Commercial Property Finance
For business owners and investors purchasing or refinancing commercial property — including office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, owner-occupied commercial property and investment commercial property.
Many clients come to us after building a residential investment portfolio and wanting to understand whether commercial property is the next suitable step.
What commercial property finance is
Commercial property finance covers loans used to purchase, refinance or release equity from commercial real estate. This includes business owner-occupied properties (where the borrower operates their business from the property) and investment commercial properties (purchased for rental income or capital growth).
Commercial lending is assessed differently to residential lending. Lenders evaluate the property type, location, tenancy, lease terms, rental income, borrower profile and security position. The range of lenders, products and pricing varies significantly across the market.
Commercial LVRs vary significantly by lender, asset type, borrower profile and security position. Many commercial loans sit around 65–80% LVR, with higher LVR options sometimes available through specialist lenders depending on the transaction.
Who needs commercial property finance
- Business owners purchasing the premises they operate from
- Investors purchasing commercial property for rental income
- Business owners refinancing existing commercial property debt
- Buyers of office, retail, industrial or mixed-use property
- SMSF trustees purchasing commercial property (subject to legal and tax advice)
- Borrowers seeking equity release from a commercial property
- Clients transitioning from residential investment to commercial property
How lenders assess commercial property loans
Commercial property lending is assessed on multiple factors:
- Property type and location — lenders weight these heavily, as some asset classes and locations carry higher risk
- Tenancy and lease terms — vacant properties and short-term leases can limit lender options
- Rental income and serviceability — lenders assess whether rental income covers the loan repayments
- Borrower profile — business structure, trading history, financials and personal income
- Security value — commercial valuations differ from residential and can affect approval
- LVR — many lenders cap commercial loans at 65–75% LVR; some specialist lenders go higher
- Purpose — owner-occupied versus investment properties are often assessed differently
How Bridle Partners helps
We assist with finance strategy, lender selection and commercial loan structuring. This includes:
- Assessing the transaction before it goes to a lender
- Identifying lenders with appetite for the specific asset type and borrower profile
- Structuring the deal to maximise the chance of approval
- Preparing and presenting the application clearly
- Managing the process through to settlement
- Working alongside your accountant, solicitor, buyers agent and valuer where required
We do not act as a buyers agent or provide legal, tax or valuation advice. Our role is to assist with finance strategy, lender selection and commercial loan structuring. Where required, we work alongside licensed buyers agents, solicitors, accountants and valuers.
Documents usually required
- Two years of business financials (P&L and balance sheet)
- Two years of personal tax returns
- ATO Notice of Assessment
- Business and personal bank statements (3–6 months)
- Lease agreements or tenancy schedule (if investment)
- Purchase contract or property details
- Company and trust documents (if applicable)
- Business Activity Statements (BAS)
- Existing loan statements (if refinancing)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Approaching only one lender — commercial appetite varies greatly and the right lender depends on the specific asset and borrower
- Underestimating the importance of the property valuation — commercial valuations directly affect approval and LVR
- Assuming residential lending criteria applies — commercial assessment is different
- Not having current, clean financials — lenders require up-to-date business and personal statements
- Not understanding lease terms before purchase — short leases or vacant properties can significantly limit lender options
- Submitting without understanding lender appetite — a well-structured submission avoids unnecessary declines
Frequently asked questions
- What types of commercial property can Bridle Partners help finance?
- We assist with office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, owner-occupied commercial property and investment commercial property. We can also assist with specialist sectors such as service stations, motels, childcare centres and education businesses.
- What LVR can I expect on a commercial property loan?
- Commercial LVRs vary significantly by lender, asset type, borrower profile and security position. Many commercial loans sit around 65–80% LVR, with higher LVR options sometimes available through specialist lenders depending on the transaction.
- I have a residential investment portfolio. Can I also purchase commercial property?
- Many clients come to us after building a residential investment portfolio and wanting to understand whether commercial property is the next suitable step. We can help you assess your borrowing capacity, lender options and deal structure.
- Can my SMSF purchase commercial property?
- Some business owners consider this structure for asset ownership and retirement planning purposes, but it requires legal, tax and SMSF advice. We can assist with the finance component and refer you to the appropriate specialists.
- Do you act as a buyers agent for commercial property?
- No. We do not act as a buyers agent or provide legal, tax or valuation advice. Our role is to assist with finance strategy, lender selection and commercial loan structuring. Where required, we work alongside licensed buyers agents, solicitors, accountants and valuers.
- How does Bridle Partners assess a commercial property loan application?
- We review the borrower profile, property type, location, rental income, tenancy terms, lease expiry, security value and lender appetite before submitting. This pre-assessment helps avoid unnecessary declines and positions the application correctly.
Discuss your commercial property transaction
Speak with Bridle Partners before approaching a lender. We will assess your deal, identify suitable lenders and structure the application properly.