Quick answer: typical timelines at a glance

Overview: Initial matching and informal quotes via our service: typically 24–72 hours. Formal lender offers: usually 48 hours to 2 weeks depending on checks. Drawdown/completion: typically 1–6+ weeks for unsecured or asset finance and 4–12+ weeks for commercial mortgages or complicated secured deals.

Takeaway: If you want a fast, no‑obligation refinance quote, complete our quick enquiry — we aim to pass your details to suitable lenders/brokers straight away so you can receive quotes quickly. Get a Free Eligibility Check

What “refinance” means for UK businesses

Refinancing replaces an existing facility with a new one. Typical goals include reducing monthly payments, lowering rates, extending term, consolidating multiple debts, releasing equity or moving from one lender to another for better service or tailored covenants.

Refinance can apply to unsecured working capital, asset finance, invoice finance, and secured lending such as commercial mortgages. The process can involve brokers, specialist lenders, high‑street banks and solicitors depending on the security required.

Important: UK Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers who can provide quotes. We are an introducer — we do not lend and do not provide regulated advice. Lenders/brokers we connect you to will carry out their own checks and terms.

Detailed refinance timelines by loan type

Unsecured business loans & working capital

Initial matching and indicative quotes: 24–72 hours. Many unsecured lenders can issue offers within a few days if your accounts and bank statements are in order. Completion and funds transfer: often 3–10 business days after offer acceptance, assuming no security or solicitor is needed.

Asset finance (vehicles, machinery)

Quotes are often available in 24–72 hours. Where the asset is new and supplier paperwork is clear, drawdown can be quick — 1–3 weeks typically to account for supplier invoicing, registration and delivery. Used asset finance can take a little longer due to condition checks or valuations.

Commercial mortgages / secured loans

These are the slowest to refinance. Indicative offers often take 3–10 business days. Valuation and surveys may add 1–4 weeks. Legal conveyancing for security and lender pack preparation usually adds another 3–8 weeks. Overall completion is commonly 4–12+ weeks, and complex cases (multiple charges, development covenant issues) can take longer.

Invoice finance & specialised facilities

Initial quotes in 24–72 hours. Onboarding and integration (trading terms, ledger checks, sample invoices) typically take 7–21 days. Faster where the lender has streamlined KYC and you provide tidy documentation.

Key factors that speed up — or slow down — the refinance process

• Document readiness (accounts, management accounts, bank statements) — high impact. Missing documents add days to weeks.
• Security required (property valuation, asset registration, PPSR) — major time driver for secured loans.
• Loan size & complexity — larger or bespoke facilities need more underwriting time.
• Credit history & director checks — adverse credit or disputed accounts will prompt deeper review.
• Valuations and surveys — property valuations commonly add 1–4 weeks.
• Legal conveyancing — solicitors’ availability and complexity of title can add 3–8+ weeks for secured deals.
• Lender capacity — some specialist lenders can respond within hours; others have longer lead times.

Tip: having digital copies ready of the last 12–24 months’ accounts, VAT returns and 3–6 months of bank statements can shave days off the process.

How UK Business Loans fast‑tracks refinancing

We don’t underwrite or fund loans — we get you in front of the lenders and brokers most likely to move quickly on your request. Our job is to reduce wasted time and increase your chance of a fast, suitable offer.

• Instant matching: we route your enquiry to lenders/brokers that specialise in your sector and loan type.
• Pre‑qualification: our partners often perform initial eligibility checks so you only get approached by relevant lenders.
• Document checklist & support: we tell you what to prepare so lenders can act quickly.
• Access to faster providers: we work with brokers and specialist lenders who can produce fast indicative quotes (sometimes within hours).
• Single point of entry: submit one enquiry and get multiple lenders/brokers competing to help.

All matches we make are introductions; lenders and brokers will set final terms and carry out checks. Start your Free Eligibility Check

What you need to prepare right now (document checklist & tips)

Get these ready to speed up quotes and underwriting:

• Company accounts (preferably last 2 years) and recent management accounts.
• VAT returns (if applicable) and business tax references.
• Business bank statements (3–6 months).
• Details of the loan(s) being refinanced: balances, repayment schedules, any early repayment charges.
• Details of security (property title information, asset certificates, supplier invoices).
• Director ID and address verification documents.
• Cashflow forecast or brief explanation of the refinance purpose and required amount (we typically handle loans from £10,000 upwards).

Tip: scan documents to PDF and keep them accessible. When you complete our enquiry we can help ensure lenders ask only for what’s necessary.

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Typical refinance timeline — example scenarios

These examples are guides only — individual cases vary.

Costs, fees and checks to expect

Common items you may see during refinance:

• Arrangement/processing fees charged by the new lender (sometimes deducted from funds).
• Valuation or survey fees for property or high‑value assets.
• Solicitor/conveyancing fees for secured lending.
• Early repayment charges or exit fees on your existing facility — factor these into the cost/benefit analysis.
• Broker or introducer fees — confirm with the broker before proceeding.

UK Business Loans does not charge you to submit an enquiry. Lenders and brokers may charge fees — always ask for full costs and APR/T&Cs up front. Lenders may perform soft or hard credit searches — you will be told before any hard search is made.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will a lender contact me after I submit the form?

Most lenders or brokers will contact you within hours to 48 hours after we pass your enquiry, depending on working hours and workload. Some specialist brokers can respond in minutes during business hours.

Will refinancing affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform soft checks early on; a hard credit search will only be done with your permission and will be disclosed by the lender.

Can you help if my credit history isn’t perfect?

Yes — we work with a panel of brokers and lenders who consider a range of circumstances. Eligibility depends on the lender and the overall application; being introduced does not guarantee an offer.

Do you charge to submit an enquiry?

No — our matching service is free to business owners. Any fees from lenders/brokers will be made clear by them before you proceed.

What if my existing loan has an early repayment charge?

Early repayment charges are common. When comparing refinance options, factor the exit cost into the overall saving. Some lenders may offer deals that offset exit costs — ask your broker to model the net benefit.

Will I need a solicitor to refinance a secured loan?

Yes — for property-secured loans a solicitor is normally required to handle title, charges and legal documentation. Solicitor timelines vary and are a common cause of delay for secured deals.

Can I refinance loans secured against assets or property?

Yes — many businesses refinance secured facilities. Expect valuations, legal checks and solicitor involvement which extend the timeline compared with unsecured deals.

Ready to get a quick refinance quote?

If you want a fast, no‑obligation refinance quote and to be matched with lenders or brokers who can act quickly, complete our short enquiry now — it takes under two minutes. We’ll pass your details to the most suitable partners and they’ll be in touch with quotes and next steps.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. By submitting your enquiry you consent to your details being shared with selected lenders and brokers who may contact you about finance options. Completing the enquiry is not a loan application.

Further reading

For more on options and when refinance is the right move, see our specialist page on refinance loans which explains common refinance strategies and when they make sense for UK businesses.