Finance the commercial property your business needs.

A good mortgage broker in Albury & Wodonga will weigh the property, your business, and the numbers, then talk you through what suits. And if a family member is helping you buy a home around the same time, a guarantor home loan broker can guide you through that side too.

Every commercial deal is different, from a small shopfront to a warehouse or office, so the right answer for you might look nothing like another buyer's. We take the time to understand the property and your goals, then walk you through the options at your own pace.

Why Commercial Lending Is Its Own World

Commercial finance has a few defining differences worth knowing before you start:

Larger Deposits

Commercial lenders usually want a bigger deposit than a home loan, often around 20% to 35% of the value, because they see commercial property as higher risk. The exact figure depends on the property, the lender, and the strength of the deal, so it pays to know your likely position before you start looking.

Shorter Loan Terms

Where a home loan might run 30 years, commercial loans are often shorter, sometimes with a review or balloon at the end. That shapes your repayments and your planning, and it is one of the first things we map out so the cash flow works for your business.

Different Interest Rates

Commercial rates are priced on the risk of the deal rather than a standard home loan rate card, so they can vary widely between lenders and properties. This is exactly where comparing the market matters, since the gap between lenders can be significant.

Closer Property Scrutiny

Lenders scrutinise the property itself, including its type, location, and how easily it could be sold or leased again. A standard office or retail space is often simpler than a specialised building, which can affect both the deposit and which lenders are willing to lend.

An Owner-Occupier Loan

This is finance to buy premises your own business will trade from, such as a shop, office, or warehouse. Lenders often view owner-occupiers favourably because your business has a direct stake in the property, though they still assess whether the business can comfortably service the loan.

An Investment Commercial Loan

Here you buy commercial property to lease to a tenant for income, and the rent and lease terms become central to the assessment. A strong lease to a reliable tenant can help the deal, while a vacant or short-leased property is usually viewed more cautiously.

A Lease Doc Loan

Some investors use a lease doc loan, where the lender relies mainly on the rental income from the lease to service the borrowing rather than full financials. It can suit certain investment deals, though it comes with its own conditions and is not right for everyone.

A Development and Construction Loan

If you are building or developing rather than buying a completed property, construction finance releases funds in stages as the work progresses. It is more involved than a standard purchase, so the planning and the lender choice matter even more.

A Purchase Through Your Super

Some business owners buy their premises through a self-managed super fund, which has its own rules, lenders, and structure. It can suit the right situation, though it is a decision for your accountant and adviser as much as your broker, and we are happy to arrange the lending to fit the plan they set.

Commercial Property Loan vs Residential Home Loan

If your only experience is a home loan, it helps to see how a commercial property loan differs, since the contrasts shape both your deposit and your repayments. Seeing them side by side makes the picture clear.

Who Can Apply for a Commercial Loan

Eligibility depends heavily on the deal and the lender, so the only way to know for certain is to have your situation looked at. The government's guide on how to apply for a business loan is a helpful overview, and most commercial borrowers will need a few things in place:

• A deposit in line with what commercial lenders expect for the property
• A business or income position that supports the repayments
• Financials or a lease that shows how the loan will be serviced
• A property lenders are comfortable with, by type and location
• A credit history, business and personal, in reasonable shape
• A clear plan for how you will use or lease the property

Commercial lending policies vary widely and are less standardised than home loans, so treat these as a starting point rather than a fixed list. We can check your deal against the lenders most likely to suit it.

What Lenders Look at for Commercial Property

Commercial lenders weigh up the deal as a whole, not just the borrower, because the property and its income are central to the risk:

Your Property and Its Use

The type, location, and condition of the property all feed into the decision, along with how easily it could be sold or leased again if needed. A versatile, well-located property tends to attract more lenders and better terms than a specialised one.

Your Business and Its Cash Flow

For an owner-occupier loan, lenders look closely at whether the business comfortably generates enough to cover the repayments. Steady, well-documented cash flow strengthens the case, while seasonal or lumpy income may be assessed more cautiously.

Your Lease and Tenants

For an investment property, the lease length, the rent, and the quality of the tenant carry real weight. A long lease to a strong tenant reassures a lender, while a vacancy or a short lease can raise questions about the income.

Your Deposit and Security

How much deposit you bring, and any other security on offer, shape both your rate and which lenders will lend. More equity in the deal generally means more options and a smoother path to approval.

Your Experience and Track Record

For investors and developers especially, lenders take comfort from a track record of running a business or holding property well. A solid history can open up better terms, while first-time commercial buyers may simply need to present their plan and position more thoroughly.

Valuation and Legal Fees

Commercial valuations and legal work tend to cost more than their residential equivalents, given the added complexity. Factoring these in early avoids an awkward shortfall close to settlement.

GST on the Purchase

Goods and services tax (GST) can apply to commercial property in ways it does not to a home, depending on the deal and the parties. This is firmly one for your accountant, but it is important to know it may be part of the picture.

Rates, Insurance, and Upkeep

Rates, insurance, maintenance, and outgoings all continue once you own the property, and some can be passed to a tenant under the lease. Understanding who carries what helps you judge the true cost of holding the property.

Stamp Duty and Government Charges

A commercial purchase attracts stamp duty and registration costs, which differ between New South Wales and Victoria and can be substantial on a larger deal. Factoring these in from the start keeps your total budget realistic rather than optimistic.

Getting the Property Right

In commercial lending the property is half the decision, so it pays to look at it through a lender's eyes as well as your own. A few features tend to shape both the deal and your long-term comfort:

Location and Local Demand

A property in a well-regarded location with steady demand is easier to lease, sell, and finance than one off the beaten track. Lenders factor this in, and so should you, since it affects both your borrowing and your eventual exit.

Versatility of the Building

A space that could suit a range of businesses is generally seen as safer than one built for a single specialised use. The more flexible the building, the more comfortable lenders tend to be, and the easier it is to re-let if a tenant leaves.

Approvals and Zoning

How a property is zoned and what it is approved for can shape what you are able to do with it. Confirming the zoning and any approvals early avoids buying a property that cannot be used the way you intended.

Condition and Outgoings

The state of the building and its running costs feed into both the lending and your budget over time. A sound, well-kept property with manageable outgoings is far less likely to spring expensive surprises down the track.

What You'll Need to Get Started

A little preparation makes that first conversation more useful and helps us read the deal quickly. The items below are what commercial lenders usually want.

Why Business Owners Choose Loan Street Finance

Plenty of brokers can arrange a home loan, but commercial finance takes a different kind of know-how. What brings business owners our way is how we handle a commercial mortgage from start to finish.

If that is the kind of partner you want for a commercial purchase, we would be glad to hear from you whenever you are ready. There is no pressure here and nothing to commit to, just an honest conversation about your deal.

Signs It May Be Time to Buy

There is rarely a flawless moment for a commercial purchase, but a few signs can suggest it is worth exploring what may be possible:

• You are paying rent on premises you would rather own
• Your business has outgrown its current space
• You have spotted a commercial property worth holding as an investment
• You have the deposit, or equity, to support a commercial deal
• Your current commercial loan is due for review
• You would like someone to map out the numbers with you first

The team at Loan Street Finance is here to break the numbers down, compare the right lenders, and help you decide whether the deal works for you. Just clear, practical guidance from people who do this every day.