Mortgage guide
Commercial warehouse mortgage
Warehouse lending remains one of the strongest areas of commercial finance, but criteria varies widely between lenders. Our role is to identify the most appropriate lender and structure, ensuring the mortgage aligns with both the asset and long-term strategy.
Commercial warehouse mortgage
We assist investors and business owners with commercial mortgages for warehouse and industrial properties, supporting purchases, refinances, and development-led funding across the logistics and industrial sector. Warehouse mortgages are structured to reflect the operational nature of the asset and are typically available at 60% to 75% loan-to-value (LTV), subject to property quality, income strength, and lender appetite.
Warehouse lending remains one of the strongest areas of commercial finance, but criteria varies widely between lenders. Our role is to identify the most appropriate lender and structure, ensuring the mortgage aligns with both the asset and long-term strategy.
Lending Criteria and Key Challenges
Warehouse mortgage underwriting focuses on a combination of location, functionality, income security, and exit risk. Common challenges we manage include:
Valuation approach
Investment warehouses are usually valued on an income-led (MV1) basis, while owner-occupied assets may be assessed on a vacant possession or 90-180 day value. Selecting the correct valuation method is critical to maximising borrowing capacity.
Tenant type and lease structure
Lenders strongly favour warehouses let to logistics operators, manufacturers, or national occupiers on longer, unbroken leases. Short leases, tenant breaks, or specialist occupiers can reduce LTV or increase pricing.
Property specification and utility
Factors such as eaves height, yard space, loading access, floor loading, and proximity to transport infrastructure materially affect lender appetite and valuation outcomes.
Borrower experience
Investors are assessed on asset management track record, while owner-occupiers are assessed on business trading strength and cash flow sustainability.
Location and Market Demand
Warehouses located near motorway networks, ports, rail hubs, or urban distribution centres are viewed as lower risk and typically attract stronger lender terms. Demand driven by logistics, distribution, and e-commerce continues to underpin lender confidence in well-specified industrial assets.
How We Help
As a whole-of-market commercial mortgage broker, we assist by:
- Matching warehouse assets to lenders with genuine industrial appetite
- Managing valuation strategy to avoid conservative outcomes
- Structuring cases around tenant strength, lease profile, and DSCR requirements
- Navigating lender criteria to secure competitive, sustainable terms
A warehouse commercial mortgage can be a highly effective way to deploy capital within a resilient asset class. With the right lender selection and structure, industrial property can deliver strong income stability and long-term value as part of a diversified commercial portfolio.
Commercial mortgage calculator
Choose owner occupier for a business buying or refinancing premises it trades from, assessed on adjusted net profit before tax from the latest accounts, or investment for property let to tenants, assessed on lease income.
Commercial mortgage criteria
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Loan to Value (LTV) | 80% LTV Care Home Mortgages, 100% LTV Medical Commercial Mortgages, 75% Commercial Investment |
| Max Term | Up to 40 years |
| Completions | From 4 weeks |
| Repayment options | Capital repayment and Interest only |
| Commercial mortgage rates | From 6.19% |
| Rate options | Variable, Base Rate Tracker, 2, 3 or 5 year fixed mortgage options |
| Valuation methods | Going concern/Investment (Market value 1, MV1), MV2, MV3 or bricks and mortar |
| Flexible Leases | Rolling leases, weak covenants and short time remaining accepted |
| Adverse credit | Accepted on some products on a case by case basis |
| Locations | Available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland |
| Experience | Not required on certain products |
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Loan to Value (LTV) | 65% |
| Product fee | 5% (4.74% for existing customers) |
| Fixed rate (5 years) | 6.34% |
Related case studies
Frequently asked questions
How does a warehouse mortgage differ from a standard commercial mortgage?
Warehouse mortgages typically involve larger spaces with industrial uses such as distribution and storage. The valuation methods and loan structures differ accordingly, focusing on the industrial nature of the property and the income it generates.
Can you get a 90% commercial mortgage?
Yes, 90% loan-to-value commercial mortgages are possible, but only in limited sectors such as healthcare properties, pharmacies, or certain convenience stores with strong trading history. For most other commercial properties, maximum lending is typically capped at around 70% to 75% LTV.
What is a commercial mortgage?
A commercial mortgage is an asset-backed loan secured against commercial, semi-commercial or large-scale investment property. Lenders assess it on income sustainability and asset risk rather than personal income multiples, and pricing is set case by case, usually as a margin over Bank Rate.
What is commercial lending?
Commercial lending refers to loans secured against property used for business purposes, such as offices, retail units, or industrial premises. Terms, rates, and deposits are individually assessed and typically differ from residential mortgages.
What is a commercial bridge?
A commercial bridge is a short-term, property-backed loan used to purchase, refinance, or stabilise commercial or mixed-use property when a standard commercial mortgage is not immediately available. It is exit-driven, typically runs for 3-12 months, uses rolled-up interest, and is repaid through sale or refinance rather than ongoing affordability.
Talk it through with an adviser
Speak to a Mortgage Lane adviser about your circumstances and the next steps.
Let’s talk property finance
Contact us
Tell us about your plans and a Mortgage Lane adviser will get in touch.
- Call our team
- +44 333 231 8206
- Email us
- enquiries@mortgagelane.com
- +44 7487 829005
- Opening hours
- Monday to Saturday, 8.30am–5.30pm
Closed Sunday
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