Six best commercial property mortgages for businesses expanding premises – London Business News

Property investors all over the UK are still relying on commercial property mortgages to grow their property portfolios. Whether they’re after a brand new office block, a high street shop, or a warehouse they’ve got their eye on, the key to making progress is having access to a mortgage that’s tailored to their needs. Getting a commercial mortgage in place can provide that structure and enable you to make a move quickly. And if your plans involve renting out a property to another business and making a profit from it, then a commercial buy-to-let mortgage is the one you’ll need.

The thing is, getting hold of one of these mortgages can be a bit of a headache, especially when you’re looking at a big loan and a long repayment period. But the good news is that using a professional broker can make the whole process a lot less painful, link you up with more lenders, and generally make it more likely that your application will be approved.

This guide highlights five brokers that consistently help UK investors find the right buy-to-let commercial mortgage.

Comparison Table: Top Commercial Buy-to-Let Mortgage Brokers

1. KIS Finance

KIS Finance leads the way when it comes to juggling the demands of clients with complex, large and time-sensitive commercial mortgages, and they do it with ease. With its base in Cullompton, this independent firm serves investors all over the UK and is known for delivering a fast, transparent and dependable service, no hassle, no fuss. They monitor commercial mortgages rates closely to make sure every client gets access to the most competitive and suitable offers available.

KIS Finance works its magic by having an extensive network of lenders, from specialist funders to high-street banks, at its fingertips. This means the team can craft a deal that precisely meets the individual investor’s needs and goals. The company handles it all, from loans of £100,000 all the way up to a massive £250 million, with interest-only and capital repayment options available over terms ranging from 3 to 30 years. Standard loan-to-value ratios are 75%, but that can stretch to 100% if extra security is thrown into the mix.

What sets KIS Finance apart is its expertise in wrangling tricky applications, think mixed-use properties, overseas borrowers and clients with a dodgy credit report. Most of the time you’ll need to have at least three years of trading history under your belt with some solid financial forecasts to back it up.

Rating: 4.9

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kis-finance/?originalSubdomain=uk

2. Watts Commercial Finance

Watts Commercial Finance, founded in 1985, operates from Nantwich and serves clients nationwide. The firm has earned multiple awards, including the Business Moneyfacts Commercial Mortgage Introducer of the Year for seven consecutive years.

Watts specialises in commercial buy-to-let mortgages for a range of property types, including investment portfolios, care homes, HMOs, and semi-commercial properties. It partners with an extensive lender panel that includes both high-street and specialist institutions. The firm’s approach encourages lenders to compete for client business, helping secure competitive rates and terms.

Watts offers both interest-only and capital repayment options with fixed or variable rates. Maximum LTV typically reaches 80%, and 100% funding may be possible with additional security. Each client receives support from a dedicated commercial manager, ensuring continuity throughout the process.

The company follows the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) code of conduct and maintains strict transparency. The client fee usually stands at 1.5%, with £995 or 0.25% due upon offer. Watts does not charge upfront fees and focuses on speed, flexibility, and clear communication.

Rating: 4.9

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/watts-commercial-finance/?originalSubdomain=uk

3. Newable

Newable, founded in 1982 and based in London, offers a broad, consultative service that connects clients to more than 200 lenders. The firm operates on a whole-of-market basis, meaning it accesses every major high-street bank, challenger institution, and specialist funder.

Newable supports SMEs, landlords, and developers looking for property purchase, refinancing, or development finance. The team is known for guiding clients through documentation, valuation, and lender negotiation with transparency.

Loan amounts vary, but Newable commonly handles high-value transactions that involve complex ownership structures. LTV and repayment terms depend on the borrower’s profile and project scale. The company also offers bridging loans, development finance, and auction finance for clients needing quick access to capital.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Newable combines scale, credibility, and flexibility. It suits investors who prefer professional consultation and detailed lender comparisons.

Rating: 5.0

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newable/?originalSubdomain=tw

4. Pure Property Finance

Pure Property Finance, based in Cardiff, delivers fast and personalised commercial mortgage services. Established in 2013, the firm focuses on clear communication, quick approvals, and investor-first support.

Pure Property Finance collaborates with more than 60 lenders, offering buy-to-let and development finance for portfolios or single investments. The company manages both interest-only and fixed repayment terms with LTVs up to 75% and terms extending to 30 years.

Each client works with a dedicated broker who oversees the application from enquiry to completion. Pure Property Finance often negotiates reduced legal or arrangement fees through its lender relationships. Broker fees average 1%, plus valuation and legal costs.

The firm provides a strong option for investors who need rapid funding and practical solutions for complex or time-sensitive purchases.

Rating: 4.8

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-property-finance/?originalSubdomain=uk

5. Swoop

Swoop represents the modern side of commercial finance. Founded in 2018, the London-based fintech platform combines technology with experienced financial advisors to streamline mortgage access.

The platform instantly matches applicants with lenders across the UK through an intelligent dashboard that filters deals by eligibility and funding needs. Investors can obtain both owner-occupied and investment property finance, with loan terms up to 30 years.

Swoop typically supports LTV ratios between 60% and 80%, requiring deposits from 20% to 40%. Each client receives support from a dedicated commercial adviser who manages the full application process.

The company maintains transparency in pricing, charging a broker fee around 1% of the loan amount, with lender fees added as applicable. Swoop’s FCA regulation ensures compliance and trustworthiness.

This hybrid of technology and personal expertise makes Swoop ideal for investors seeking speed, simplicity, and guidance under one roof.

Rating: 4.8

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swoopfunding/?originalSubdomain=uk

Conclusion

The UK’s commercial property market remains one of the most attractive sectors for investors who want to build wealth through rental income and capital appreciation. Access to the right commercial property mortgages determines how smoothly that growth unfolds.

Each broker in this list offers a distinct advantage. KIS Finance remains the clear leader for its capacity to manage complex and large-scale transactions with precision. Watts Commercial Finance and Newable combine experience with expansive lender panels, while Pure Property Finance and Swoop deliver efficient, modernised approaches to deal-making.

Partnering with a reliable broker turns a challenging process into a straightforward one. Experienced advisors help compare rates, negotiate terms, and present applications that meet lender expectations. For property investors, a trusted broker acts as both navigator and advocate, ensuring every financing decision supports long-term profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a commercial buy-to-let mortgage and a residential mortgage?

A commercial mortgage finances properties used for business purposes, while residential mortgages fund homes for personal use. Commercial property mortgages often carry higher interest rates because lenders evaluate business income and risk rather than individual credit scores. Most commercial loans remain unregulated, meaning less consumer protection but more flexible terms.

2. How much deposit is required for a commercial buy-to-let mortgage?

Most lenders require between 20% and 40% of the property’s value as a deposit. That means typical Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios fall between 60% and 80%. Brokers such as KIS Finance or Watts Commercial Finance can occasionally secure 100% funding when additional assets serve as security.

3. Can a limited company apply for a commercial buy-to-let mortgage?

Yes. Many landlords operate through limited companies for tax and liability reasons. Brokers like KIS Finance and Watts Commercial Finance work with lenders that offer mortgages designed specifically for company-owned properties.

4. What fees should I expect when arranging a commercial mortgage?

Expect to pay lender arrangement fees of 1–2%, broker fees up to 1%, and additional costs such as legal, valuation, and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) charges. Comparing these total costs against alternative finance options helps identify the most cost-effective deal.

5. What if the property includes both business and residential spaces?

That situation requires a mixed-use commercial mortgage, sometimes called a semi-commercial loan. It covers buildings that serve both commercial and residential purposes, such as retail shops with flats above. If more than 40% of the property is residential, FCA regulation may apply.