Mastering Commercial Real Estate Loans: Your Ultimate Guide

By: Aaron Robbins

Investing in commercial real estate has the potential to be lucrative, but it often requires substantial capital. Commercial real estate loans can be beneficial tools that help individuals and businesses acquire, develop, or refinance commercial properties. In Australia, where the real estate market is generally robust and constantly evolving, understanding the nuances of commercial real estate loans is crucial for a successful commercial property purchase.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide to mastering commercial real estate loans in Australia.

What are commercial loans?

The purpose of a commercial property loan can be broadly categorised into three main types:

  1. Investment purposes:This refers to taking out a loan to purchase, construct, or renovate a commercial property to rent it out to tenants or sell it in the future.
  2. Owner-occupied: This involves using a commercial property loan to acquire, construct, or renovate premises that will be used for your own business operations.
  3. Working capital: This entails obtaining a commercial property loan to finance your business’s day-to-day activities and operational expenses. Usually, this lending structure relies on sufficient equity being tied up in an existing commercial property owned by your business.

The level of risk associated with a commercial property loan affects the approval process and the terms and conditions offered by lenders. Lower-risk loans are more likely to be approved and come with more favourable terms. However, that risk is assessed on several factors, including the property value, rental income being received, commercial property interest rates, and of course, your financial situation (including whether you have a bad credit history or not).

It’s important to note that certain types of commercial properties can provide greater security for lenders compared to others. For instance, purchasing an established office building with long-term tenants and existing lease agreements in place may be considered less risky than building a property from scratch without any prior tenant commitments.

In cases where the loan application is considered higher risk, lenders may require additional security, such as other business assets or a residential property. You may be required to provide this security under a general security agreement (GSA) however, the need for additional security depends on the specific circumstances of your situation.

Different types of commercial property loans

Commercial real estate loans in Australia come in various forms, each designed to cater to specific needs and situations. Some common loan types include:

  • Commercial property loans: These loans help finance the acquisition of commercial properties, such as office buildings, retail spaces, or industrial facilities.
  • Refinance loans:Designed to replace an existing loan with better terms, refinance loans may help borrowers secure lower interest rates or access additional capital.
  • Bridging loan: Bridging finance leverages equity in an existing property to finance the gap between selling an existing property and purchasing a new commercial property.

Eligibility Criteria for getting a commercial property loan

To qualify for a commercial real estate loan in Australia, borrowers typically need to meet specific eligibility criteria, which may vary among lenders. Most commercial property loans form part of business lending, meaning that the borrower is generally a business entity rather than an individual. Key factors that lenders generally consider include creditworthiness, financial statements, property assessment, and the Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) of the prospective finance.

commercial property finance can help acquire the right business premises

Things to consider before utilising a commercial property loan

Obtaining a commercial real estate loan in Australia may present certain challenges that borrowers should be prepared for:

  • Lenders typically have strict criteria, making it crucial for borrowers to present a strong financial profile and a viable property investment.
  • Commercial real estate loans often attract higher interest rates due to increased risk than residential ones.
  • Commercial property loans generally require a larger deposit, and lenders usually cap the loan amount based on the property’s appraised value.
  • Economic conditions and market trends can influence lenders’ willingness to finance commercial projects, making it essential to stay informed and adaptable.

Tips for getting a commercial real estate loan

Obtaining a commercial real estate loan can be complex, but with careful planning and preparation, you may be able to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you navigate the loan application process:

  1. Prepare a solid business plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your commercial real estate project, including your objectives, market analysis, financial projections, and repayment strategy. Lenders want to see that you have a clear vision and a viable plan for success.
  2. Understand your financials: Organise your financial documents, such as balance sheets, income statements, tax returns, and bank statements. It is reasonable to expect to provide evidence of your financial stability and demonstrate your ability to repay the loan. If your credit history is less than perfect, be prepared to explain any negative aspects and emphasise positive financial indicators, such as a strong cash flow or equity in other properties.
  3. Build a strong credit profile:Maintain a strong personal and business credit score by paying bills on time, reducing outstanding debts, and minimising credit utilisation. A higher credit score may increase your chances of securing favourable loan terms and interest rates with most lenders.
  4. Gather collateral and equity:Commercial real estate loans typically require collateral, such as the property itself or other assets, to secure the loan. Lenders often expect borrowers to contribute a certain percentage of the project’s total cost as equity, demonstrating your commitment and potentially lowering their risk.
  5. Research and choose the right lender:Research different lenders to find those specialising in commercial real estate loans. Consider their loan terms, interest rates, fees, and their experience with projects similar to yours. The major banks and traditional lenders may shy away from commercial lending due to being perceived as a higher-risk investment than residential lending.

How to get fast funding for your commercial loan

If you’re looking at your loan options for a commercial property loan, then Diverse Funding Solutions may be able to assist. With access to over 200 of Australia’s top private lenders, we can help source the right commercial lending solution for your commercial property investment aspirations.

Contact the team to find out more today!

build a commercial property portfolio with commercial finance

FAQs on commercial property loans

Can a standard mortgage broker help source commercial property loans?

Due to commercial lending being quite different from lending for residential properties, most residential mortgage brokers do not specialise in commercial property loans. Therefore, it may be best to seek the specialised knowledge and experience of commercial lenders when seeking finance for commercial property investment.

Do commercial valuations cost the same as residential property valuations?

Valuations on residential properties typically cost much less than those for commercial property. That’s because there are normally fewer factors to consider in a residential property, and generally speaking, there is considerably more work involved in providing a thorough valuation for a commercial property than in a residential property.

 

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