Quick answer

Yes — it is usually possible to finance a factory or warehouse for a printing or packaging business. The best route depends on whether you are buying or leasing, whether the property needs conversion, how quickly you need funds, and how much deposit or equity you can provide. Common solutions include commercial mortgages for long-term purchase, bridging or short-term loans for speed, staged development/refurbishment finance for conversions, and asset finance or invoice finance to support fit-out costs and working capital. To explore your options, start with a quick, no-obligation eligibility check: Free Eligibility Check.

Why printing & packaging businesses often need premises finance

Printing and packaging operations typically require larger, specialised space compared with ordinary offices. Key reasons businesses seek premises finance include:

• Space for large press equipment, bindery and finishing lines.
• Secure storage for reels, board stock and finished goods.
• Heavy-duty services (power, compressed air), ventilation and extraction systems.
• Logistics needs — loading bays and yard space for deliveries.
• Refurbishment to meet environmental and waste-handling regulations.
• Expanding or relocating to improve workflow and reduce lead times.

Whether you’re buying, refurbishing or fitting out, the finance mix can vary. If you’re looking specifically for tailored solutions for the sector, see our industry overview on printing business loans.

Types of finance that can fund a printing factory or warehouse

Commercial mortgage (long-term purchase)

Ideal for established companies buying freehold or long-leasehold properties. Typical loan sizes start where property values begin — lenders will expect a deposit or equity (often 10–30% depending on risk). Terms usually run 5–25 years. Pros: lower long-term cost than short-term borrowing; cons: longer underwriting, requires valuation and security over the property.

Commercial bridging loan (short-term / urgent purchases)

Fast funding for auctions, chain breaks, or to secure a purchase while arranging longer-term finance. Terms can be weeks to 12–24 months. Bridging is more expensive than a mortgage and typically requires a clear exit plan (refinance to a mortgage or sale).

Development / refurbishment finance

Used when converting or upgrading a building (e.g., installing press lines, improving ventilation). Draws are usually staged against milestones. Lenders will expect detailed budgets, contractor quotes and timelines.

Asset finance & equipment loans

To buy presses, cutters, pallet systems or M&E. Asset finance can preserve working capital and is often structured around the asset’s useful life. Some packages can be combined with property finance to include mechanical & electrical fit-out.

Leasehold improvement / fit-out finance

For leasehold premises where you need funding for internal works, racking, or specialised installations. Terms and structure depend on lease length and landlord consent.

Invoice finance & working capital

While not funding the property itself, invoice finance or working capital loans help cover deposits, initial running costs and payroll during relocation or ramp-up.

What lenders and brokers will look for (eligibility & documents)

Each lender has different policies, but common criteria include:

• Trading history and experience of directors (stronger cases at 2+ years trading).
• Turnover and profitability (management accounts and recent accounts).
• Cashflow and projected forecasts (especially for development or refurb projects).
• Credit history of the company and directors.
• Level of deposit/equity and whether security (property or personal guarantee) will be offered.
• Purpose and suitability of the property (industrial classification, lease terms if leasehold).

Documents checklist

• Company accounts (normally last 2–3 years) and recent management accounts.
• Cashflow forecast and business plan for purchase/refurbishment.
• Property details: address, floor area, tenancy or sale agreement, valuation or estate agent details.
• ID and proof of address for directors, company incorporation documents, and bank statements.
• Quotes from contractors and timelines for any conversion works.

Common challenges such as short trading history or adverse credit can often be mitigated by specialist lenders, higher deposits or staged finance. To see tailored options, get a Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now.

Typical costs, terms & what to expect

Costs vary by loan type and risk. Typical items to budget for include:

• Deposit/equity: often 10–30% depending on lender and property type.
• Arrangement fees: commonly 1–3% of the loan (sometimes higher for specialist finance).
• Valuation, legal and surveying fees (usually payable upfront).
• Monthly repayments or interest-only options for some products (bridging often interest-only).
• Other commercial costs: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on purchases, VAT on works or equipment, and any landlord consent fees.

Rates depend on the product and lender. Bridging and development finance typically carry higher margins than long-term commercial mortgages. Always ask lenders or brokers for an itemised illustration — and compare options through a free eligibility check: Free Eligibility Check.

How UK Business Loans helps — our process and benefits

We don’t lend — we match businesses with lenders and brokers experienced in commercial property, industrial conversions and sector-specific needs for printers and packagers. Our process is simple:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes less than 2 minutes).
2. We match your case to lenders and brokers suited to printing/packaging premises finance.
3. You receive rapid contacts and proposals to compare — then choose how to proceed.

Benefits: speed, sector-aware matches, no obligation and confidentiality. Enquiries are used to identify suitable partners and will not by themselves be an application. Start now: Get Quote Now.

Note: our service helps businesses access finance from around £10,000 and up. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score; lenders may carry out checks later if you proceed.

Case studies — short examples

Example A — Established printer buys a warehouse

Problem: A regionally established printer needed 15,000 sq ft to consolidate operations. Solution: Matched with a commercial mortgage provider offering 70% LTV; the business also used an equipment finance package to replace older presses. Outcome: Lower unit costs and faster turnaround; mortgage term 20 years with fixed-rate option.

Example B — Packaging supplier secures leasehold site quickly

Problem: A fast-growing packager needed a 6-week completion to secure a lease on a strategic site. Solution: Bridging loan to secure the leasehold and cover initial fit-out, then refinance to a longer-term facility once trading stabilised. Outcome: Site secured; refinance reduced monthly cost and improved cashflow.

Next steps — how to get started

1) Gather key documents (recent accounts, management accounts, property details, and ID). 2) Complete our short enquiry to tell us the loan amount, property type and purpose. 3) We’ll match you to the best lenders and brokers and you’ll receive contacts shortly after. For a quick start, request a Free Eligibility Check now — responses often in hours on business days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get financing for commercial premises—like a factory or warehouse—for a printing or packaging business?

Yes — commercial mortgages, bridging, refurbishment finance and combinations with asset finance are common routes. Eligibility hinges on trading history, turnover, security and deposit.

Is it possible to finance a factory or warehouse with limited trading history?

Possibly. Short trading history narrows traditional mortgage options but specialist lenders, higher deposits, personal guarantees or short-term bridging with a refinance plan can work. Our broker network includes providers experienced with varied trading profiles.

What security do lenders typically require?

For property purchases the lender usually takes a legal charge over the property. For leasehold or specialist cases, additional security (personal guarantees, company charges) or higher deposits may be required.

How long does a commercial property loan take?

Timescales vary: bridging can complete in days–weeks; commercial mortgages and development loans typically take 4–12 weeks depending on valuation, legal work and lender checks.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No — making an enquiry via our form does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later in the application process if you proceed with them directly.

Compliance & important disclaimers

Last reviewed: 31 October 2025 — Content prepared by UK Business Loans and reviewed by experienced commercial finance brokers.