Financing a commercial property through a loan can be challenging, with most people, therefore, opting to pay for their property in cash or through other financing options. With that being said, a commercial loan is possible and is a completely legitimate way of purchasing your property. Before deciding to apply, there are some aspects of this type of loan that individuals should know.
Commercial loan rates are highly variable
Whilst interest rates on commercial properties are generally higher than that of a typical loan, they are also highly dependent on the client’s personal circumstances as well as the property that they wish to secure a loan on.
Individuals should also be aware that there can be hefty prepayment penalties if you are in a circumstance to repay your commercial property loan before its completed term. As such careful thought should be made about creating reasonable timeframes for your loan repayment, factoring in both high-interest rates and prepayment penalties.
Certain factors that can come into play include the property developer, the age of the property, as well as whether the property is going to be used as an investment or if it’s for the client’s company. The loan to value rate should also be taken into consideration, as for commercial properties, they can be very low, with most banks generally requiring a 40% down payment.
Study the market
Before deciding on purchasing a commercial property, individuals should study the market carefully. Firstly, you should understand what type of property you want. The commercial property encompasses a wide range of building and property types, including office space, warehouses, retail units, or even purpose built properties such as schools or hospitals. Potential buyers should carefully consider the reasons for choosing a commercial property. Will you be the end user or are you planning on using the property as an investment opportunity.
It is important to also research different locations and compare average prices. This can be done by looking at commercial real estate market reports or by discussing them with a commercial property specialist. Before starting any finance application, you should determine what you are willing to pay and how much you are willing or able to part with in terms of loan repayments. This may also help decide what type of property and areas are available for you to purchase into.
Find a broker experienced with commercial real estate
A broker experienced in commercial real estate will help their client evaluate their different options, help them make an informed decision about what they should purchase as well as applying for a pre-approval on your behalf with the bank. Not only would an experienced broker ensure a faster application process with the bank, but will have much greater negotiating and bargaining power when it comes to discussing the terms of the loan.
Inform the bank of your choice
Once you have secured pre-approval with your mortgage broker, and decided on a property, the bank will then perform a valuation of the property and decide if it is worth the price you have agreed. Provided the bank approves, you will then get an offer letter to accept the loan and you can proceed with purchasing your commercial property.
If you have any other questions or queries about getting a commercial loan, then contact one of our expert advisors, who will be able to talk you through the entire process and make it as smooth and seamless as possible.
Table of Contents
Recent Posts
- Top 5 Buildings to Buy an Office in Business Bay
- Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating Commercial Property Locations in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Checklist
- How to Value Your Commercial Property
- Global High-Net-Worth Individuals Set to Invest $408.3 Million in Abu Dhabi Real Estate
- Tecom Group's $463 Million Investment: A Transformative Boost for Dubai's Commercial Real Estate