Construction Business Loans for UK Contractors and Builders
Secure the right finance for materials, labour, plant, vehicles, and project cash flow — matched to lenders who understand construction.
- Free eligibility check — no obligation; your initial enquiry won’t affect your credit score
- Sector-savvy matches — partners who understand CIS, retentions and staged payments
- Fast response — typically within hours
- Funding from approximately £10,000 to £5,000,000+ (subject to status and underwriting)
Get Quote Now | Free Eligibility Check
Fast Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice. We introduce UK businesses to trusted finance brokers and lenders. Your details are handled securely and only shared with relevant partners.
Summary: What this page covers
Quick answer: Construction business loans are funding solutions tailored to the UK construction sector to help pay for materials, labour, plant and vehicles, bridging cash gaps between stage payments and retentions, and mobilising new contracts. Fast Business Loans connects your company with suitable UK lenders and brokers — quickly and without obligation — so you can compare options such as working capital loans, invoice finance (including applications for payment), asset and vehicle finance, and bridging/development funding. Start with a Free Eligibility Check (it takes around 2 minutes).
Table of Contents
- What Are Construction Business Loans?
- Types of Construction Finance We Can Help You Access
- Who We Help in Construction
- How Fast Business Loans Works
- Eligibility and Documents Checklist
- Costs, Terms and Security — What to Expect
- When Construction Businesses Use Finance
- Compare Options at a Glance
- Why Choose Fast Business Loans
- FAQs: Construction Finance and Our Service
- Compliance and Transparency
What Are Construction Business Loans?
Construction business loans are finance products designed for the realities of UK contracting and building. They help with upfront materials, subcontractor payroll, plant and vehicle purchases, dealing with variable payment cycles, retentions, weather delays, and mobilising new sites.
Common solutions include working capital loans, invoice finance against certified valuations or applications for payment, asset and vehicle finance, tax/VAT funding, materials trade finance, and property-backed bridging or development finance.
Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend or give advice. We act as your introducer — connecting your business with trusted UK brokers and lenders who understand construction. Start a quick enquiry and compare your options without obligation: Get Started.
Types of Construction Finance We Can Help You Access
Working Capital and Cash Flow Loans
Best for: Bridging the gap between stage payments, retentions, supplier terms and payroll so projects stay on schedule.
Key points: Can be unsecured or secured; short-to-medium terms. Availability and limits depend on turnover, contracts, affordability and credit profile. Subject to status and underwriting.
Invoice Finance for Construction (including Applications for Payment)
Best for: Releasing cash from certified valuations or staged invoices so you don’t wait for long debtor terms.
Key points: Funding is advanced against receivables; verification and debtor quality matter. Some providers support applications for payment and CIS complexities.
Asset and Equipment Finance (Plant, Tools, Machinery)
Best for: Excavators, telehandlers, access platforms, generators, mixers and other core kit.
Key points: Structures include hire purchase, finance lease and operating lease. May require a deposit and/or security. Can preserve cash while upgrading capability.
Vehicle Finance (Vans, HGVs, Pickups, Fleet)
Best for: Expanding or replacing vehicles with predictable monthly costs and mileage profiles that suit your work.
Key points: Finance may be available for new or used vehicles subject to age/condition criteria and status.
Bridging and Development Finance
Best for: Site acquisition, pre- and mid-build liquidity, or exit bridging pending sales/refinance.
Key points: Usually secured on property/land. Professional valuations, surveys and legal processes normally apply. Drawdowns and interest structures vary.
Materials/Trade Finance and Supplier Credit Support
Best for: Buying materials in bulk upfront to lock pricing and meet tender milestones.
Key points: Facilities can pay suppliers directly; cycles align with delivery and client payment schedules. Lender will assess supplier reliability and contract pipeline.
Tax and VAT Funding
Best for: Smoothing cash flow around HMRC deadlines without diverting project cash.
Key points: Typically short-term with fixed repayments aligned to VAT or tax due dates.
Retentions and Contract Finance
Best for: Mitigating the impact of retentions, long payment cycles and mobilising new jobs while funds are outstanding.
Key points: Structures vary; may integrate with invoice finance. Dependent on contract quality and counterparties.
Get Quote Now | Free Eligibility Check
Your enquiry helps us match you with suitable providers. No obligation to proceed.
Who We Help in Construction
- Main contractors and principal contractors
- Subcontractors across electrical, plumbing, M&E, groundworks, carpentry, roofing, scaffolding
- Plant and tool hire businesses
- Housebuilders and regional developers
- Civil engineering and infrastructure firms
- Shopfitters and building services companies
UK-wide coverage with introductions to partners who understand CIS, applications for payment and retentions. For a deeper sector read, see our guide to construction business loans.
How Fast Business Loans Works
1) Complete a 2-minute enquiry form
Share basic details, funding amount and purpose. This is an enquiry, not a loan application.
2) We match you with trusted UK brokers/lenders
We connect you with suitable finance partners for your requirements and sector.
3) Speak with a finance professional
Expect a fast call or email to discuss products, terms and documents.
4) Compare offers and decide — no obligation
You choose whether to proceed. All offers are subject to status and underwriting.
Eligibility and Documents Checklist
Eligibility varies by lender and product. Being matched does not guarantee approval. Factors commonly assessed include:
- Time trading and annual turnover
- Contract pipeline, job history and debtor quality
- Affordability and credit profile (business and personal)
- Security available (if required) and any existing finance
- CIS status (where relevant), VAT registration and insurances
Typical documents requested (examples only):
- 3–12 months of business bank statements
- Latest filed or management accounts
- Aged debtor/creditor lists; key contracts or applications for payment
- Asset lists and details of existing finance agreements
- Director ID, proof of address and company details
Curious if you might qualify? Try a Free Eligibility Check.
Costs, Terms and Security — What to Expect
Pricing and terms are set by the lender/broker you’re matched with. They depend on product type, term length, whether the facility is secured or unsecured, your credit profile and affordability, contract/debtor quality, sector risk and the speed required.
Possible costs may include: interest, arrangement fees, broker fees, valuation/legal fees (for property-backed facilities), documentation fees and early settlement/exit charges (if applicable). Terms can range from a few months (e.g., bridging, invoice finance) to several years (e.g., asset/vehicle finance).
Personal guarantees and/or asset security may be required depending on lender policy. All funding is subject to status and underwriting. We are not a lender; any offer and pricing come directly from the matched broker/lender.
When Construction Businesses Use Finance
- Buying materials before client payments are received
- Hiring additional labour/subcontractors for peak periods
- Purchasing or upgrading plant and vehicles
- Covering VAT/tax bills or annual insurance premiums
- Managing retentions and extended payment cycles
- Dealing with weather delays or unforeseen cost spikes
Need funds faster? Start here: Get Started.
Compare Options at a Glance
Exact terms vary by lender and circumstance. The table below is a general guide only.
| Finance Type | Best For | Typical Term | Security | Speed to Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working Capital Loan | Cash gaps between stage payments/retentions | 6–36 months | Unsecured or PGs; sometimes asset-backed | Short to moderate (subject to status) |
| Invoice Finance | Applications for payment, certified valuations | Ongoing facility | Secured against receivables | Once set up, drawdowns can be quick |
| Asset Finance | Plant, tools, machinery | 2–7 years | Secured on the asset | Moderate (valuation and docs apply) |
| Vehicle Finance | Vans, HGVs, pickups, fleets | 2–5 years | Secured on the vehicle | Moderate |
| Bridging/Development | Acquisition, build stages, exit | 6–24 months | Property/land security | Moderate to longer (legal/valuation) |
| Materials/Trade Finance | Bulk materials upfront | 30–180 days | Varies; may be PGs or receivables | Moderate |
| VAT/Tax Loan | HMRC deadlines | 3–12 months | Unsecured or PGs | Short (subject to status) |
Why Choose Fast Business Loans
- Fast, simple enquiry and matching process
- Construction-savvy connections who understand CIS, retentions and staged payments
- No obligation to proceed; free for business owners to enquire
- Transparent and secure — we share your details only with relevant partners
- Clear, fair and not misleading information throughout
Get Quote Now | Free Eligibility Check
FAQs: Construction Finance and Our Service
1) Are you a lender? How does your service work?
No. We’re an introducer. You submit an enquiry; we match you with suitable UK brokers/lenders who then discuss options directly with you. There’s no obligation to proceed.
2) Will my enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Your initial enquiry with Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score. If you choose to proceed, the broker/lender may conduct credit checks with your consent.
3) How quickly could funding be available?
You’ll typically receive a response within hours. Speed to funds varies by product, lender and the documents you can provide. Some products can fund quickly once underwriting is complete.
4) What loan sizes are possible?
Our partners may consider facilities from around £10,000 up to £5,000,000+ depending on product type and your circumstances. All funding is subject to status and underwriting.
5) Can startups or businesses with limited trading history apply?
Some lenders consider early-stage businesses, particularly where there are contracts, assets or PGs. Criteria vary by product and lender.
6) What if I’ve had credit issues or been declined elsewhere?
Different lenders assess risk differently. Being matched doesn’t guarantee approval, but it may help you find a provider with criteria that better fit your situation.
7) What documents do I need to provide?
Common requests include bank statements (3–12 months), accounts, aged debtor/creditor lists, details of contracts or applications for payment, ID/address for directors and company details.
8) Do you cover invoice finance for applications for payment/valuations?
Yes. Many partners support construction-specific invoice finance, including applications for payment and certified valuations, with verification processes to match.
9) Can I finance used machinery or vehicles?
Often yes. Asset and vehicle finance may be available for new or used equipment subject to age, condition and lender criteria.
10) Do you help with development and bridging finance?
Yes. We introduce developers and contractors to lenders who offer property-backed bridging and development finance. Valuations and legal processes usually apply.
11) Are there any fees for using Fast Business Loans?
Enquiries are free for business owners, and there’s no obligation to proceed. If you go ahead, your broker or lender will set out all costs and terms before you agree.
12) Who do you help?
Limited companies and incorporated contractors across the UK construction sector — main contractors, subcontractors, plant and tool businesses, developers, and building services companies.
Compliance and Transparency
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and does not provide financial advice. Information on this page is intended to be clear, fair and not misleading. No offer or recommendation is made here. Any funding is subject to status, affordability and lender underwriting; security may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Enquiries are free for business owners and carry no obligation. If you proceed, your matched broker or lender will provide full details of costs and terms before you agree. We handle your data securely and only share it with relevant partners connected to your enquiry.
Start Your Free Eligibility Check
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Takes less than 2 minutes. No obligation. Your initial enquiry won’t affect your credit score.
Data protection and privacy: We use your details only to match you with relevant finance partners. UK-wide coverage. Please see our site Privacy Policy and Terms for more.
– What are construction business loans? Construction business loans are funding solutions tailored to UK contractors and builders to cover materials, labour, plant, vehicles and cash flow around CIS, retentions and staged payments.
– Are you a lender and how does Fast Business Loans work? No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches your enquiry to trusted UK brokers and lenders for free, with no obligation to proceed.
– Will my enquiry affect my credit score? No, completing our free eligibility check won’t affect your credit score; any credit searches happen later with your consent if you proceed with a broker or lender.
– How quickly could I get matched and funded? You’ll typically hear back within hours, and speed to funds depends on product, lender and documents, with some facilities funding quickly once underwriting is complete.
– What loan amounts are available? Our partners commonly arrange facilities from around £10,000 up to £5,000,000+ subject to status and underwriting.
– Do you support invoice finance for applications for payment and certified valuations? Yes, many partners fund against certified valuations and applications for payment, with verification processes tailored to construction.
– Can startups or businesses with limited trading history apply? Yes, some lenders consider early-stage firms where there are contracts, assets or personal guarantees, though criteria vary by product.
– What documents and eligibility criteria do lenders typically require? Expect to be asked for 3–12 months’ bank statements, accounts, aged debtor/creditor lists, key contracts or applications for payment, plus director ID and company details, with assessment of turnover, affordability, debtor quality and security.
– What costs, terms and security should I expect? Pricing and terms are set by the lender and may include interest, arrangement/broker fees and (for property-backed deals) valuation/legal costs, with terms from months to years and personal guarantees or asset security sometimes required.
– How do I start my enquiry and is it a loan application? Complete our 2-minute enquiry form to be matched with suitable partners; it’s an introduction, not a loan application, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
