure and risk.

Regulatory & landlord issues

Landlord consent, planning or licensing requirements may be required — have these documents ready where applicable.

Upload Your Project Outline with Your Enquiry

Rates, terms & repayment structures

Rates and terms vary widely by lender, product, and risk profile. Typical ranges (indicative only):

• Interest rates: product-dependent (lenders will give specific pricing after assessment)
• Loan terms: 12–84 months is common; equipment leases can be matched to useful life
• Repayment profiles: fixed monthly, seasonal/turnover-linked, balloon/interest-only for short periods

Fees to watch for: arrangement fees, early repayment charges, and ongoing facility fees. APR and full terms will be provided by the lender before you accept any offer.

Compare Repayment Options with a Specialist

Benefits of using a fit-out finance specialist

• Save time: one short enquiry reaches multiple relevant lenders and brokers.
• Better matches: we connect you to partners experienced in your sector.
• Negotiation leverage: brokers often secure more competitive terms.
• Simpler comparisons: receive quotes that reflect your project versus generic offers.

Case spotlight — Independent retailer

Problem: urgent refit to meet seasonal demand. Solution: matched to a lender offering staged drawdowns; outcome: works completed on time, sales uplift covered repayments.

Case spotlight — Clinic expansion

Problem: high-cost medical equipment and fit-out. Solution: asset finance package plus unsecured facility for soft costs; outcome: retained cash reserves while equipment funded.

Talk Through Your Project with Our Partners

How to prepare for a smooth fit-out funding process

1. Scope the works and obtain 2–3 supplier quotations.
2. Prepare a short project summary and expected revenue impact.
3. Gather management accounts and recent bank statements.
4. Check landlord consent, planning or licensing needs.
5. Decide your preferred repayment timeframe and flexibility requirements.

Keeping photographs, invoices and progress reports after drawdown will help with milestone-based facilities and future refinancing.

Start Your Fit-Out Funding Journey

Fit-Out Finance FAQs

What types of fit-out projects can be financed?

Shops, restaurants, bars, offices, clinics, leisure venues and some light industrial conversions. Each lender has sector preferences — we match you accordingly.

Can newly formed limited companies get fit-out finance?

Possibly. Some lenders and specialist brokers work with newer companies, particularly if directors have relevant experience and there’s a clear business plan and supplier quotes.

How quickly can funds be released?

Timescales vary: unsecured loans or merchant cash advances can be rapid (days), while asset-backed or staged facilities may take several weeks to complete underwriting and legal processes.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing the Fast Business Loans enquiry form does not impact your credit score; lenders conduct credit checks later with your consent.

Can soft costs such as design or IT be included?

Some lenders include professional fees and soft costs. Our partners will confirm what can be included for your project.

What if my business was declined elsewhere?

We work with a broad panel. A different lender or a broker experienced in your sector may still be able to help — submit a Free Eligibility Check to see your options.

Compliance & trust

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer and does not provide regulated advice or lend money. We share enquiries only with selected lenders and brokers who may provide quotes. All funding offers are subject to lender terms, underwriting and eligibility checks. Completing an enquiry is free and does not oblige you to proceed.

If you’re ready to get tailored fit-out quotes, Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

1) What is fit-out finance and what can it cover?
Fit-out finance funds the refurbishment or conversion of UK commercial premises—covering items like partitioning, flooring, lighting, fixtures, M&E, signage, equipment and sometimes professional fees.

2) How does Fast Business Loans work for fit-out funding?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that uses your Free Eligibility Check to match you with specialist UK lenders and brokers for tailored quotes fast—our service is free to use and there’s no obligation.

3) What loan amounts are available for a fit-out project?
Our partners typically arrange fit-out funding from around £10,000 upwards, subject to lender criteria and your project scope.

4) How quickly can I get the funds?
Unsecured options can complete in days, while asset-backed or staged facilities usually take a few weeks to underwrite and finalise.

5) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit score; any credit checks are performed later by lenders with your consent.

6) Can start-ups or newly formed limited companies qualify?
Yes—some lenders consider newer companies when directors have relevant experience, a clear plan, and supplier quotes.

7) What finance options can you introduce for a fit-out?
We connect you to providers of unsecured business loans, asset finance/hire purchase, equipment leasing, revolving credit/overdrafts, and merchant cash advances.

8) Can soft costs and staged payments be funded?
Many lenders include soft costs like design or IT and allow staged drawdowns linked to contractor milestones, subject to eligibility.

9) Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Security or personal guarantees may be required depending on the product, risk profile and available assets.

10) What rates, terms and repayments should I expect?
Terms commonly range from 12–84 months with fixed or turnover-linked repayments, and exact rates and fees are set by the lender after assessment.