Commercial Lending Is a Different Game
Commercial finance operates differently from residential lending. Lenders assess deals on a combination of property characteristics, business financials, borrower experience, and serviceability — and policy varies significantly from lender to lender.
Getting this wrong costs time and money. A declined commercial application can delay a deal, affect your credit file, and signal to other lenders that the deal has a problem — even when it doesn’t.
The Finance Agency has structured commercial deals across Perth’s major sectors for 15 years. We know which lenders take what positions, how to structure an application to match specific credit appetite, and how to move quickly when a deal has a timeline.
Commercial Finance Services We Arrange
Commercial Property Loans
Finance for owner-occupied or investment commercial property — office, retail, industrial, warehouse, and mixed-use. We access commercial property lenders ranging from major banks to non-bank credit specialists.
- Owner-occupied commercial premises
- Commercial investment properties
- Office and professional suites
- Industrial sheds and warehouses
- Retail premises and mixed-use buildings
LVR: Typically 60–80% depending on lender and property type. Some lenders will go higher with strong business serviceability.
Business Property Development Finance
Construction and development finance for Perth developers — residential subdivisions, commercial projects, and mixed-use developments. Development finance requires specialised structuring and lender relationships.
We work with development lenders who understand Perth’s market, manage the drawdown schedule, and coordinate with your project team to keep finance aligned with construction milestones.
Commercial Investment Loans
For property investors building a commercial portfolio — standalone commercial properties, commercial strata, and lease-back arrangements. We structure commercial investment loans to maximise borrowing capacity while managing serviceability requirements.
Business Acquisition Finance
Buying an existing business? Finance can be arranged against business assets, goodwill, and property — often in combination. We work with lenders who understand business acquisition risk and can move on realistic timelines.
Going Concern / Specialised Security
Hotels, motels, service stations, childcare centres, medical centres, and other going concerns require specialist lenders. We have relationships with lenders who actively write going concern finance and understand how to assess income and security in these asset classes.
Commercial Lending Realities in Perth
| Factor | What It Means for Your Deal |
|---|---|
| LVR limits | Commercial typically 60–75% — cash equity is required |
| Interest-only | Most commercial lenders offer I/O — sometimes indefinitely with the right structure |
| Lender appetite | Changes with market conditions — we know who’s active in Perth right now |
| Valuation | Commercial valuations are critical — we help you choose the right approach |
| Leases | Lender appetite tied to lease quality, WALE, and tenant covenant |
Why Use a Commercial Finance Broker?
Commercial lenders are not all equal and they don’t all want the same deals. A specialist broker:
- Knows which lenders are actively writing Perth commercial right now
- Can match your deal to lenders whose credit appetite fits the specifics
- Prepares your application to address likely credit objections before submission
- Navigates the valuation process and coordinates with your solicitors
- Carries a Best Interests Duty — required by law to act in your interests
For complex commercial transactions, the difference between a specialist broker and going direct is often the difference between an approval and a decline — or a 30-day settlement vs a 90-day process.
Our Commercial Finance Process
Step 1: Deal Assessment (Free)
We review your financial position, the property or business, the intended structure, and identify the right lender target. This happens before any application or credit check.
Step 2: Structuring and Submission
We prepare a professional submission to your target lender — including financials, property information, cash flow projections, and a narrative that addresses likely credit concerns.
Step 3: Negotiation and Settlement
We manage the approval process, negotiate terms, and coordinate settlement — including liaising with valuers, solicitors, and your accountant as needed.
What Makes a Commercial Deal Work
The three factors lenders focus on:
1. Security
The property or asset securing the loan. Quality, location, marketability, lease terms, and condition all affect lender appetite and LVR.
2. Serviceability
The income available to service the debt — rental income, business cash flow, or personal income. Lenders assess this differently, and finding lenders whose serviceability model fits your position is half the work.
3. Experience
For development finance especially, lender appetite is tied to your track record. First-time developers require more structuring and specific lender targets.
Our Credentials
| Credential | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 15 years in WA finance |
| Volume | $500M+ settled |
| Commercial sectors | Property, development, business, going concern |
| Membership | MFAA (Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia) |
| Location | Perth, Western Australia |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum loan size for commercial finance?
Most commercial lenders have minimum loans of $500K–$1M. Some non-bank lenders will consider smaller commercial deals. We can advise based on your specific situation.
How long does commercial finance approval take?
Commercial approvals take longer than residential — typically 4–8 weeks from submission to formal approval, depending on the lender, property, and complexity. Development finance often takes 6–12 weeks for initial approval. We advise on realistic timelines at the start of every engagement.
Can I get an interest-only commercial loan?
Yes. Most commercial lenders offer interest-only terms — often for 5 years on investment properties, sometimes longer with strong tenant covenants. We structure deals to access I/O where it makes sense for your cashflow.
Do you work with non-bank commercial lenders?
Yes. Non-bank commercial lenders often have more flexible policy than major banks — particularly for going concerns, development finance, and higher LVR scenarios. We access both bank and non-bank commercial credit markets.
What documents do I need for a commercial loan application?
Typically: 2–3 years financials (business and personal), recent tax returns, lease documentation for investment properties, cash flow projections for development deals, and identification. We advise specifically based on your deal type.
Can you help if a commercial deal has been declined by a bank?
Yes — but it requires care. Multiple declined applications can make subsequent approvals harder. We review the reasons for decline, identify which lender policy applies to your situation, and structure a new submission accordingly before touching another lender.
Related Services
→ Working Capital Finance Perth
Book a Free Commercial Finance Consultation
If you have a commercial finance deal — property, development, or business — start with a conversation. No obligation. We’ll tell you honestly whether the deal works and what the options are.
The Finance Agency
Perth, Western Australia | MFAA Member