Fit-Out Finance for UK Businesses

Refurbishing or fitting out premises—from shops and cafes to offices and clinics—often requires significant capital at specific stages. Fit-out finance covers the cost of interior works, fixtures, furniture, specialist equipment and staged contractor payments. Unlike standard working capital, fit-out funding can be structured to match project milestones, helping preserve cash flow while the business upgrades or launches a location.

What is fit-out finance?

Fit-out finance is a category of commercial funding designed to pay for premises refurbishment and internal works. Typical elements include:

• Construction and contractor costs (Cat A and Cat B works)
• Fixed fitments, shelving, bar/counter installs
• Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)
• IT and point-of-sale systems
• HVAC, lighting and signage where appropriate

Amounts commonly start from around £10,000 and can extend into hundreds of thousands for multi-site rollouts. Finance can be arranged as staged payments to contractors, asset-backed solutions, or unsecured term facilities depending on the project and security available.

Why UK businesses choose fit-out funding

Choosing the right finance for a fit-out can make the difference between a smooth refurbishment and cashflow stress. Benefits include:

• Protect cash reserves: Keep operating cash available for day-to-day needs while funding the project.
• Staged payments: Finance can release funds at project milestones so contractors are paid on time.
• Tax and accounting advantages: Some finance types (asset finance, hire purchase) treat purchases differently in accounts—speak to your accountant for specifics.
• Better supplier terms: Paying promptly often improves relationships with contractors and suppliers.
• Speed: Specialist brokers can often source offers faster than general lenders, helping projects stay on schedule.

Typical sectors that benefit

• Retail — new and refurbished stores
• Hospitality — cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars
• Offices — fit-outs for new leases or refurbishments
• Health & leisure — clinics, salons, dental and fitness spaces

For sector-specific guidance and examples, see our dedicated fit-out finance resource: fit-out finance.

How Fast Business Loans can help

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers experienced in fit-out projects. We don’t provide loans ourselves — we match your enquiry with the right partners so you receive relevant quotes without searching dozens of providers.

Here’s how it works:

1. Complete a short enquiry form — it takes under 2 minutes. Free Eligibility Check
2. We review your details and match you with appropriate lenders/brokers who specialise in fit-outs.
3. Matching partners contact you to discuss options, request supporting information and present quotes.
4. You compare offers and decide whether to proceed directly with the lender or broker — there is no obligation.

Submitting an enquiry does not affect your business credit score. Lender credit checks are carried out only if you choose to progress.

Fit-out finance options we can introduce you to

Depending on your project, business profile and security available, partners may offer one or more of the following:

• Unsecured business loan — For smaller fit-outs where no asset security is provided. Typical amounts: £10k–£250k. Terms: 1–5 years. Best for established businesses with strong cashflow.
• Asset finance / hire purchase — Finance for FF&E and equipment. The item can act as security. Typical terms: 1–5 years. Useful when major equipment (café machines, kitchen kit) is a material part of the cost.
• Commercial mortgage top-up / refinance — For significant refits where property can provide additional security. Typical amounts: £100k+. Terms vary.
• Bridging finance — Short-term funding to bridge cashflow gaps or cover deposits while longer-term finance is arranged. Typically higher cost; used for speed.
• VAT funding — Short-term facilities to fund VAT on construction works where the business prefers to spread the liability.
• Invoice finance or working capital lines — Where ongoing cashflow support is needed alongside the fit-out.

If you’re unsure which option suits you, complete a short enquiry and we’ll connect you to partners who will recommend the best product for your project. Get Quote Now

Who can apply for fit-out funding?

Typical eligibility criteria partners look for:

• UK-registered limited companies (or other corporate structures) with a trading presence in the UK
• Funding requests generally from £10,000 upwards
• Reasonable trading history or credible project plan for new locations
• Basic financial records and evidence of project quotations

Supported sectors include retail, hospitality, professional services operating from premises, healthcare, leisure, construction and multi-site retail roll-outs. If you’re expanding or refurbishing multiple sites, partners can often structure facilities to cover staged roll-outs.

Documents & information to prepare

Having the right information ready will speed up the matching and quoting process. Typical checklist:

• Project cost estimate or contractor quotations
• Planned project timeline and payment schedule
• Business bank statements (last 3–6 months)
• Management accounts or accounts for the last 1–3 years
• Landlord consent or lease documents (if applicable)
• List of assets to be purchased (FF&E, equipment)
• Details of any existing finance or charges against the business

Tip: Get contractor quotes prepared showing staged payment milestones — many lenders prefer funding against confirmed contractor staging.

Real-world fit-out finance scenarios (illustrative)

Examples are for illustration only; outcomes and terms vary by lender, business profile and security. Start your Free Eligibility Check

Fit-out funding FAQs

Ready to explore fit-out finance?

If you’re planning a shop, office or hospitality fit-out and want fast, relevant quotes from lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial refurbishments, complete our short enquiry now. It takes under two minutes to submit key details — we’ll match you with partners who can provide tailored quotes and next steps. Get a Fit-Out Finance Quote

1) What is fit-out finance?
Fit-out finance is commercial funding for refurbishing or fitting out premises—covering contractor works, fixtures, furniture, equipment and more—often structured to match project milestones.

2) How does Fast Business Loans help with fit-out finance?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that offers a free, no-obligation eligibility check and matches you with specialist UK lenders and brokers who provide tailored fit-out finance quotes.

3) How much can I borrow for a fit-out?
Funding typically starts from around £10,000 and can reach hundreds of thousands for larger or multi-site projects, subject to status and security.

4) How quickly can I get fit-out funding?
Many partners can issue indicative offers within 24–72 hours and release funds within days once documentation and any valuations are complete, with bridging options usually fastest but costlier.

5) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score; credit checks are only performed if you choose to progress with a lender or broker.

6) What types of fit-out costs can be financed?
Eligible costs can include contractor and construction works (Cat A/Cat B), FF&E, kitchen and catering equipment, IT/POS, HVAC, lighting, signage and VAT via short-term VAT funding.

7) What finance options can you introduce me to for a fit-out?
Depending on your profile, options may include unsecured business loans, asset finance/hire purchase, commercial mortgage top-ups, bridging finance, VAT funding, and invoice or working capital facilities.

8) Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Requirements vary by product, but some facilities are unsecured while others may need asset or property security and/or a personal guarantee, especially for newer businesses or larger amounts.

9) Who can apply—do you support start-ups or new locations?
UK-registered businesses seeking £10k+ with either a trading history or a credible plan for a new location can apply, across sectors like retail, hospitality, offices and healthcare.

10) Can funds be released in stages to pay contractors?
Yes—many lenders structure facilities with staged drawdowns aligned to project milestones so contractors are paid on time and cash flow is protected.