Commercial Mortgages in Fareham & Portsmouth

Buying your own business premises, investing in a shop with flats above, or refinancing a commercial property portfolio are some of the biggest financial decisions a business owner or investor will make. Vantage Asset & Commercial Finance is a commercial mortgage broker based in Fareham, helping businesses and landlords in Fareham, Portsmouth, Gosport, Southampton and across Hampshire find the right lender and the right structure.

What is a commercial mortgage?

A commercial mortgage is a long-term loan secured against a property that is used for business, or that is let to businesses. Unlike residential mortgages, commercial lending is assessed case by case, looking at the property, the business or rental income, and the people behind the application. That flexibility is useful, but it also means lenders vary a great deal in what they will accept, which is where a broker helps.

Who we help

• Owner-occupiers. Businesses buying their own premises, such as offices, workshops, industrial units, surgeries, shops or hospitality venues, rather than paying rent.
• Commercial investors. Buying property that is let to business tenants.
• Semi-commercial and mixed-use. Shops or offices with flats above, a common property type in Portsmouth, Southsea, Fareham and Gosport.
• Landlords and portfolio owners. Including HMO and portfolio landlords who need specialist lenders.
• Refinancing. Moving an existing commercial mortgage, or raising capital against property you already own.

What lenders look at

• The property type, condition, location and valuation.
• For owner-occupiers, the trading history and profitability of the business.
• For investment property, the rental income, tenants and lease terms.
• The deposit available and where it comes from.
• Your personal and business credit history.

Newer businesses and more unusual properties can still find lenders, but the choice is narrower, so preparation and the right introduction matter.

Buying your premises instead of renting

For many established businesses, owning the building they trade from gives more control and can build value over time. Some owners buy through a separate company or a pension scheme. The right structure depends on your circumstances, and we recommend you also take advice from your accountant. We will work alongside them to find finance that fits.

A local broker for Fareham and Portsmouth

Charles and Melanie run Vantage from Fareham and handle every case personally. We work with a wide range of high-street, challenger and specialist lenders, and we will explain the options and all the costs before you decide anything. Read more on our commercial mortgages page, or see our local pages for Fareham and Portsmouth.

If you need to move quickly, for example to buy at auction, a bridging loan can secure the property first, with a commercial mortgage to follow. For building or converting, see development finance.

How the process works with Vantage

1. An initial conversation. We talk through the property, what you want to achieve and your timescales, usually by phone, Zoom or Teams, or face to face if you prefer.
2. Gathering the information. We help you pull together accounts, rental schedules, property details and anything else a lender will ask for, so the case is presented clearly from the start.
3. Approaching lenders. We identify the lenders most likely to suit your case and explain their terms and costs side by side.
4. Through to completion. Once you choose a lender, we keep the valuation, legal work and underwriting moving and keep you updated throughout.

Because you deal with the same two people throughout, you will always know who to call and where your application stands.

Commercial mortgages: frequently asked questions

How much deposit do I need for a commercial mortgage?

It varies by lender, property and business. We will tell you what different lenders are likely to need once we understand your situation.

Can a new business get a commercial mortgage?

Some lenders will consider newer businesses, often with a larger deposit or extra security. Every case is assessed individually and approval is not guaranteed.

Do you arrange semi-commercial mortgages?

Yes. Mixed-use property, such as a shop with a flat above, is common in Fareham, Portsmouth and Southsea, and we can introduce you to lenders that specialise in it.

Are commercial mortgages regulated?

Most commercial mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We will always make clear whether a product is regulated before you proceed.