Specialist commercial mortgage broker for trading companies in the South East of England

Many high technology companies are located near the M3 in Surrey and the M4 in Berkshire, and Microsoft and Oracle have UK headquarters in Reading (Wokingham borough). The Gatwick Diamond is a hub for hi-tech industry centred on Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport.

The global names rent. Around them sit the smaller owner-occupiers: IT, engineering and consultancy firms buying offices on business parks, laboratory and research businesses near Oxford, and distribution, aviation-support and trade businesses in industrial and logistics units close to the motorways and the airport. Business park units are usually modern and well evidenced by comparable sales, which helps the valuation. Specialist laboratory fit-outs need more explanation, because the valuer will consider how readily another occupier could use the building.

The region's long coastline runs from the Solent through Brighton to Kent's Channel ports and the White Cliffs of Dover. Southampton and Portsmouth are major port cities, and coastal towns support a visitor economy of hotels, guest houses, pubs, cafes and attractions.

Lenders price these as trading businesses, at typically 7.0 to 9.0% a year, indicative, subject to status, accounts and valuation, because the value of the building is tied to the trade. Seasonal income needs explaining in the accounts. High-street shops with flats above, common in the coastal towns, are semi-commercial: our page on semi-commercial premises covers how they are assessed, at indicative rates of 6.5 to 8.5% a year and up to 75% loan to value.

Buying

For an owner-occupier purchase, lenders typically advance 70 to 75% of the price or valuation, up to 80% for strong cases, at indicative rates of 6.0 to 7.5% a year, over 5 to 25 years (some to 30), with arrangement fees typically 1 to 2%. Where a purchase must complete quickly, for example at auction or before a lease break, bridging finance for business premises at an indicative 0.70 to 0.95% a month can complete first.

Refinancing

Many companies in the region have owned their buildings for years. Remortgaging business premises can release equity for expansion, consolidate borrowing or move off a lender's variable rate, at indicative rates of 6.0 to 8.0% a year.

Premises in South East England are taxed under Stamp Duty Land Tax at the non-residential rates: 0% up to £150,000, 2% from £150,001 to £250,000 and 5% above £250,000 (HMRC, gov.uk; rates as at October 2026; check the current rates before you buy). Illustrative example. On a £500,000 freehold unit with no VAT, SDLT is £14,500. If the seller has opted to tax, VAT at 20% is added to the price and SDLT is worked out on the VAT-inclusive figure. Our commercial stamp duty guide covers leases and VAT.

Lenders do not lend the tax, legal fees or valuation fees, so they come from the business's own funds with the deposit. Commercial lending to a limited company is unregulated and falls outside the FCA's regulated mortgage perimeter. Where a deal would be regulated, for example lending to a sole trader or individual, or a property where the borrower or a close family member will live in part of it, we refer it to an appropriately authorised firm.

We read the accounts, the building and the timetable, then go to the market: high-street banks and specialist lenders whose criteria fit the business and the property. We prepare the case, brief the valuer and keep your solicitor and the lender working to the same date. For premises inside the M25, see our page on business mortgages in London. We are not tax or legal advisers, so your solicitor confirms the SDLT and the title.