Commercial property finance for accountants — buy or refinance your office

Summary: Yes — accountants and accountancy firms can usually access commercial property finance to buy, refinance or release equity from an office. UK Business Loans introduces practices to specialist commercial mortgage lenders and brokers who understand professional-services cashflow, typical security requirements and office valuation issues. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to get matched and receive tailored quotes. (This enquiry is not an application — it just helps us match you.)

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Quick answer

Yes. Most accountancy firms can access commercial property finance to purchase an office, refinance an existing commercial mortgage or release equity. The right product depends on your firm size, trading history, deposit/LTV and whether the property is owner-occupied or to be let. UK Business Loans connects you to specialist lenders and brokers so you can compare quotes quickly.

What commercial property finance covers for accountants

Commercial property finance for accountants typically covers:

• Purchase of an office or professional premises (freehold or leasehold).
• Refinance/remortgage of an existing commercial mortgage to reduce costs or release equity.
• Equity release to fund expansion, technology, recruitment or working capital.
• Short-term bridging finance to move quickly between purchases.
• Development or fit-out loans for refurbishment and client-facing improvements.

Accountancy practices often require finance structures that recognise seasonal cashflow (tax deadlines, client payment cycles) and may combine mortgages with working capital solutions.

Types of finance available (which suit accountants)

Commercial mortgages (long-term)

The standard solution for buying an office. Terms commonly range from 5 to 25 years, with capital repayment or interest-only options available. Lenders will assess business performance and the property value.

Refinance / Remortgage

Refinancing can lower monthly costs, release equity or consolidate debt. If you own the property, remortgaging is often the most cost-effective route to free cash for business needs.

Bridging loans (short-term)

Fast completion but higher cost. Useful where there are timing gaps — e.g., you need to exchange quickly before a full commercial mortgage completes.

Development & fit-out finance

Staged lending for refurbishments and client-facing fit-outs (meeting rooms, IT upgrades). Often combined with a longer-term mortgage on completion.

Hybrid solutions

Sometimes lenders or brokers will combine a commercial mortgage with an unsecured/business loan, asset finance or invoice finance to suit working capital needs around a property purchase.

Who can apply — typical eligibility for accountants

• Limited companies, partnerships and LLPs running accountancy practices (not sole traders in this content).
• Many lenders prefer 2+ years trading history; start-ups can still access finance but generally with larger deposits or via specialist lenders.
• Loan sizes commonly considered by our panel start at around £10,000 and rise to many millions depending on security and purpose.
• Typical loan-to-value (LTV) ranges: often 60–75% on commercial purchases, although exact LTV depends on lender risk appetite and property type.

What lenders look for — documents & evidence

Preparing paperwork speeds up offers. Common requests include:

• Business accounts / management accounts (12–24 months) and company tax returns.
• Director(s) personal tax returns (SA302) and credit checks.
• Bank statements showing deposit funds and trading history.
• Property information: title deeds, recent valuation (if available), EPC, floor plans and any tenancy agreements.
• Business plan or projections if the purchase is for expansion or relocation.
• Proof of identity and address for directors (KYC).

Costs, rates & fees — what to expect

Commercial property finance costs typically include:

• Interest rate — fixed or variable depending on product. Rates vary widely by LTV, term and borrower profile.
• Arrangement or facility fees — can be paid up front or added to the loan.
• Valuation and survey fees.
• Legal fees for registering the charge on the property.
• Broker fees — some brokers are paid by lenders, others may charge the borrower. Always confirm any fees up front.
• Early repayment charges on some deals — check if you plan to refinance again.

Because costs vary, it’s important to compare offers from multiple lenders — UK Business Loans will match you to several providers so you can compare.

Process & timescales — step-by-step

1. Complete a short enquiry so we can match you — Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match you to suitable lenders/brokers (often within 24–48 hours).
3. Initial affordability checks and document requests (usually 3–10 days).
4. Formal offer and property valuation (2–6 weeks depending on complexity).
5. Legal completion and funds release (2–6 weeks after offer, subject to solicitor turnaround).

Total time from enquiry to completion is typically 4–12+ weeks. Bridging finance can be significantly faster but carries higher cost.

Benefits and risks for accountants

Benefits

• Purchasing premises builds asset value and can stabilise costs compared to rising rents.
• Refinancing can reduce monthly costs and free cash for investment in growth.
• Access to development or fit-out finance improves client-facing spaces.

Risks

• Property is security for the loan — failure to repay risks repossession.
• Interest rate rises can increase repayments on variable-rate deals.
• Fees and early repayment penalties may reduce flexibility.

Alternatives to commercial mortgages

If a traditional commercial mortgage isn’t ideal, consider:

• Invoice finance to release cash from outstanding client invoices.
• Asset finance for equipment, IT or vehicles.
• Unsecured business loans for smaller amounts where security isn’t suitable.
• Combining shorter-term bridging with longer-term mortgage planning.

How UK Business Loans helps accountants

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects accountancy practices with specialist lenders and brokers experienced in commercial property for professional services. We don’t lend directly — we use a short enquiry to understand your needs and match you quickly to partners who can provide quotes.

Complete a short Free Eligibility Check — it is not an application, it just provides enough information for lenders/brokers to prepare tailored quotes. Our service helps you: save time, compare options and increase the chance of receiving competitive offers.

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For more sector-specific support see our guide for accountants business loans, which explains typical lender expectations for professional services.

Frequently asked questions

Can a newly formed accountancy firm get a commercial mortgage?

Yes — but most mainstream lenders prefer at least 1–2 years’ trading history. Newer firms can still access finance via specialist lenders, larger deposits, personal guarantees, or guarantor arrangements. A broker can identify suitable options for earlier-stage practices.

Will making an enquiry affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform soft or hard credit checks later in the process; your matched provider will explain when and how checks occur.

How much deposit will I need?

Deposit requirements depend on the lender and property. Typical deposits range from 25–40% of the purchase price for commercial purchases, but some lenders may offer higher LTVs in specific circumstances.

How quickly will I get a response after I submit the form?

Many enquiries receive a response within 24–48 hours. Speed depends on the details you provide and lender availability — completing your documents quickly helps accelerate the process.

Disclaimer & next steps

UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. The enquiry form is not an application — it helps us match you to lenders or brokers who can provide tailored quotes. Loan amounts through our partners commonly start from around £10,000 upward. To compare options, start with a free, no-obligation eligibility check:

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

Related pages: Home | How it works | Types of finance | Contact | FAQs

1. Can accountants get commercial property finance to buy or refinance an office?
Yes — accountancy firms can access commercial mortgages, refinance packages, bridging loans or development finance via specialist lenders and brokers matched by UK Business Loans.

2. Is the Free Eligibility Check an application and will it affect my credit score?
No — the Free Eligibility Check is not an application and won’t affect your credit score, although matched lenders may carry out soft or hard checks later if you progress.

3. What loan sizes and loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are available for commercial property finance?
Loan amounts typically start around £10,000 and extend into the millions, with common LTVs often between 60–75% depending on lender risk appetite and property type.

4. How much deposit will an accountancy practice usually need to buy commercial premises?
Deposits commonly range from 25–40% for commercial purchases, though specialist lenders or stronger borrower profiles can sometimes secure higher LTVs.

5. How long does it take to get commercial property finance from enquiry to completion?
Most commercial mortgages take about 4–12+ weeks from enquiry to completion, while bridging finance can complete significantly faster but at a higher cost.

6. What documents will lenders typically request for a commercial mortgage application?
Lenders usually require 12–24 months business accounts or management accounts, director SA302s, bank statements, property title/EPC/floor plans, and KYC ID for directors.

7. Can newly formed or start-up accountancy firms secure commercial property finance?
Yes — start-ups can access finance through specialist lenders or with larger deposits, personal guarantees or guarantors, although mainstream lenders often prefer 1–2 years’ trading history.

8. What costs and fees should I expect when arranging commercial property finance?
Expect interest (fixed or variable), arrangement or facility fees, valuation and survey costs, legal fees and possible broker or early repayment charges.

9. What are alternatives if a commercial mortgage isn’t suitable for my firm?
Alternatives include invoice finance, asset or equipment finance, unsecured business loans, or hybrid solutions combining short-term bridging with longer-term mortgage planning.

10. How does UK Business Loans help accountants find the best commercial finance deals?
UK Business Loans acts as a free introducer, using a short enquiry to match you with FCA-regulated lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial property finance for professional services.