What does business loan refinancing mean?

Refinancing replaces or restructures an existing finance facility with a new one. For companies this can mean moving to a lower interest product, consolidating several loans into a single repayment, extending terms to reduce monthly cashflow pressure, or switching product type (for example converting a high-cost short-term advance into a longer-term secured facility).

Each refinance is different — the best option depends on your current agreements, outstanding balances, assets available as security and business performance. Fast Business Loans does not provide finance directly; we match your enquiry to lenders and brokers who will assess options and terms.

When refinancing could help your business

Rising interest rates or better market offers

If market rates fall or new lenders offer improved pricing, switching can reduce interest costs or move you from a variable to a fixed rate for certainty.

Consolidating multiple facilities

Multiple monthly payments and different expiry dates can strain administration and cashflow. Consolidation can simplify repayments and sometimes lower the overall monthly burden.

Extending repayment terms

Extending the term of a loan may reduce monthly payments and free cashflow to run or grow the business, though it can increase total interest paid.

Releasing equity from assets

Refinancing secured lending or considering sale-and-leaseback on machinery or property can unlock funds for investment or working capital.

Not sure which path suits your business? Start with a Free Eligibility Check and our panel will identify relevant lenders/brokers for a no-obligation discussion.

Potential benefits & considerations

Potential advantages

• Lower monthly repayments and improved cashflow
• Better interest rates or more suitable product terms
• Consolidated admin — one repayment, one statement
• Release of equity for growth or investment
• Convert short-term high-cost debt into longer-term structured borrowing

Points to weigh up

• Arrangement fees, valuation costs or broker fees can offset savings
• Early repayment charges from your current lender may apply
• New security requirements could be requested (e.g., property charge)
• Longer terms can mean paying more interest overall

Always review the full terms and total cost of any new facility. If you’re uncertain, the matched brokers and lenders will explain charging structures and options once you proceed.

Types of refinance solutions available through our panel

Secured commercial loan refinancing

For larger balances, lenders may offer lower rates against property or other business assets. Typical sizes: from approximately £50,000 to several million (subject to status and LTV).

Asset finance refinancing / sale-and-leaseback

Refinance existing asset finance to release cash or convert ownership models. Useful for plant, machinery, or vehicle fleets.

Invoice finance restructuring

Switch providers or refinance an invoice finance facility to improve headroom or reduce funding charges.

Merchant cash advance restructuring

High-cost short-term advances can sometimes be restructured into more sustainable longer-term credit.

Commercial mortgages and property refinance

Refinance commercial property to release equity or consolidate property debts. For more detail on property refinance options see our dedicated refinance loans page: refinance loans.

Eligibility snapshot

Each lender sets its own criteria, but below are common considerations.

What lenders may look for

• Trading history: typically 6–24 months or more for larger facilities
• Turnover and profitability consistent with the requested loan size
• Bank statements showing trading performance
• Credit profile of the company and directors
• Security available (assets or property) for larger lending
• Clear purpose and credible financial forecasts

If your business meets these basic expectations you could be matched to appropriate partners — check now with a Free Eligibility Check.

What information to prepare

Preparing the right documents speeds up lender assessments. Typical items include:

• Recent management accounts and annual accounts
• 3–6 months business bank statements
• Existing loan or facility statements (balances, repayments, interest)
• Aged debtor/creditor reports if relevant
• Asset valuations for secured lending
• Simple cashflow forecasts and a brief description of the funding purpose

Your initial enquiry only asks for core details; lenders/brokers request documents later if required.

Step-by-step: how Fast Business Loans works

1. Complete a short enquiry form (under 2 minutes).
2. We match your business to a panel of vetted UK lenders and brokers suited to your sector and loan size.
3. Matched partners contact you to discuss terms and request documentation.
4. Compare offers, negotiate terms, and select the best fit — the lender/broker handles completion and drawdown.

Important: submitting an enquiry is free and not a loan application. If you accept an offer, fees and terms will be set out by the lender or broker.

Get Quote Now — we’ll match you quickly so lenders can respond with options.

Cost factors & rate expectations

There’s no single rate for refinancing: lenders price based on the business and product. Key influences include:

• Credit profile and trading history
• Loan amount and term
• Amount of security and loan-to-value (LTV)
• Market interest rates and product type (fixed vs variable)
• Arrangement, legal, and valuation fees

When comparing offers, look at the APR or total cost over the term, any early repayment charges, and whether a broker fee applies. Our matching service is designed to surface competitive options from across our panel; representative examples will be provided by lenders after you proceed.

Timeline — from enquiry to drawdown

Typical timings (indicative):

• Enquiry review and initial match: within hours (business hours)
• Initial lender response / terms: 24–72 hours
• Underwriting and document checks: 2–21 days depending on complexity
• Valuations or legal work for secured lending: additional 1–4 weeks
• Drawdown: once all conditions are met

Simple unsecured or small asset refinances can be quicker; complex property refinance will take longer.

Real-world use cases

These examples are anonymised and indicative. Every business is different and results vary; matched lenders will outline expected outcomes after reviewing your documents.

Frequently asked questions

Will refinancing affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later in the process if you progress with an application.

Can I refinance if I’ve missed repayments?

Some lenders consider applications from businesses with historic missed payments. Eligibility depends on how recent the arrears are and your current performance; a broker can advise on suitable options.

Do I need to offer security?

Security depends on loan size and product. Smaller facilities may be unsecured; larger amounts often require property or asset security to access better rates.

How much can I borrow?

Our panel can assist with refinance facilities from around £10,000 up to multi-million-pound arrangements (subject to status, security and lender policy).

What happens after I’m matched?

Matched lenders/brokers contact you to discuss terms and request documents. They then produce formal offers for you to compare — there’s no obligation to accept.

Is there any cost to use Fast Business Loans?

No. Making an enquiry is free. Fees or charges are set by lenders or brokers and will be disclosed in their terms if you proceed.

Ready to explore your refinance options?

Fast Business Loans helps you reach lenders and brokers who specialise in business refinance solutions. It takes under two minutes to tell us your needs — the matched partners will be in touch quickly to discuss options.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Privacy: your details are only shared with relevant finance partners. This is a no-obligation enquiry, not a loan application.