Fit-Out Finance: Fast UK Funding Matches for Shop, Office & Hospitality Refurbs

Summary: Fit-out finance covers funding to transform commercial space into a trading-ready premises — from restaurant kitchens and retail displays to office Cat B interiors. Fast Business Loans is an introducer: we do not lend, we match businesses seeking loans (typically £10,000+) with lenders and brokers that suit their sector and project. Submit a short, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll match you to specialist partners quickly; your enquiry is not an application and won’t affect your credit score. Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

Fit-Out Finance: At-a-Glance

Fit-out finance is purpose-built funding to convert or refurbish commercial premises so they can open or re-open for trading. Typical uses include interior construction, plumbing and electrics, fixtures and fittings, specialist kitchens or shopfitting, signage and initial stock or equipment required to trade.

Fast Business Loans acts as a fast, free introducer. We don’t underwrite or offer loans ourselves — we use the details you provide in a short enquiry to match your business with lenders or brokers who’ve helped similar projects before. There’s no obligation to proceed after enquiry.

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What Counts as a Fit-Out Project?

Fit-outs vary by scope and who’s responsible for delivery. Common categories:

• Shell & core to tenant fit-out: building handed over by landlord as a basic shell; tenant completes walls, services and finishes.
• Category A (Cat A): basic finishes and services provided by landlord or tenant, ready for tenant to add Cat B.
• Category B (Cat B): tenant-specific interior works — partitions, flooring, lighting, furniture, kitchen and bar fit-out.
• Specialist fit-outs: commercial kitchens, lab spaces, healthcare or hospitality installations requiring bespoke M&E.

Landlord contributions, planning conditions and building regulations can affect the funding required and structure of any facility.

Learn more about tailored fit-out lending options on our Fit-Out Finance resource: Fit-Out Finance.

Typical Costs & Budget Drivers

Costs vary widely by sector, location and specification. Below are ballpark ranges and the main drivers that push costs up or down.

Always allow a contingency (typically 5–15%) for delays, regulatory changes or discovery of latent issues on site.

Funding Routes for Fit-Outs

Several funding routes suit different projects, timelines and business profiles. Below are common options and when they work best.

Business Term Loan

Unsecured or secured loan repaid over months to years. Good for medium-to-large fit-outs where a predictable repayment schedule is needed.

• Facility size: £10,000 upwards
• Repayment: 1–7 years
• Pros: predictable payments, can be unsecured (depending on size)
• Cons: may require a personal guarantee or security for larger amounts

Asset & Equipment Finance

Use to fund specialist equipment (kitchen kit, refrigeration, fixtures). Lender takes asset as security or offers hire purchase.

• Best for: equipment-heavy refits
• Pros: preserves working capital; potential VAT structuring benefits
• Cons: does not normally cover dry construction works

Lease Finance / Hire Purchase

Spread cost of high-value assets or fit-out packages. Useful where equipment upgrades are planned across sites.

Invoice Finance / Bridge Facilities

If cashflow is tight during works, invoice finance or short-term bridge lending can fund staged payments and drawdowns.

Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)

Revenue-based advances for hospitality and retail that need speed; repayments tied to card takings. Quick but typically higher cost.

VAT & Retention Funding

Facilities to cover VAT on materials or to release contractor retention sums. Helpful to smooth contractor payments.

Time to fund: from same-day (MCA/quick unsecured) to 1–3 weeks for fully-documented secured loans.

How Fast Business Loans Helps

We simplify the search and let you compare options without long form-filling or repeated calls. Our typical process:

1. Complete a short enquiry form — takes under 2 minutes. (This is not an application.)
2. We match your project with lenders and brokers who have the right appetite for your sector and project size.
3. Partner lenders/brokers contact you with tailored options and next steps.
4. You decide which offer to progress — no obligation from the enquiry stage.

Your enquiry is a “soft” matching step and will not affect your credit record. Our service is free and designed to save you time and improve the chance of a suitable quote.

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Eligibility Snapshot: Who Lenders Typically Support

General checklist lenders look for (guidance only — requirements vary by lender):

• UK-registered limited companies (no facilities for loans under £10,000)
• Trading history — many lenders prefer 12+ months trading, but specialist providers support newer businesses with strong plans or franchise backing
• Turnover and profitability metrics relevant to loan size
• Management experience and clear project specification
• Security and personal guarantees may be required for larger, longer-term facilities

Preparing a Strong Fit-Out Finance Application

Improve speed and outcomes by having these ready:

• Project summary and use of funds (scope, schedule, contingency)
• Three contractor quotes or a single detailed contractor estimate
• Site plans, photos and any planning or landlord approvals
• Recent management accounts and bank statements
• Cashflow forecast showing how the repayment will be met
• Landlord contribution letter (if applicable) and lease details

Top tip: a clear staged drawdown schedule from your contractor helps lenders assess funding timing and reduces holdbacks.

Sector Spotlights

Independent Restaurant Refit — £120k

Challenge: short trading pause, need commercial kitchen and ventilation. Solution: blended facility — equipment finance for kitchen kit + short-term term loan for construction. Result: staged drawdown, kitchen delivered before reopening.

Professional Office Cat B — £75k

Challenge: relocating teams, need modern fit-out and AV. Solution: unsecured business loan where cashflow supported repayments. Quick turnaround with minimal security.

Retail Concept Multi-Site Rollout — £200k+

Challenge: roll-out across three locations. Solution: combination of asset finance and staged term loan to match the rollout schedule, preserving working capital for stock.

Timeline: From Enquiry to Funds

1. Enquiry submitted — same day match notification (often within hours).
2. Initial lender contact — 24–72 hours to discuss options.
3. Documentation stage — 2–7 days (depends on lender and complexity).
4. Final approval & completion — 3 days to 2 weeks from documentation for standard facilities; longer for property-secured loans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is fit-out finance?

Fit-out finance funds the works and equipment needed to make a commercial space operational — interiors, M&E, specialist equipment, signage and more.

How much can I borrow?

Through our panel, projects from around £10,000 upwards can be considered. Exact amounts depend on lender appetite and your business profile.

Do I need to give personal guarantees?

Smaller unsecured loans may not require guarantees, but larger or longer-term facilities often do. Requirements vary by lender and loan structure.

Can new businesses get fit-out funding?

Yes — some lenders and brokers specialise in newer businesses, franchises or owner-operator models. Strong forecasts and contractor contracts strengthen applications.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry here is not an application and does not affect your credit record. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you decide to proceed.

How quickly will I receive quotes?

Often within 24–72 hours; speed depends on the facility and how quickly you can supply documents.

Do you provide the money directly?

No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we connect you to lenders and brokers who will provide formal offers and handle funds.

Is your service free?

Yes — it’s free for business owners to submit an enquiry. There’s no obligation to proceed once matched.

Ready to get matched?

If you’re planning a shop, office or hospitality refit and need funding from £10,000 upwards, complete a short enquiry now. We’ll match your project with lenders and brokers who understand fit-outs so you can get a focussed quote fast. Your enquiry is free, confidential and not an application.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated advice. Finance availability, terms and rates depend on the lender or broker you choose. Information on this page is for guidance only; please confirm terms with the lender before proceeding.

1) What is fit-out finance and what can it cover?
Fit-out finance funds the works and equipment needed to make a commercial space trading-ready for shops, offices (Cat B) and hospitality, including interiors, M&E, fixtures, signage and specialist kit.

2) How much can I borrow for a shop, office or hospitality fit-out?
Through our panel, projects from around £10,000 upwards can be considered, with exact amounts based on your sector, project scope and business profile.

3) How fast can I get quotes and funding?
You’ll typically receive lender responses within 24–72 hours, with funding available from same day for certain products to around 1–3 weeks for fully documented loans.

4) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — our quick enquiry is not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score; checks occur only if you choose to proceed with a lender.

5) Are you a lender, and is your service free?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers, and our matching service is free with no obligation to proceed.

6) What finance options are available for refurbishments?
Common options include business term loans, asset and equipment finance, lease/hire purchase, invoice finance or bridging, merchant cash advances, and VAT/retention facilities.

7) Can start-ups or franchises get fit-out funding?
Yes — some partners support newer businesses and franchises where strong plans, forecasts and contractor agreements are in place.

8) Will I need security or a personal guarantee?
Smaller unsecured facilities may not require security, but larger or longer-term loans often need a personal guarantee or other collateral.

9) What documents help me secure fit-out funding quickly?
A project summary with contractor quotes, plans/approvals, recent accounts and bank statements, a cashflow forecast, and lease or landlord contribution details will speed decisions.

10) What are typical UK fit-out costs?
As a guide, restaurant/café refits often run £50k–£300k+, retail £30k–£250k, and office Cat B £20k–£150k, with a 5–15% contingency recommended.