Own your premises
Stop paying rent to a landlord and build equity in the property your business uses.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FINANCE
Commercial property loans in Queensland.
Buy your premises, or invest.
On the right loan structure.
Whether you’re buying business premises or investing in office, industrial or retail property, we compare commercial lenders on rates, terms and LVR. We consider your cash flow, the lease and the valuation together, and help with trust, company or SMSF structures. Guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group, based in Caloundra.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews
Own the space you work in.Or invest in one that pays rent.
LEASEand LVR,
together.
together.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s lending experience
1 brokerManages your loan to settlement
Local careQueensland & Australia-wide
HOW COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LOANS WORK
Like a home loan,
with stricter rules.
A lender funds the purchase and you repay with interest over an agreed term. Because lenders see commercial property as higher risk, expect a larger deposit, lower maximum LVRs and generally higher rates than residential lending.
Earn rental income
Commercial leases are often longer than residential, which can mean steadier income.
Grow your portfolio
Add offices, warehouses, retail or industrial property to your business or investment assets.
Patchy credit history? Some non-bank lenders may still help, though usually with stricter conditions or higher rates.
Start with a free chatWHAT YOU CAN FINANCE
Property types
lenders consider.
Each property type carries different risk for lenders, which affects the deposit, rate and terms you’re offered.
Offices
From small strata suites to whole buildings, for your own business or to lease out.
Warehouses and industrial
Workshops, sheds and industrial units, often with longer leases to established tenants.
Retail
Shops and shopfronts, where location and tenant strength matter heavily to lenders.
Mixed-use and specialised
Mixed-use developments and specialised properties, subject to the lender’s criteria.
A QUICK COMPARISON
Residential, or commercial?
| What you compare | Residential | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Typical deposit | 5–20% | 20–30% or more |
| Interest rates | Lower | Generally higher |
| Loan terms | Up to 30 years | Often shorter, with reviews |
| Assessed on | Your income | Financials, lease, valuation |
Terms, LVR limits and rates vary by lender, property type and borrower. Approval depends on the lender’s assessment.
Compare my optionsKNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Deposit, loan and
interest cover.
For leased investment property, many lenders check how comfortably the rent covers the interest, known as the interest cover ratio. A stronger ratio and a longer lease can support better terms.
For owner-occupied premises, lenders look more at your business’s own cash flow.
- Deposit at the lender’s maximum LVR
- Net rent after outgoings
- Interest cover on the loan
- Lease length and tenant strength
YOUR PURCHASE, AT A GLANCE
What could the numbers look like?
$100k$5m
Illustrative deposit needed$360,000
Loan amount$840,000
Interest cover1.33×
Illustration only, not a borrowing assessment. Deposit excludes stamp duty, GST, legal and valuation costs. Interest cover uses net rent against one year of interest. Lender requirements vary.
Check my actual optionsWHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING
The property has to
stack up, not just you.
Commercial lenders look at the property as closely as the borrower. Planning for valuation, lease and compliance issues early avoids surprises late in the deal.
QUEENSLAND CONSIDERATIONS
Valuation, zoning and use.
An independent commercial valuation sets the value the lender will lend against. If it comes in below the price, you’ll need a bigger deposit.
Check zoning and permitted use with your council and solicitor before committing, especially if you plan to change how the property is used.
Premises for your business
Lenders focus on your business’s profitability and cash flow, as the business pays the loan. A clear business plan can strengthen the application.
Property with tenants
Lease terms, tenant quality and remaining lease length drive the assessment. Long, secure leases are viewed more favourably.
GST, stamp duty and tax on commercial property can be complex. Speak with your accountant and solicitor before you buy.
Let’s check the deal stacks up. We’ll look at the property, lease and your financials before approaching lenders.
Check my next stepsREQUIREMENTS
What commercial
lenders look for.
Being ready with these makes the application smoother and can improve the terms you’re offered.
Deposit and LVR
Usually 20–30% of the price, for an LVR of 70–80%. Higher-risk property may need more.
Financial documents
Business financial statements, personal and business tax returns, and any trust deeds.
Credit history
A strong record helps you access better terms. Options may exist even with past issues.
Purpose and lease
How the property fits your business, or details of current and proposed tenants.
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES
Who should own
the property?
The buying entity affects lender choice, documents and tax. Get advice from your accountant, then we’ll match lenders to the structure.
Your own name
Fewer documents, assessed on your personal and business income.
A company
Company financials, with directors usually giving guarantees.
A trust
The deed must allow borrowing. See trust loans.
Your SMSF
Must meet SMSF borrowing rules. See SMSF loans.
Already own commercial property? Refinancing could improve your rate, terms or free up equity.
Talk about refinancingFROM FIRST CHAT TO SETTLEMENT
Six steps.
One broker beside you.
Richard manages your loan personally, coordinating with your accountant, solicitor and valuer through to settlement.
UNDERSTAND
Talk through the purchase
Meet by phone, Zoom or in person. Tell us about the property, the lease and your plans.
GATHER
Collect your financials
Business statements, tax returns, lease details and any trust or company documents.
ANALYSE & PLAN
Compare commercial lenders
We compare rates, terms, LVRs and conditions against the property and your structure.
APPLY
Present your application
We present the business, property and lease clearly, and arrange the commercial valuation.
FINALISE
Review the offer and settle
We walk you through the terms, covenants and guarantees, then coordinate settlement.
SUPPORT
Manage reviews and renewals
Commercial loans are often reviewed periodically. We help you prepare and refinance if needed.
Richard LukeFounder · Ausfirst Lending Group
WHAT MAKES AUSFIRST DIFFERENT
Your business is personal.
Your broker should be, too.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
Richard brings more than 30 years of lending experience across Queensland. He takes the time to understand your finances, business objectives and property plans before comparing commercial lenders from our panel.
Whether you’re buying premises, adding offices, warehouses or retail to a portfolio, or refinancing a commercial loan, you get clear advice and the same point of contact from application to settlement.
One point of contactTrust, company and SMSF experience2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
Talk to a broker
More about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
Google review
“Thanks to Richard and Debbie and the team at Ausfirst Lending… They are the gurus of self employed loans. I highly recommend their services.”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
Commercial loans.
Real questions.
The questions we’re asked most about commercial property finance. Every deal is different, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my purchaseHow much deposit do I need for a commercial property loan?
Most lenders want 20–30% of the purchase price, depending on the LVR they’ll allow. Higher-risk or specialised properties may need more.
What are commercial property interest rates like?
Generally higher than residential rates. They vary with the lender, property type, lease and your risk profile, so we compare current rates across our panel.
Can I get a commercial loan with bad credit?
Possibly. Some non-bank lenders consider past credit issues, usually with higher rates and stricter conditions.
Do I need a business to apply?
Not necessarily. Many borrowers are business owners, but investors can also borrow to buy commercial property leased to businesses.
What types of property can I buy?
Offices, warehouses, retail shops, industrial properties and mixed-use developments, depending on the lender’s criteria.
How long are commercial loan terms?
Often shorter than home loans, and many are reviewed every few years. Terms vary by lender and property type.
READY TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS?
Your next property
starts with a plan.
Tell us about the property, the lease and your business. We’ll compare commercial lenders and show which structures and terms could work.
Deposit, LVR and interest cover worked out
Commercial lenders compared
One broker from application to settlement
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CHAT
Tell us about the property.
Send our team a little about your plans.
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