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The Finance Team
11 July 2025, 15:24

What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Commercial Mortgage?

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Securing a commercial mortgage is a major step for businesses and investors looking to purchase or refinance commercial property in the UK. Whether you’re acquiring office space, retail premises, or an industrial unit, lenders will expect a comprehensive set of documents before approving finance.

The purpose of this documentation is simple: lenders want to assess risk, confirm affordability, and ensure regulatory compliance. Preparing the right paperwork in advance not only speeds up the process but also improves your chances of approval.

Below, we outline the key documents typically required when applying for a commercial mortgage in the UK.

Proof of Identity and Address

As part of anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, lenders will need:

  • A valid passport or driving licence (photo ID).

  • Recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill (usually dated within the last 3 months).

These documents verify who you are and confirm your residency status in the UK.

Business Financial Accounts

Lenders need to see tha your business has the income and stability to meet monthly mortgage repayments. You will usually be asked to provide:

  • Full financial accounts for the last 2–3 years, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets.

  • Management accounts if your year-end accounts are more than 6 months old.

  • Cash flow forecasts (especially if your business is growing or seeking a larger loan facility).

Strong financials demonstrate to lenders that your business has the means to service the debt.

Bank Statements

Most lenders request business bank statements covering the last 3–12 months. These are used to:

  • Validate cash flow.

  • Confirm regular income and outgoings.

  • Identify any existing financial commitments.

Some lenders may also request personal bank statements if you are providing a personal guarantee.

Business Plan or Loan Proposal

If you’re a startup or expanding into new premises, lenders may ask for a detailed business plan. This should outline:

  • The purpose of the property purchase.

  • Expected revenue streams.

  • Market analysis and business growth strategy.

  • Repayment strategy for the mortgage.

A well-prepared plan can significantly enhance lender confidence, particularly for newer businesses without extensive trading history.

Property Information

Since the property itself often serves as security for the loan, lenders will require:

  • Details of the property (address, type, and use).

  • Valuation report carried out by a surveyor approved by the lender.

  • Tenancy agreements (if the property is an investment with rental income).

  • Planning permissions or licences, if applicable.

This helps lenders establish the property’s current and future value, as well as any associated risks.

Personal Information (for Directors/Shareholders)

For limited companies, lenders often review the financial standing of key individuals. You may need to supply:

  • Personal guarantees from directors or shareholders.

  • Credit reports to check for adverse history (e.g. CCJs, bankruptcies).

  • Personal income details, if required.

This is especially common in small to medium-sized businesses or where the company has a shorter trading history.

Existing Loan or Debt Information

If your business already has borrowing in place, lenders will expect:

  • Details of existing loans, overdrafts, or lease agreements.

  • Repayment schedules and outstanding balances.

This ensures the lender has a complete picture of your financial commitments.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a commercial mortgage can seem daunting, but preparation is key. Having the right documents ready — from business accounts to property valuations — demonstrates professionalism and reduces delays in the approval process.

As a specialist UK commercial finance broker, we help clients collate the necessary documentation, present it in the right way, and approach the lenders most likely to approve their application. By managing the process from start to finish, we not only improve the chances of success but also ensure you secure the most competitive terms available.

If you’re considering a commercial mortgage and want expert guidance, speak to our team today.