What is fit-out finance?

Fit-out finance is tailored business funding used to pay for the interior transformation of commercial premises — from contractor works and mechanical & electrical installations to furniture, kitchens, signage and IT. Typical fit-outs are described in industry terms as Cat A (basic mechanical & electrical and shell finishes) and Cat B (tenant-specific fit-out: partitions, joinery, branding).

Typical cost ranges (indicative):

• Small café / coffee shop: £15,000 – £80,000
• High-street retail store (per site): £30,000 – £250,000
• Independent restaurant kitchen & dining: £60,000 – £300,000+
• Office refurbishment (per floor / fit level): £25,000 – £200,000

If you want to explore options for your fit-out, complete a quick Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you with lenders/brokers experienced in refurbishment funding.

Why businesses use fit-out funding

Here’s why fit-out finance matters: you can upgrade premises and open faster without using reserves or stalling other business plans.

• Preserve cash flow: Keep working capital for day-to-day operations.
• Speed to market: Start trading in refurbished space sooner — critical in hospitality and retail.
• Phased investment: Spread the cost to match revenue ramp-up after opening.
• Upgrade to comply: Fund health & safety, access or sustainability improvements.

Want tailored matches for your sector? Start with a Free Eligibility Check.

Types of fit-out finance we can introduce

Fast Business Loans is a free introducer — we’ll match your business with lenders and brokers offering the right product for your project. Common funding types include:

Unsecured business loans

Quick to arrange for smaller fit-outs without taking property security. Typical amounts: £10,000–£150,000. Terms: 1–5 years. Ideal for lower-cost refurbs or when directors prefer no charge on premises.

Secured loans (commercial mortgage / second charge)

Higher amounts and longer terms by using property as security. Useful for major overhauls where lower monthly repayments are required. Representative costs depend on lender underwriting and property value.

Asset finance (fixtures & equipment)

For funding furniture, kitchen equipment, IT and specialist machinery. Options include hire purchase and finance leases so the cost is spread across the useful life of the asset.

VAT funding & short-term bridging

Short-term loans to cover VAT on construction invoices or gaps between payments. Useful to maintain contractor cashflow without pausing works.

Merchant cash advance

Repayments linked to card sales — can suit hospitality and retail with strong card turnover but typically costlier than traditional loans.

Quick comparison (summary):

Representative terms and costs vary by lender. A broker or lender will outline personalised costs after your enquiry. Ready to compare? Get Quote Now.

How Fast Business Loans helps (our 4-step process)

1. Submit a quick enquiry: Tell us about your business, the fit-out value and timelines. It takes less than 2 minutes.
2. We match you: We connect you with lenders/brokers who specialise in fit-outs for your sector and project size.
3. Receive introductions: Expect contact from matched partners who can provide quotes and next steps.
4. Compare and choose: Review offers and proceed directly with the lender/broker that best suits your needs.

We only introduce; we do not provide finance or regulated advice. Start with a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll be in touch quickly.

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders assess

Although criteria differ between lenders, common assessment points include:

• Trading history & turnover: Many lenders prefer several months or years of trading, but some specialist providers accept younger companies if projections and contracts are strong.
• Project plan & quotes: Detailed contractor quotes, VAT breakdowns, and a project timeline help lenders assess risk.
• Credit profile: Both business and director credit histories will influence pricing and approvals.
• Security availability: If a secured option is proposed, property or asset details will be needed.

Note: enquiries via Fast Business Loans are informational — submitting a form is not an application and does not affect your credit score.

Preparing for a strong application

Use this checklist to speed up the process once a broker or lender requests documents:

• Business overview, registration number and VAT details
• Latest accounts and management accounts (3–12 months)
• Contractor quotes and scope of works
• Project timeline and expected opening date
• Cashflow forecast showing post-fit revenues
• Details of any existing charges or outstanding loans

Collecting these in advance helps keep your project on track — and helps lenders deliver faster decisions. When you’re ready, Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Fit-out finance across key UK sectors

Retail

Funding for shop fronts, shelving, lighting and stockroom upgrades. Lenders familiar with retail account for seasonal revenue patterns.

Hospitality (restaurants, pubs, cafés)

Common needs: kitchens, extraction, flooring and front-of-house. Many lenders consider trading history and projected covers when pricing offers.

Offices & co-working

Investment in M&E, HVAC, floorplates and breakout spaces — often financed via unsecured loans or secured over property for larger schemes.

We regularly match businesses in these sectors with lenders who understand the sector-specific cashflow and compliance considerations.

Fit-out finance timeline — what to expect

1. Submit enquiry — minutes.
2. Introductions from matched lenders/brokers — typically within 24–72 hours.
3. Decision in principle (subject to checks) — from same day up to 1–2 weeks depending on complexity.
4. Documentation, surveys or valuations (if secured) — additional 1–4 weeks.
5. Funds released to contractor or client per agreed drawdown schedule.

Larger or secured deals usually take longer due to legal and valuation processes. Start with a Free Eligibility Check to find the speediest options for your project.

Frequently asked questions

Can limited companies get fit-out finance?

Yes. Many lenders specialise in funding for limited companies and growing SMEs. Fast Business Loans connects you to those providers based on your needs.

What’s the minimum loan size?

We introduce funding starting from around £10,000 upwards. For larger refurbishments you can access six-figure facilities via secured lending.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — making an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you apply for finance.

Is this an application?

No — the enquiry form collects information so we can match you with the most suitable lenders or brokers. It is not an application and carries no obligation.

How quickly will I hear from a lender or broker?

Often within hours during business days; typically within 24–72 hours depending on complexity and the partners matched to your request.

More questions? Complete a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll arrange the introductions.

Next steps — start your fit-out finance enquiry

If you’re planning a shop, restaurant or office refurbishment and need funding from £10,000 upwards, Fast Business Loans can connect you with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-outs. Our service is free, quick and non-binding.

Get Fit-Out Finance Quotes Now — Free Eligibility Check (takes under 2 minutes).

For more guidance on the product types and sector-specific examples, see our detailed guide to fit-out finance.

Important: Fast Business Loans makes introductions only. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Matched lenders or brokers will provide personalised terms and costs once they assess your business and project.