Mortgage guide
Is a commercial mortgage more expensive?
A commercial mortgage is generally not cheaper than a residential mortgage. In fact, commercial mortgages often come with higher interest rates and fees, largely because lenders view them as higher risk. Unlike the residential mortgage market, which is highly regulated and competitive, the commercial mortgage market is more specialised and less standardised, which often leads to more variation in pricing.
- Published
- 4 Aug 2026
- Last reviewed
- 4 Aug 2026
- Reading time
- 3 min
Is a commercial mortgage more expensive?
A commercial mortgage is generally not cheaper than a residential mortgage. In fact, commercial mortgages often come with higher interest rates and fees, largely because lenders view them as higher risk. Unlike the residential mortgage market, which is highly regulated and competitive, the commercial mortgage market is more specialised and less standardised, which often leads to more variation in pricing.
Interest rates on commercial mortgages tend to be higher, and borrowers can expect to pay arrangement fees, usually between 1% and 2% of the loan amount as well as valuation and legal fees, which are often more complex and costly than those in residential deals. Additionally, commercial mortgages are usually offered on variable or short-term fixed rates, rather than the longer-term fixed rates common in residential lending. This can lead to less predictability in repayments.
That said, commercial mortgages can still be a cost-effective option when considered in the context of business or investment returns. For example, if you’re purchasing a property that generates rental income or supports a profitable business, the income could more than cover the cost of the loan. Certain sectors, such as healthcare, may also attract more competitive rates due to their lower risk profile.
Ultimately, the cost of a commercial mortgage depends on several factors, including the size of your deposit, the type of property, your financial background, and whether the property is owner-occupied or investment based. While not usually cheaper in pure interest terms, a commercial mortgage might still offer strong value depending on your specific circumstances and financial goals.
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
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.
What is a semi-commercial mortgage?
A semi-commercial mortgage is a loan on a property that combines commercial and residential parts, such as a shop with a flat above, and is also called a mixed use mortgage. Lenders assess the combined rental income, the residential proportion and the commercial tenant's lease, or the business where the owner trades from the premises, and it is usually arranged with commercial or specialist lenders. A loan to an individual or trustees is a regulated mortgage contract where at least 40% of the property, measured by floor area, is lived in by the borrower or a related person; otherwise it is usually unregulated business lending.
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