Fit-Out Finance in the UK: Fast Funding for Shop, Office and Hospitality Refits

Refitting a site is exciting — but paying contractors, materials, furniture and equipment before revenue ramps can strain cash flow. Fit-out finance helps spread the cost so you can open on time, to spec, and without cash flow shocks.

UK Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice. We connect UK businesses with reputable brokers and lenders who can fund your fit-out. Our service is free for business owners/directors and there’s no obligation to proceed.

• Get a fast, free eligibility check
• Be matched with relevant UK lenders/brokers in hours
• Compare offers and choose what suits your business

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

What is Fit-Out Finance?

Fit-out finance is a flexible way to fund the design, refurbishment and fit-out of commercial premises. It can be structured as an unsecured term loan, secured loan, asset finance, lease or a blend — tailored to your project’s assets, phasing and cash flow.

Common use cases include:

• New site openings or relocations
• Refurbishing to meet brand standards
• Compliance-driven upgrades (fire safety, accessibility, HVAC)
• Energy efficiency upgrades (LED lighting, insulation, air-source heat pumps)
• Seasonal or mid-cycle refreshes for hospitality and retail

What can Fit-Out Finance cover?

Depending on the lender’s product and your needs, funding can typically include:

• Interior build and finishes: partitions, ceilings, flooring, joinery, decoration
• M&E: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, sprinklers, air handling
• Fixtures, furniture and equipment (FF&E): counters, seating, workstations, treatment chairs
• Catering and kitchen equipment: ovens, extraction, refrigeration, dishwashers
• Technology and POS: EPOS systems, CCTV, networking, Wi‑Fi, phones
• Branding and signage: internal/external signage, digital displays
• Professional fees: design, architect, survey, project management
• Compliance and permits: planning, licensing, fire compliance works
• Contingency and snagging

Note: Some costs (e.g., professional fees) may be included within a wider loan but not all are fundable via asset-backed facilities. Lenders will confirm what’s eligible.

Who we help

We connect start-ups, growing SMEs and multi-site operators across the UK, including:

• Retail stores and e-commerce showrooms
• Cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaways
• Hotels, pubs and leisure venues
• Offices and co-working spaces
• Salons, spas and barbers
• Clinics, dental and healthcare premises
• Warehouses, logistics and trade counters
• Gyms, studios and wellness centres
• Education and childcare settings

Get Quote Now — Tell Us About Your Fit-Out

How UK Business Loans works (fast, simple, no obligation)

1. Complete a short enquiry
   Tell us about your business, project scope, timelines and funding amount. It takes under two minutes.
2. We match you with trusted UK lenders/brokers
   We connect you to partners experienced in fit-outs and your sector. We only share your details with relevant, approved partners.
3. Quick response
   Expect a call or email (often within hours) to discuss options, terms and eligibility. No obligation to proceed.
4. Compare and choose
   Review offers side by side and pick the funding that fits your timescales and cash flow.

Free Eligibility Check — See Your Options

Why choose UK Business Loans for fit-out projects?

• Specialist matching
  We connect you to finance partners who regularly fund fit-outs in your sector and understand landlord/tenant dynamics.
• Speed and simplicity
  One enquiry. Multiple potential options. No pressure to proceed.
• Trusted network
  We work with reputable UK finance professionals who treat customers fairly.
• Free for businesses
  Using our service is free for UK business owners/directors.
• Transparent and secure
  We’re an introducer, not a lender. We never make lending decisions or offer advice; we simply connect you to suitable professionals.

Fit-out finance options we can connect you with

• Unsecured business loans
  Fixed-term loans (commonly 6–60 months) for rapid deployment; suitable for mixed fit-out costs.
• Secured business loans
  Larger projects or lower rates where security (e.g., property or other assets) is available.
• Asset finance (hire purchase or finance lease)
  For fundable assets like kitchen equipment, HVAC, furniture and technology.
• Equipment leasing
  Spread the cost of equipment with predictable monthly rentals.
• Revolving credit facilities
  Flexible drawdown for staged contractor payments, then refinance into term debt if preferred.
• VAT and tax funding
  Short-term facilities to bridge VAT on fit-out invoices where applicable.
• Merchant cash advance (hospitality/retail)
  Repay via a small percentage of card takings; useful for seasonal sites.
• Invoice finance (for B2B fit-out contractors)
  If you’re the contractor delivering fit-outs, unlock working capital from invoices.

Typical terms and eligibility

Note: Terms are set by lenders and depend on your circumstances. There’s no obligation until you accept an offer.

• Amounts: From £10,000 to £5,000,000+
• Terms: 3 to 84 months (longer possible where secured)
• Structure: Unsecured, secured or blended; fixed or variable rates
• Speed: Initial decisions often within 24–72 hours after full application; funding can be faster/slower depending on product and underwriting
• Early repayment: Often available; lender terms apply

Eligibility snapshot:

• UK-registered businesses: limited companies, LLPs and franchises
• Viable project with sensible budget and timeline
• Turnover and trading history considered (start-ups may still be eligible)
• Credit profile: all considered; adverse credit may limit options but is not always a barrier
• Security: not always required; higher amounts may require security or guarantees

Useful documents to prepare:

• Latest management accounts and bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
• Business plan or project summary (scope, timeline, budget)
• Quotes or invoices from contractors/suppliers
• Lease/landlord consent (if applicable)
• Asset list for asset finance
• ID and proof of address for directors/partners

Get Started — Share Your Project and Get Matched

Costs: understanding rates and fees

Your total cost depends on:

• Loan type and term: unsecured vs secured; asset-backed vs cash flow
• Business profile: time trading, profitability, leverage, sector, seasonality
• Credit profile: of business and guarantors (if applicable)
• Security: availability of property or other collateral
• Project risk: scope, planning, contractor strength, contingency
• Market conditions: interest rate environment and lender appetite

Important:

• We don’t set rates or make credit decisions; lenders/brokers we introduce will provide total cost, APR/flat rates (where relevant), fees and key terms before you agree anything.
• Our service is free to business owners/directors. If a broker or lender fee applies, it will be disclosed by that party before you proceed.
• Submitting an enquiry here will not affect your credit score. Partners may run credit checks if you proceed with a formal application — they will tell you in advance.

Timeline: from enquiry to funds

• Today: Submit your enquiry (2 minutes)
• Same day to 1 business day: Initial match and partner intro
• 1–3 business days: Indicative terms after basic review
• 2–10 business days: Underwriting and documentation (asset/secured loans can take longer)
• Funding: On approval and documentation completion

Timeframes are indicative. Complex or secured deals may take longer; smaller unsecured facilities can be faster.

Fit-out budget checklist

Use this to brief lenders and avoid overruns:

• Design and professional fees
• Demolition/strip-out
• Build and finishes
• M&E (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
• FF&E (furniture, counters, displays)
• Kitchen/catering equipment
• IT/EPOS, CCTV, access control, networking
• Branding, signage and graphics
• Compliance works and permits
• Waste, cleaning and handover
• Contingency (10–15%)
• VAT and staged payment schedule

Alternatives and complementary funding

• Landlord contributions: Negotiated incentives or capital contributions
• Grants: Local or sector grants (availability varies; check your council/LEP)
• Business overdrafts: Short-term working capital
• Asset refinance: Release equity from owned equipment
• Green/sustainability loans: For energy-efficiency upgrades

We can connect you with partners who understand and can advise on these options. You choose whether to proceed.

How to improve approval odds (practical tips)

• Provide a clear, itemised budget with reputable quotes
• Show realistic timelines and milestones
• Evidence affordability with recent bank statements and forecasts
• Include landlord consent or lease heads of terms
• Prepare a short business plan: location, footfall, team, trading plan
• Maintain a contingency line in the budget
• If start-up, demonstrate sector experience and personal investment
• Consider asset finance for fundable equipment to reduce unsecured borrowing

Free Eligibility Check — See If You Qualify

Fit-Out Finance FAQs

Q1: Are you a lender — and will my credit score be affected?
A: We’re an introducer, not a lender, and we don’t provide financial advice. Submitting an enquiry here won’t affect your credit score. If you progress, our partners may run credit checks and will inform you beforehand.

Q2: How much can I borrow for a fit-out?
A: Partners we work with typically fund from £10,000 up to £5m+, subject to status, security and project details. You’ll receive clear terms and total cost before you agree.

Q3: Can start-ups get fit-out finance?
A: Many lenders consider start-ups, especially where there’s sector experience, a strong plan and landlord consent. Security or guarantees may be required.

Q4: What can be financed?
A: Typically most fit-out costs including build, M&E, furniture, kitchen and tech equipment, signage and more. Asset finance is common for equipment; unsecured loans can cover mixed costs.

Q5: How fast can I get funds?
A: Smaller unsecured loans can complete in days once documents are in place. Asset or secured deals may take longer. We’ll connect you with partners who can work to your timeline.

Q6: Do you charge fees?
A: Our service is free for business owners/directors. If a lender or broker fee applies, it will be disclosed by that party before you proceed. You’re under no obligation to accept any offer.

Q7: Do you only cover certain industries?
A: We support most UK sectors including retail, hospitality, offices, healthcare, salons, gyms, warehousing and more.

Q8: Can I finance a multi-site rollout?
A: Yes. Partners can structure staged drawdowns or frameworks for multi-site programmes, subject to approval.

Q9: Can I combine asset finance with a loan?
A: Often yes. Funding equipment via asset finance while using an unsecured or secured loan for build and professional costs can be efficient.

Q10: What if I have imperfect credit?
A: Options may be more limited and pricing may be higher, but specialist lenders exist. A clear plan and strong trading improves outcomes.

Ready to fund your fit-out?

• Free, no-obligation eligibility check
• Fast match with trusted UK brokers and lenders
• Clear terms before you decide

Get Started — Get Quote Now

Helpful internal links

• Asset Finance UK
• Equipment Finance
• Hospitality Business Loans
• Retail Business Loans
• Sustainability Loans UK

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Compliance and transparency notes

• UK Business Loans (ukbusinessloans.co) is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice. We connect UK businesses with brokers and lenders who can provide finance directly.
• Using our website and submitting an enquiry is free for UK business owners/directors and carries no obligation to proceed.
• Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. If you choose to proceed with a lender/broker, they may conduct credit checks and will inform you beforehand.
• Any finance is subject to status, affordability and lender underwriting. Terms, rates and fees will be provided by the lender/broker before you agree.
• We aim to ensure all information is fair, clear and not misleading. Always consider independent advice if you are unsure about suitability.
• Data is handled securely and shared only with relevant, approved partners in connection with your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Last updated: 28 October 2025

– How do I apply for a UK business loan through UK Business Loans?
Complete a quick online enquiry form and we’ll instantly match you with trusted UK lenders and brokers who will contact you to discuss options.

– Are you a direct lender or a loan comparison service?
We’re not a lender and don’t give financial advice—we act as an introducer, connecting you with FCA-regulated brokers and lenders so you can compare offers.

– Does using UK Business Loans cost anything or create any obligation?
No—our service is free to use and there’s no obligation to proceed with any offer.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—your enquiry won’t affect your credit score, and any credit checks are only carried out by partners if you decide to move forward.

– How quickly can I get a decision or funding?
You’ll typically hear back within hours, and many short-term or unsecured business loans can be approved quickly subject to lender criteria.

– What types of UK business finance can I compare?
You can be connected with unsecured and secured business loans, cashflow loans, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, vehicle and fit-out finance, refinance options, sustainability loans, and expansion funding.

– What loan amounts are available for UK SMEs, sole traders and start-ups?
Our partners arrange funding from about £5,000 up to £5 million+ depending on your eligibility and funding purpose.

– Can you help start-ups or businesses with bad credit?
Yes—many of our lending partners specialise in start-up finance and options for businesses with imperfect credit histories.

– Which industries do you support?
We work across UK sectors including construction, hospitality, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, professional services, agriculture, sustainability and more.

– What information do I need to start my application?
Just basic business and contact details plus the amount and purpose of funding, with any documents requested later by the lender if needed.