Fit-Out Finance: Match with UK Lenders in Minutes

Summary: Need funding to fit-out a shop, office, café or restaurant? Fast Business Loans connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-out finance. We don’t lend ourselves — we match your enquiry (from £10,000 upwards) to the providers most likely to help. Complete a short, free enquiry and receive tailored responses from lenders and brokers — no obligation and no impact on your credit score. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

What is fit-out finance and who uses it?

Fit-out finance covers funding for the interior and operational works needed to open, refresh or expand a commercial space. This includes construction works, mechanical & electrical installs, joinery, shopfitting, decoration, furniture, kitchens, specialist equipment and compliance works. Businesses in retail, hospitality, professional offices, clinics, salons and showrooms commonly use fit-out finance to spread cost and preserve working capital.

Fast Business Loans is a matching service — we don’t provide loans. We quickly connect businesses requiring fit-out funding (from £10,000 upwards) with brokers and lenders who specialise in these projects. Free Eligibility Check

When a fit-out needs funding

Common scenarios where fit-out finance helps:

• Opening a new site or franchise: finance to cover tenant fit-out and equipment until trading stabilises.
• Restaurant or café fit-out: kitchens, extraction, tiling, furniture and compliance works.
• Office refurbishment: new layouts, IT cabling, furniture and professional fees.
• Rebranding or compliance upgrades: accessibility works, fire safety, ventilation.
• Multi-site rollouts: staged funding to minimise cashflow disruption.

Delaying works often costs more — inflation, lost trading days and lost customer momentum. A quick match to the right finance partner can keep your project on schedule. Get Quote Now

How Fast Business Loans helps

We make fit-out finance faster and less stressful by matching you to the most relevant lenders and brokers in our panel.

1. Quick enquiry: you tell us the headline details (project cost, timing, business particulars). This is not an application — it’s to find suitable partners.
2. Smart matching: we select lenders/brokers who specialise in your sector and project size.
3. Partner contact: matched partners contact you to discuss options and outline likely terms.
4. Decide: compare offers and proceed with the lender or broker that fits best.

“Example: We submitted a short enquiry and had two specialist brokers contact us within 24 hours with practical options.” — Example scenario

Enquiries are quick, confidential and free. Start now: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Fit-out finance options we can introduce

Different projects suit different funding structures. Below are common options our partners can arrange — with pros and considerations.

Unsecured business loans

• Fast access to funds for straightforward projects.
• Typically suitable for businesses with a solid credit and trading track record.
• Beware of higher rates for unsecured facilities compared with secured options.

Secured loans & property-backed solutions

• Lower interest rates where property or other security is available.
• Can be a good fit for larger refurbishments or multi-site projects.
• Consider impact on existing borrowing and covenants.

Asset finance & hire purchase

• Ideal for specialist equipment (kitchen kit, tills, refrigeration, furniture).
• Repayments matched to useful life of equipment; possession often passes after final payment.

Invoice finance / merchant cash advances

• Useful when refurbishment coincides with seasonal trading or cashflow gaps.
• Product suitability depends on your sales profile and margin structure.

Revolving credit & staged drawdowns

• Flexible for multi-stage fit-outs — draw funds as you need them.
• Reduces costs from unused borrowing capacity.

We’ll match you with brokers/lenders who can explain which option fits your specific project and affordability. Free Eligibility Check

Typical fit-out costs & budget planning

Costs vary widely by sector, specification and location. The table below gives illustrative ranges — use only as a starting point when building your budget.

Budgeting tips:

• Include a contingency of 10–15% for unforeseen works.
• Obtain multiple contractor quotes and stage payments to manage cashflow.
• Match funding drawdowns to invoice schedules to reduce interest costs.

Want to check eligibility for your project? Check Your Project’s Eligibility in Minutes

Fit-out finance eligibility snapshot

Each lender has specific criteria, but typical areas under review include:

• Trading history and company structure.
• Annual turnover and recent profitability.
• Project plan, contractor quotes and projected cashflow.
• Credit profile and existing borrowings.

Useful documents to prepare:

• Latest management accounts and bank statements.
• Three contractor quotes or a principal contractor schedule.
• Project specification, timeline and cost breakdown.

Businesses early in trading can still access options — brokers may combine security, director support or staged facilities to increase lender appetite. Start with a free enquiry so we can identify partners who accept your circumstances. Get Quote Now

Timeline — from enquiry to funds

Typical timings (illustrative):

• Day 0: Short enquiry submitted (takes under 2 minutes).
• Day 0–1: Matches made; brokers/lenders contact you to discuss detail.
• Day 1–7: Terms indicative; additional documentation requested.
• Day 7–28+: Final approval and funds (depends on security, solicitor involvement and project staging).

Smaller unsecured loans can be faster; property-secured facilities usually take longer due to valuation and legal processes. Using a broker can significantly reduce delays by managing document flows and lender expectations.

Case snapshots (anonymous, illustrative)

Independent café refurbishment — £65,000

Challenge: rapid turnaround to reopen after seasonal closure. Solution: unsecured business loan matched by our panel for a 36-month term. Outcome: café reopened on schedule and repaid via improved trading.

Multi-site dental practice upgrade — £250,000

Challenge: simultaneous upgrades across three locations. Solution: blended package — secured facility on one property plus asset finance for equipment. Outcome: staged drawdowns aligned to works; minimal cashflow strain.

Boutique retailer relocation — £110,000

Challenge: fit-out plus new display equipment. Solution: hire purchase for equipment plus unsecured loan for fit-out. Outcome: new store launched with manageable monthly repayments.

Explore similar options — Start Your Enquiry

Fit-Out Finance FAQs

Can fit-out finance cover both construction and soft furnishings?

Yes. Many lenders will consider financing both construction works and furniture/fixtures, subject to the business case and affordability.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No. Submitting the Fast Business Loans enquiry form does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you proceed with an application.

How quickly will a lender respond?

Often within hours during business days. A full offer timeline depends on the product and required checks.

Does Fast Business Loans charge applicants?

No. It’s free to submit an enquiry. Fast Business Loans receives payment from partners if you proceed with a facility, not from you.

What is the minimum loan size you handle?

We typically match enquiries for projects of £10,000 and above.

Start your fit-out finance enquiry

Ready to explore funding for your fit-out? Complete our short enquiry — it takes under two minutes, is free and carries no obligation. Your details are used only to find the best-matched lenders or brokers; this is not an application.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

For more in-depth guidance on fit-out funding types and planning, see our detailed fit-out finance pillar page.

Responsible marketing & important information

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee approval — all offers are subject to lender assessment, status and affordability checks. We handle your data securely and only share details with matched partners relevant to your request. By submitting a form you consent to being contacted by our partner brokers or lenders.

– What is fit-out finance?
Fit-out finance funds the interior build, refurbishment and equipment for commercial spaces like shops, offices, cafés and restaurants, letting you spread costs while preserving cash flow.

– How does Fast Business Loans help with fit-out funding?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches your details to trusted UK lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-out finance so you can compare options quickly.

– Is the enquiry form an application?
No, the enquiry is not a loan application — it’s a short information form used to match you with suitable lenders or brokers.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, making an enquiry with us has no impact on your credit score; checks only occur if you proceed with a lender.

– Do you charge any fees to applicants?
No, our service is free for business owners and there’s no obligation to proceed, as we’re paid by partners if you take out a facility.

– What is the minimum loan size you handle for fit-outs?
We typically match projects from £10,000 upwards, with larger amounts subject to lender assessment and affordability.

– How fast could I receive funding for a fit-out?
You’ll usually hear from matched partners within hours, and funds can arrive in days for simpler unsecured facilities or a few weeks for property-secured deals.

– What can fit-out finance cover?
Eligible costs often include construction works, M&E installations, joinery, shopfitting, decoration, furniture, kitchens, specialist equipment and compliance upgrades.

– What finance types are available for fit-outs?
Options include unsecured and secured business loans, asset finance and hire purchase for equipment, invoice finance or merchant cash advances, and revolving credit with staged drawdowns.

– What security and documents will lenders expect?
Security may be required for larger or lower-rate facilities while unsecured options exist, and lenders (including for start-ups) commonly ask for management accounts, bank statements, contractor quotes, a costed project plan and timeline.