Property Finance
Finance for the purchase, refinance or development of commercial real estate — offices, warehouses, retail, industrial and mixed-use. Structured around the property and your business position.
What It Is
A commercial property loan — also known as a commercial real estate loan — allows businesses and investors to purchase, refinance or develop income-producing commercial properties. This includes offices, retail spaces, warehouses, factories, hospitality venues and mixed-use buildings.
Unlike residential lending, commercial property finance is assessed on the property itself as much as the borrower — its income potential, location, tenancy, and risk category all influence lender appetite and pricing. At Ascend, we access both bank and non-bank lenders to find the right fit for your specific property type and situation, whether full doc or low doc.
Why It Works
Commercial property finance gives businesses access to long-term, asset-backed capital — with the right structuring making a material difference to cost and flexibility.
Full doc loans offer the most competitive rates and longest terms. Low doc and lease doc options are available for businesses that can demonstrate rental income but have limited financials — ideal for investors and self-employed borrowers.
Up to 5 years of interest-only repayments are available on full and lease doc commercial loans, helping manage cash flow during the early stages of a purchase or development.
Our panel spans major banks and specialist non-bank commercial lenders. This matters for commercial property — some property types and borrower profiles suit non-bank lenders who price and approve deals that mainstream banks decline.
Ideal For
Commercial property finance suits a broad range of buyers and investors — from owner-occupiers purchasing their first business premises to experienced investors growing a commercial portfolio.
Businesses purchasing premises they intend to operate from — offices, retail, workshops, and industrial spaces. Owner-occupier lending is assessed as medium risk and offers competitive terms.
Investors acquiring income-producing commercial properties for lease. Lease doc loans assess the rental income rather than personal income, making approval achievable even where personal financials are complex.
Businesses or investors looking to refinance existing commercial property debt to better terms, access equity, or restructure facilities that no longer suit their position.
Business owners and self-employed individuals who struggle to meet standard bank documentation requirements. Low doc and lease doc options are specifically designed for these profiles.
What's Included
Commercial property loans are structured around the property type, its income, and the borrower's documentation — with both bank and non-bank options available.
Requirements
Simple Process
Commercial property finance involves more steps than a standard business loan — we manage every stage on your behalf.
Tell us about the property and your position. We respond within 2 business hours with initial guidance.
Within 24–48 hours we provide an indicative quote from our lender panel based on your property and profile.
Once you approve the quote we proceed to a formal letter of offer from the lender, followed by valuation and legal documentation.
Unconditional approval and settlement typically within 10–15 business days of the letter of offer.
Common Questions
We can finance retail buildings, offices, industrial warehouses, factories, hospitality venues (hotels, restaurants, childcare), medical facilities, mixed-use buildings, and agricultural properties. Each property type has different lender appetite and pricing — we'll identify the right match for your specific asset.
A lease doc loan is assessed on the rental income from the commercial property rather than requiring full personal or business financials. This makes it ideal for investors who receive strong lease income from tenants but have complex or variable personal income. The lease agreement and property details replace traditional income documentation.
Commercial property loans typically require a minimum 20% deposit (80% LVR maximum), though this varies by lender, property type, and your financial position. Unlike residential lending, there is no Lender's Mortgage Insurance available for commercial property — so the deposit requirement is firm. Some lenders accept equity in other properties in lieu of a cash deposit.
Pre-approval is typically available within 24–48 hours. Unconditional approval and settlement generally takes 10–15 business days from receipt of the signed letter of offer, allowing time for valuation and legal documentation. Complex transactions or development loans may take longer.
In some cases yes — cross-collateralisation (using residential property as additional security for a commercial loan) is available with certain lenders. This can help achieve a higher LVR or lower rate, but it does increase the risk exposure on your residential property. We'll advise on whether this structure is appropriate for your situation.
Ready to Move?
Speak with a specialist who understands commercial property lending inside and out.