Why UK Businesses Use Fit-Out Finance

Refurbishment and fit-out projects often require large upfront payments to contractors, suppliers and designers. Instead of using cash reserves or overdrafts, many businesses use fit-out finance to spread costs over months or years — preserving working capital for day-to-day operations and unexpected costs.

Typical fit-out costs and cashflow pressures

• Small café or boutique: £20,000–£150,000 (kitchen equipment, joinery, furniture).
• Restaurant or bar: £50,000–£500,000+ (ventilation, commercial kitchen, décor).
• Office refit: £15,000–£300,000 (partitions, M&E, furniture, AV).

Large jobs and specialist works can quickly consume working capital — fit-out finance helps smooth cashflow while your business is closed or ramping up trade.

Benefits of spreading refurbishment costs

• Preserve cash for payroll and stock.
• Match repayments to the project’s revenue uplift.
• Access staged drawdowns for multi-phase works.
• Choose secured or unsecured options depending on asset value and balance-sheet strategy.

What Is Fit-Out Finance and How Does It Work?

Fit-out finance is commercial lending or funding tailored to refurbishment projects. It can cover hard costs (construction, M&E, joinery) and often soft costs (design, project management, specialist consultants). Lenders may offer single-sum loans, staged drawdowns, or asset-backed finance depending on project type.

Key features of fit-out loans & finance agreements

• Loan sizes typically start at around £10,000 and can run into the hundreds of thousands.
• Repayment terms vary: short-term (6–24 months) to medium/long-term (2–7 years) depending on product.
• Staged drawdowns for phased projects — finance is released as milestones are met.
• Secured vs unsecured: secured options may use property, fixtures or equipment as security for lower rates.

Fit-out finance vs leasing, asset finance and overdrafts

Fit-out loans are tailored to construction and refurbishment costs. Leasing or equipment finance is ideal when funding the purchase of specific equipment (e.g., ovens, refrigeration). Overdrafts are short-term and can be costly if used for large capital projects. Asset finance can combine with fit-out loans when the project includes high-value equipment.

Fit-Out Finance Options We Can Help You Explore

We connect businesses to a broad panel of lenders and brokers offering:

Unsecured business loans for fit-outs

Quick to arrange and suitable if you don’t want to offer business assets as security. Loan sizes, terms and eligibility vary — unsecured rates are typically higher than secured alternatives.

Secured fit-out funding

Using property, fixtures or other business assets can lower rates and increase borrowing capacity for larger refurbishments.

Asset & equipment finance for fixtures and joinery

If your fit-out includes expensive equipment (commercial kitchens, HVAC, bespoke joinery) asset finance or hire-purchase spreads the cost while the asset is used in the business.

Quick comparison

Free Eligibility Check — tell us about your project in under 2 minutes and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-outs. No credit score impact for this initial enquiry. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender.

How Fast Business Loans Matches You with Fit-Out Specialists

We simplify the search. You provide a few project and business details and we connect you to vetted lenders and brokers who understand your sector and project size.

Our 4-step enquiry-to-quote process

1. Complete a short enquiry form (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We analyse your needs and match you to the best-suited lenders/brokers.
3. Selected partners contact you with options and next steps.
4. Compare offers, choose a provider and progress to application and funding.

Learn more about fit-out funding pathways and sector-specific examples on our dedicated fit-out finance page about fit-out finance.

Fit-Out Finance for Different Sectors

Hospitality & leisure

Restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars often need specialist kitchen equipment, ventilation and interior works. Staged drawdowns help align funding to contractor milestones.

Retail & showrooms

Shop refurbs and showroom upgrades require lighting, joinery and display fixtures. Asset finance can cover trade counters and electronic fittings.

Offices & co-working

Modernisation, M&E upgrades and furniture are commonly financed to preserve cashflow while improving space for staff or tenants.

Healthcare, fitness & wellness

Clinics, gyms and wellness centres may need specialist partitions, treatment rooms and medical equipment — often a mix of secured loans and equipment finance.

Get My Fit-Out Quote — no obligation. Compare offers from lenders who understand your sector. No credit impact for the initial enquiry.

Eligibility, Documentation, and Approval Timelines

What lenders typically look for

• Limited company or incorporated business trading history (varies by lender).
• Management accounts or three months’ cashflow data for smaller loans; 12–36 months’ accounts for larger facilities.
• Detailed project costings, plans or contractor quotes.
• Evidence of commercial lease or property rights if relevant.
• Director details and any required guarantor information.

Documents to prepare & how to speed things up

• Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Latest management accounts and VAT returns (if applicable).
• Contractor quotes, drawings, and project timeline.
• Evidence of any deposits paid or existing finance agreements.

Typical timelines: initial match and contact usually within hours on business days; formal offers in days to a few weeks depending on complexity and security requirements. Staged drawdowns and larger secured facilities take longer due to valuations and legal work.

How Much Can You Borrow for a Fit-Out?

Fast Business Loans can help you access lenders whose loan sizes commonly start from around £10,000 and scale to several hundred thousand pounds or more for larger commercial refurbishments.

Sample scenarios

• Independent café: £25,000 unsecured loan repayable over 3 years.
• Restaurant kitchen and dining refit: £150,000 secured loan with staged drawdowns.
• Office conversion for co-working: £80,000 mixed finance (asset finance + term loan).

Repayment terms, rates and cost considerations

Rates depend on product, security, borrower strength and term. Expect a range: unsecured from higher commercial rates, secured from lower ranges. Always compare APRs, fees, and any early repayment charges. Speak to the lenders introduced to you for full cost illustrations.

Start Your Enquiry — quick response from our approved broker and lender network. No credit impact for the initial enquiry. Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender.

Responsible Borrowing & Compliance Notes

Refurbishment funding changes your business liabilities. Before proceeding, consider: cashflow stress tests, contingency funding for cost overruns, and whether repayment terms align with expected revenue uplift. Our role is to introduce lenders and brokers — they will provide detailed product terms and costs.

Protecting your business credit footprint

Your initial enquiry does not leave a credit footprint. Lenders may run credit checks only if you proceed with an application — you’ll be warned beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fit-Out Finance

What types of fit-out projects can be financed?

Retail, hospitality, office, healthcare and industrial refurbishments are commonly funded. Finance can cover fixtures, fittings, furniture, specialist equipment and often design/soft costs — subject to lender criteria.

Can start-ups or pre-revenue businesses access fit-out funding?

Some lenders and brokers will consider start-ups with strong director backing, credible business plans and realistic financial forecasts. Completing our enquiry form helps us find partners who specialise in earlier-stage businesses.

How quickly can fit-out finance be approved and funded?

Simple unsecured loans can be completed in days; larger secured or staged facilities typically take several weeks due to valuations and legal processes. Staging drawdowns means funding is released as works progress.

Will a fit-out loan require security or a personal guarantee?

Security and guarantees depend on loan size, borrower strength and lender appetite. Secured loans commonly use property or business assets; smaller unsecured loans may avoid security but carry higher rates.

Does applying through Fast Business Loans affect my credit score?

No — the initial enquiry and matching process does not impact your credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you progress with an application.

Are staged drawdowns available for longer refurbishment projects?

Yes — many lenders offer staged drawdowns tied to project milestones so you only draw what you need, when you need it.

What happens if my project costs change mid-fit-out?

If costs increase, speak to your lender or broker promptly. Options include top-up finance, refinancing, contingency release (if previously agreed), or working with your contractor to replan stages. Our introduced brokers can advise on suitable solutions.

Ready to Move Forward?

Tell us about your project in under 2 minutes and receive a free eligibility check. We’ll match your business to lenders and brokers experienced in fit-out finance so you can compare real offers quickly.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

No credit score impact for initial enquiry. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender. Our service is free and carries no obligation to proceed.