Commercial Finance

Depending on the transaction, lenders may request recent financial statements, business and personal tax returns, business activity statements, bank statements, details of existing debts and information about the proposed security. New or expanding businesses may also need to provide forecasts, a business plan or evidence of relevant industry experience. We provide a tailored information checklist before the application is prepared.

Potentially. Finance may be available to start-ups and newer businesses, but eligibility will depend on the loan purpose, industry experience, business plan, forecasts, available contribution, security and proposed repayment strategy. We assess whether suitable options may be available from lenders that consider newer businesses and structure the application around the information they require.

A business loan may be used for working capital, equipment, acquisitions or expansion and can be secured or unsecured, depending on the lender and transaction. Commercial property finance is specifically used to purchase or refinance commercial real estate and is generally secured by that property. The assessment method, loan term, pricing and required contribution can differ substantially between the two.

Most commercial property purchases require the borrower to contribute part of the purchase price, but the required contribution varies considerably. Lenders consider the property type, location, lease profile, business performance, borrower experience, cash flow and available security. Specialised properties may attract lower maximum loan-to-value ratios. We assess current lender requirements before recommending a structure.

Commercial property may be purchased through an SMSF where the transaction complies with superannuation law, the fund's governing documents and the lender's requirements. Borrowing is generally structured through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement. Before entering a contract or loan application, you should obtain independent legal, financial and taxation advice. We arrange the lending and work alongside your qualified advisers throughout the process.

Timeframes vary according to the lender, transaction complexity, valuation requirements and whether all supporting information is available. A straightforward application may receive an initial decision within several business days, while commercial property, business acquisition, development or complex ownership structures can take several weeks. Settlement timing may also depend on valuations, legal documentation and satisfaction of lender conditions.

Private lenders may suit urgent settlements, bridging requirements, development transactions, complex securities or circumstances that fall outside standard bank policy. Rates and fees are generally higher than traditional bank finance, so the total cost, loan term and repayment or exit strategy must be carefully considered. We explain these differences before recommending a private lending solution.

A bank can generally offer only its own products and apply its own credit policy. A commercial finance broker can compare options across a broader lender panel, including banks, non-bank lenders and specialist funders. This can be particularly valuable where the transaction involves a complex structure, specialised property, newer trading history or industry-specific lending considerations.

A decline from one lender does not necessarily mean every lender will reach the same decision, as commercial credit policies vary. However, a decline may also identify genuine concerns about serviceability, security, credit history, industry risk or the proposed structure. We review the lender's feedback, assess whether those issues can be addressed and determine whether another lender or a different finance structure may be appropriate. We do not submit another application unless there is a reasonable basis for doing so.