Commercial Property Loans in Australia 2025: Private Lending Guide (Rates from 10-14%)

Commercial Property Loans in Australia: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Finance for purchasing or refinancing commercial real estate including offices, retail, and industrial. In Australia, commercial property loans are available from banks, non-bank lenders, and private lenders—each with different criteria, rates, and timelines.

Key Takeaways

• Interest rates from 10-14% p.a. with private lenders
• Maximum LVR up to 60-65%

• Typical loan term: 6-24 months
• Approval in 24-48 hours; settlement in 5-14 days

• Bank alternative when traditional lenders decline

What are Commercial Property Loans?

Finance for purchasing or refinancing commercial real estate including offices, retail, and industrial. Commercial Property Loans are commonly used for:

• Office buildings
• Retail shops

• Industrial warehouses
• Mixed-use properties

Commercial Property Loans Rates and Terms (2025)

Current Market Rates

Fee Structure

Bank vs Private Commercial Property Loans

When to Use Bank Finance

• You have 8+ weeks before funds needed
• Your income and credit are strong

• You want the lowest possible rate
• You meet all standard bank criteria

When to Use Private Finance

• You need funds in 1-2 weeks
• Bank has declined or is too slow

• Your situation is non-standard
• You need flexibility in structure

Commercial Property Loans Requirements

What Private Lenders Need

Essential:

• Property or asset as security
• Sufficient equity (typically 25-50%)

• Clear purpose for funds
• Defined exit strategy

Documentation:

• Property details and valuation
• Purpose of funds statement

• Exit strategy evidence
• ID verification

What You DON'T Need:

• Extensive income verification
• Perfect credit history

• Years of financial statements
• Complex serviceability assessments

The Commercial Property Loans Process

Step 1: Initial Enquiry

Provide basic details about your funding needs:

• Amount required
• Property/asset security

• Purpose of funds
• Timeline requirements

Step 2: Preliminary Assessment

Lender reviews the opportunity:

• Desktop valuation
• LVR calculation

• Exit strategy assessment
• Indicative terms provided

Step 3: Formal Application

Submit full documentation:

• Complete application form
• Property details

• Supporting documents

Step 4: Valuation and Due Diligence

Lender commissions:

• Independent valuation
• Title search

• Legal review

Step 5: Approval and Settlement

• Formal approval issued
• Legal documents prepared

• Settlement completed
• Funds disbursed

Typical Timeline: Private lenders 5-14 business days; Banks 8-12 weeks

Case Study: Commercial Property Loans

Situation:
A business owner needed $500,000 for office buildings. Their bank had been assessing the application for 6 weeks with no decision.

Challenge:

• Time-sensitive opportunity
• Complex income structure

• Bank couldn't provide certainty

Solution:
Private lending provided:

• Approval: 48 hours
• Settlement: 7 business days

• Rate: 10% p.a.
• LVR: 55%

Outcome:

• Secured the opportunity
• Met tight deadline

• Refinanced to bank within 6 months
• Total private lending cost offset by opportunity value

Risks and Considerations

Key Risks

• Higher Total Cost - Private lending costs more than bank finance
• Property at Risk - Default can lead to property sale

• Short Terms - Requires clear exit strategy
• Market Changes - May affect exit strategy viability

Risk Mitigation

• Maintain conservative LVR
• Have backup exit strategies

• Build in time buffers
• Work with experienced professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get commercial property loans approved?

Private lenders typically approve within 24-48 hours and settle within 5-14 business days. Banks take 8-12 weeks.

What's the minimum loan amount for commercial property loans?

Most private lenders have minimums of $100,000 to $250,000. Banks may have lower minimums but stricter criteria.

Can I get commercial property loans with bad credit?

Yes, private lenders focus primarily on property security rather than credit history. Your exit strategy matters more than your credit score.

What happens if I can't repay on time?

Options include extending the loan (with fees), refinancing to another lender, or selling the security property. Discuss contingencies with your lender upfront.

Do I need specific experience for commercial property loans?

For some loan types (development, construction), experience helps secure better terms. First-timers can still access funding with conservative structures.

Can I refinance commercial property loans to a bank?

Yes, this is a common exit strategy. Many borrowers use private lending as a bridge while preparing bank applications.

What properties are acceptable as security?

Most residential and commercial properties in metropolitan and regional areas. Rural properties may have lower LVRs.

Are there prepayment penalties?

Most private lenders allow early repayment. Some may have minimum interest periods (1-3 months). Check terms before signing.

Getting Started with Commercial Property Loans

Ready to explore your options?

• Know your requirements - Amount, term, purpose
• Understand your exit - How will you repay?

• Prepare documentation - Property details, purpose statement
• Compare offers - Get quotes from multiple lenders

• Proceed with confidence - Work with experienced professionals

On Introducr, you can post your commercial property loans request and receive competitive offers from verified lenders within 48 hours.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature. Commercial Property Loans terms vary by lender and circumstance. Seek independent financial advice for your specific situation.

Last updated: January 2025