Fit‑Out Finance: Flexible Funding for Your Next Refurbishment
Summary: Fit‑out finance helps businesses fund shop, office, restaurant and hospitality refurbishments — from deposits and contractor costs to fixtures, M&E and technology. Fast Business Loans does not lend money; we match UK companies seeking £10,000+ with lenders and brokers who specialise in refurbishment funding. Complete a short Free Eligibility Check and we’ll connect you to the best partners to suit your project and timeframe. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check (no obligation • won’t affect your credit score).
What is fit‑out finance?
Fit‑out finance is a range of business funding designed to pay for refurbishment and fit‑out projects. It covers Category A (basic finishes), Category B (tenant‑specific fit‑outs), full refits, relocations and specialist fit‑outs for hospitality, retail and offices. Lenders and brokers structure funding around project size, timescale and security required.
Industries that commonly use fit‑out funding include retail, restaurants, pubs, hotels, professional offices and leisure. If you’re refurbishing a commercial space and need £10,000 or more, a specialist lender or broker can often help arrange suitable funding. Learn more about specific options for a shop or restaurant fit‑out and related products like asset finance on specialist pages about fit‑out finance.
Common fit‑out costs you can fund
Fit‑out projects include a wide mix of hard and soft costs — many of which lenders will consider as part of a funding package.
- Design, planning and project management fees
- Structural works, electrics and mechanical services (M&E)
- Flooring, partitions, glazing and ceilings
- Fixtures, fittings and bespoke joinery
- Kitchen, bar or front‑of‑house equipment
- IT, AV and security systems
- Decor, signage and external works
- Temporary trading or working capital while works complete
Tip: Some lenders will include soft costs (design, permits, professional fees) in the finance amount provided you can supply quotes and a clear project plan — this helps avoid cashflow gaps during the build.
Why businesses choose fit‑out finance
Protect working capital
Refurbishments can eat available cash. Financing spreads costs so you can keep money for operations, stock and payroll rather than tying it up in one project.
Launch or reopen faster
Supplier deposits and contractor schedules often require payment up front. A funding solution lets you secure slots and meet deadlines — especially important for seasonal openings.
Match payments to revenue
Repayment terms can be aligned to your projected trading uplift after the refit, making the project more affordable month to month.
Stat: Refurbishment that improves customer experience typically increases sales — planning financing early reduces delay and often improves ROI. If you want a quick comparison of options, Get a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to lenders/brokers who specialise in your sector.
Funding solutions we can introduce
We work with a panel that can arrange a range of options. The right solution depends on project size, business finances and security available.
| Solution | Typical amounts | Typical term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loan | £10,000 – £250,000 | 1–5 years | Fast to arrange; higher rates; suitable for smaller fit‑outs |
| Secured commercial loan / mortgage | £50,000 – £millions | 3–25 years | Lower cost of finance where security (property) is available |
| Asset / equipment finance | £10,000 – £500,000+ | 1–7 years | Good for kitchens, machinery, AV — spreads cost against asset |
| Short‑term bridging | £50,000 – £multi‑million | Days–12 months | Use to bridge deposits or sales gaps; interest and fees apply |
| Revolving credit / overdraft | £10,000 – £250,000 | On‑going | Flexible drawdown for variable cashflow needs |
Note: Lenders may ask for personal guarantees, business security, or a detailed project schedule. Exact terms are set by the lender following assessment.
Are you eligible for fit‑out finance?
Eligibility varies, but lenders commonly assess four areas:
- Business profile: Limited companies and LLPs with trading history; some lenders support established startups — projects usually start at £10,000.
- Financials: Turnover, net profit/loss, management accounts and existing debt load matter.
- Project detail: Contractor quotes, project plan, landlord consents (where required).
- Credit position: Business and director credit scores; different lenders have different risk appetites.
If you’ve been declined elsewhere, it’s still worth enquiring — our panel includes lenders who consider a range of credit histories and sector nuances. To see what you might access, Get a Free Eligibility Check.
The Fast Business Loans process
- Complete a short enquiry — tell us about your business and the funding you need (takes 1–2 minutes).
- We match you — intelligent matching connects you with brokers and lenders suited to your sector and project.
- Rapid contact — matched partners usually call or email quickly to request documents and prepare quotes.
- Choose an offer — compare proposals and proceed with the partner that best fits your needs. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.
Trust note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer; we do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. If you’re ready to compare options, Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
What to prepare before you enquire
Having the right documents speeds up matching and approval:
- Contractor quotes and a costed project schedule
- Recent management accounts and bank statements
- Profit & loss and cashflow forecasts (if available)
- Landlord consent or head lease terms (if applicable)
- Details of existing business debts
- Business plan or one‑page project summary
Optional but helpful: photos of the premises, branding pack or mood‑boards to explain the scope.
Real‑world fit‑out scenarios we support
High street retailer
Project: Shop refit including new joinery, lighting and sales floor layout. Project cost £65,000. Solution: Secured loan combining working capital for stock. Turnaround: Enquiry to offer in 7–14 days.
Independent restaurant reopening
Project: Kitchen equipment, ventilation, dining area refit. Project cost £120,000. Solution: Mix of asset finance for equipment and short‑term bridging for deposits. Turnaround: 3–10 days for conditional offers.
Professional office relocation
Project: New office fit‑out, IT and furniture. Project cost £40,000. Solution: Unsecured business loan to preserve cashflow during the move. Turnaround: 48–72 hours for lender contact; funding within weeks.
Each case is illustrative — actual terms depend on lender assessment. If one of these situations sounds like yours, Get a Fit‑Out Finance Quote and we’ll match you to suitable partners.
Fit‑out finance FAQs
How much fit‑out finance can my business access?
Our partners can support projects from around £10,000 up to multi‑million-pound developments, depending on turnover, security and project viability.
Can I finance soft costs such as design and planning?
Yes — many lenders include professional fees if they form part of a documented project with supporting quotes.
How quickly can funding be arranged?
Once you submit an enquiry, matched brokers often respond within hours. Conditional offers can take days; completed funding depends on documentation and security checks.
Will making an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not impact your credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you decide to proceed with an application.
Is personal security usually required?
Some lenders request personal guarantees or security for larger amounts or where business assets are limited. This varies by lender and risk profile.
Next steps — start your fit‑out project today
Refurbishment timelines are often tight. The earlier you secure funding, the better your chance of locking contractors and starting on schedule. Fast Business Loans makes it quick to compare market options without obligation.
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check (takes under 2 minutes). No obligation • no immediate credit check • we only share your details with selected lenders and brokers who can help.
Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Any finance is subject to the lender’s terms and approval.
1) What is fit-out finance and how does it work?
Fit-out finance is business funding for shop, office, restaurant and hospitality refurbishments arranged by specialist UK lenders and brokers, with Fast Business Loans matching you to the right partner.
2) How much can I borrow for a shop, office or restaurant fit-out?
Partners typically fund from £10,000 up to multi-million-pound projects, depending on turnover, security and project viability.
3) How fast can I get refurbishment funding?
After a Free Eligibility Check, matched partners usually respond within hours, with conditional offers in days and funds released once documentation and checks are complete.
4) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans will not affect your credit score; lenders only run checks if you choose to proceed.
5) Is the online form a loan application?
No—the form is a quick, no-obligation enquiry used to match you with suitable lenders and brokers, not a loan application.
6) What costs can fit-out finance cover, including soft costs?
Funding can cover design and project management, M&E and electrics, flooring and partitions, fixtures and joinery, kitchen/bar equipment, IT/AV/security, signage/decor and temporary working capital, with many lenders also including soft costs when supported by quotes and a plan.
7) What types of finance and typical terms are available?
Options include unsecured business loans, secured commercial loans/mortgages, asset and equipment finance, short-term bridging and revolving credit, with typical terms from days–12 months (bridging), 1–7 years (asset), 1–5 years (unsecured) and 3–25 years (secured).
8) Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Requirements vary by lender, but personal guarantees or business/property security are commonly requested for larger amounts or higher-risk cases.
9) What are the interest rates and fees?
Rates and fees depend on the facility type, risk and security, and your matched lender or broker will provide tailored quotes and total-cost breakdowns before you proceed.
10) Who is eligible and what documents should I prepare?
UK limited companies and LLPs (and some established start-ups) are considered, and you can speed approval by preparing contractor quotes and a costed schedule, recent accounts and bank statements, cash-flow forecasts, landlord consents (if needed) and details of existing debts.
