What is fit-out finance and who is it for?

Fit-out finance covers funding for internal refurbishment and fit-out works for commercial premises. Typical works include Cat A/B works, partitions, suspended ceilings, lighting, joinery, furnishing, commercial kitchens, décor, signage and IT or POS systems.

This funding is suited to: SMEs, multi-site retailers and hospitality groups, restaurants, pubs, cafés, clinics and care settings, landlords undertaking tenant-ready works, and businesses upgrading premises for compliance or improved customer experience. Projects we support typically start from £10,000 upwards.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. The information you provide via our enquiry is used to match you with lenders or brokers who are most likely to help your project. Completing an enquiry does not commit you to any product.

Common scenarios fit-out finance can support

Fit-out finance is used for a wide range of projects. Examples include:

Retail and hospitality upgrades

• Shop refits, new concourse kiosks or multi-site rollouts
• Restaurant and café kitchen installations, furniture, and front-of-house upgrades

Office reconfigurations and hybrid workspaces

• Open-plan reworks, meeting rooms, AV systems and ergonomic furniture

Healthcare, wellness and care facilities

• Clinic refurbishments, specialist medical fittings, accessible facilities

Typical costs covered: structural/internal works, joinery, M&E, fixtures & fittings, specialist equipment, signage and soft furnishings. If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, submit a quick enquiry for a no‑obligation match: Free Eligibility Check.

How Fast Business Loans helps you secure fit-out funding

We simplify the search for fit-out finance by matching your enquiry to the most relevant lenders and brokers. Our process is designed to be quick and transparent:

1. Quick enquiry — the short form takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score at that stage. Get Quote Now.
2. Intelligent matching — we use project details, sector and loan size to match you with partners who specialise in fit-outs.
3. Fast response — brokers/lenders typically contact you within hours to request documents and discuss terms.
4. Compare and decide — review offers, ask questions, and accept the option that suits your business. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Representative note: Fast Business Loans does not guarantee approval. All finance is subject to lender terms, status and affordability checks.

Get Quotes for Your Fit-Out

Fit-out finance products available through our partner panel

Our lending and broker panel can offer a range of products depending on your needs and credit profile. Representative examples only — terms vary by provider.

Unsecured business loans

• Quick to arrange for smaller fit-outs from £10,000. Fixed-term repayments, no asset required.

Secured fit-out loans

• Lower rates for larger projects where security (property or business assets) is acceptable.

Asset & equipment finance

• For heavy equipment or specialist fit-out elements — options include hire purchase or finance lease.

Invoice & cashflow funding

• Bridge gaps in cashflow while work is staged or while awaiting upfront payments from clients or landlords.

If you want to explore which product suits your project, start with a short enquiry and we’ll match you: Start My Fit-Out Finance Enquiry.

Understanding costs, deposits and payback for fit-out projects

Costs vary by sector and quality. As a rough guide, small retail or café refits can start from a few thousand per outlet; full restaurant or high-spec office fit-outs commonly run into tens or hundreds of thousands. Always obtain detailed quotes from contractors before seeking finance.

• Deposit expectations: Some lenders expect a client or business deposit (10–30%) depending on risk and the product.
• Staged drawdowns: Many lenders will release funds in stages against invoices or milestones rather than a single lump sum.
• Impact on working capital: Build contingency into your budget — lenders will want to see forecasts showing loan affordability.

Need help building a finance-ready budget? Our partners can advise once you submit a short enquiry: Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility criteria and documents lenders may request

Requirements vary, but common items requested include:

Trading history and credit profile

• Typically lenders prefer established companies; however, some partners support newer businesses with strong plans.

Project scope, quotes and approvals

• Contractor quotes, schedules of works, landlord consents or planning permissions where applicable.

Financial statements & forecasts

• Recent accounts, management accounts, bank statements and a short cashflow forecast showing repayment cover.

Tip: you don’t need to submit anything to begin — our enquiry is a soft introduction and does not trigger a credit search. Provide basic details and we’ll guide you on next steps. Get Quote Now.

Why use an introducer instead of approaching lenders directly?

Using an introducer saves time and increases your chance of being presented to the right lender quickly:

• We shortlist lenders/brokers who specialise in your sector and loan size.
• Fewer needless rejections — applications are directed to partners with matching appetite.
• Faster initial responses — brokers often prioritise warm, matched leads.

Example feedback collected April 2025: “We completed an enquiry and were speaking to a broker the same day — they’d matched us to a lender that understood multi-site rollouts.”

Ready to save time? Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Timeline: From enquiry to funds released

Typical timescales vary with complexity and documentation. Example timeline (indicative only):

Timescales depend on transaction size, lender, and whether staged releases are needed. For a personalised estimate, submit a short enquiry: Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.

Tips to strengthen your fit-out finance application

• Prepare accurate contractor quotes and a clear schedule of works.
• Build a simple ROI narrative — forecast uplift in sales, occupancy or efficiency.
• Secure necessary landlord approvals before applying where required.
• Include contingency in budgets (typically 10–15%).
• Gather recent management accounts and bank statements to speed assessment.

Follow these steps and you’ll present a clearer, more lender-friendly application. If you’d like a personalised match, Get Quote Now.

Responsible borrowing and regulatory information

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice or lend directly. We help match your enquiry to lenders and brokers who may contact you to discuss options. All finance is subject to status, lender terms and affordability checks.

Make sure you understand the repayments and total cost of any finance you accept. If you are unsure whether borrowing is suitable for your business, consider independent financial or professional advice before proceeding.

Fit-Out Finance FAQs

Can I finance both construction and furnishings?

Yes. Many lenders can fund structural fit-out works and moveable assets such as furniture and POS systems, though some products treat fixtures differently. Provide clear quotes and a project breakdown to help lenders assess.

What if my company has been trading less than 12 months?

Some partners specialise in early-stage business finance, particularly where a strong plan and credible forecasts are provided. Outcomes depend on lender criteria and the project’s commercial rationale.

How soon could funds be released?

Indicative offers can sometimes be provided within a few days of documentation. Drawdown depends on lender checks and whether staged releases are agreed.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our enquiry is a soft introduction and does not trigger a credit search. Lenders or brokers will only perform credit checks later with your consent.

Do you support multi-site rollouts?

Yes — our panel includes brokers experienced in funding multi-site programmes and staged rollouts. Provide details of site numbers and rollout timing in your enquiry.

Can you help if I was declined elsewhere?

Possibly. We work with a wide panel — a different lender or product may be a better fit. Share details of prior declines and your current proposal for the best match.

Free Eligibility Check – Get Started

Next steps

1. Click through to the short enquiry form and tell us about your business and project: Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match you with lenders/brokers suited to your needs.
3. Review and compare offers — ask questions — accept or decline with no obligation.

Data you submit is used only to match your enquiry to suitable partners. For more details on data handling see our privacy policy.

Get Quote Now

Need funding for other projects?

We also connect businesses to providers for equipment finance, invoice finance and construction finance. To explore fit-out finance in more detail see our pillar guide on fit-out finance — or submit an enquiry and we’ll match you to the right specialist.