Fit-out finance

Finance building fit-outs, renovation and refurbishment.

For UK businesses and property owners carrying out building works, renovation, reconstruction or internal decoration. Spread the cost of the works, services and installation over an agreed term instead of funding the whole project before it earns anything.

Figures are indicative only and are not finance offers. Final approval is subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.

Whole-of-market

We are not tied to one funder. The route is matched to the deal.

Independent

No ownership ties. The right deal wins, every time.

Project-shaped

Finance hardware, software, and services in one structure.

Indicative Review

Timing depends on the deal, the documents, and the funder.

Who this is for

Built for businesses and owners carrying out works to a building.

A fit-out is a project with a date attached. The works have to be finished before the space can be used, which makes cash timing as important as the specification.

Landlords and Property Companies

For owners refurbishing a unit between tenants, upgrading a building or bringing an older property back into use.

Multi-site and Franchise Operators

For standard formats rolled out across several sites, where one funding structure is easier to manage than a separate loan for each location.

Contractors and Installers

For contractors and installers supplying technology or services as part of the works, who want to introduce their customer and keep the introduction attributed to them.

What fit-out finance covers

What fit-out finance can cover

The exact split depends on the funder and the contract. These are the parts of a building fit-out that most often sit inside the financed project.

Renovation

Renovation and Reconstruction

Bringing an older building back into use, replacing worn-out fabric and reworking the internal arrangement.

Interior

Internal Layout and Decoration

Partitions, ceilings, flooring, decoration and finishes that change how the space looks and works.

Services

Mechanical and Electrical Services

Power, lighting, data, heating, cooling and ventilation, where they form part of the works specification.

Fixtures

Joinery, Fixtures and Fittings

Reception joinery, doors, sanitaryware, fixed furniture and the fittings that make the building usable.

Delivery

Installation and Project Costs

Labour, project management and professional fees, where they are part of the documented contract.

How it works

From fit-out estimate to funder decision

A clear sequence from project scope to secure application and the funder's decision.

  1. Finance Estimate

    Share the fit-out scope, supplier quote and programme to get an indicative monthly figure for planning.

  2. Secure Application

    Continue through secure application and provide the supporting documentation the funder needs.

  3. IQ Finance Broker Review

    IQ Finance reviews the project, the business context and the proposed structure before matching the case to a funder.

  4. Funder Decision

    The matched funder completes final review and decisioning. Outcomes remain subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.

Preparation checklist

What to prepare for a fit-out finance enquiry

These details let us review the project without guessing at the scope.

Project Scope

  • Supplier or contractor quote with a clear breakdown.
  • Drawings, schedule of works or specification where available.
  • What the space will be used for once the works are finished.

Commercial Detail

  • Total contract value, including installation and project costs.
  • Programme and expected completion date.
  • Any phased delivery, retention or staged payment terms.

Site and Consent

  • Lease status and any landlord consent condition.
  • Planning or building regulations context where relevant.
  • Site access constraints that affect the programme.

Application Readiness

  • Named decision-maker contact.
  • Internal approval timing.
  • Any complexity worth discussing before full submission.

When to speak first

Speak to the team first if the building or the lease makes the works complex.

Early discussion helps where consent, listed status, phased handover or multi-site timing could change the shape of the project after the contract has been agreed.

  • The building is listed or sits in a conservation area.
  • The lease requires landlord consent or reinstatement.
  • The works are phased across sites or occupiers.
  • The contract mixes building works, services, professional fees and installation.

Contractors and installers

If you supply the technology that goes into the fit-out, you can introduce the customer.

Technology suppliers and installers working alongside a fit-out can introduce their customer through the partner route. IQ Finance runs the quote, the credit process and the funder conversation, and you are paid for what you supply.

Read more about partner finance for resellers and installers.

Fit-out FAQ

Questions before applying for fit-out finance

These answers cover scope, installation, timing and the difference between an estimate and an approval.

What counts as a fit-out?

A fit-out is the work that makes a building or unit usable: building works, renovation, reconstruction, internal layout changes, decoration and the services that go with them. It is not limited to furniture or IT.

Can renovation and reconstruction be financed?

Renovation and reconstruction can often be considered where the scope, schedule of works and business use are clear. The structure depends on the split between works, services and professional fees, and on lender criteria.

Can internal decoration be included?

Decoration is usually included as part of a wider works project. Decoration on its own is reviewed case by case and may be limited, so it is worth discussing the balance of the project before applying.

Can professional fees and installation be included?

Professional fees, project management and installation can often be included where they form part of the documented contract. Funders sometimes separate services from building works, so a broken-down quote helps.

Can phased or multi-site works be financed?

Phased and multi-site programmes can be reviewed together where the schedule, spend profile and delivery dates are set out. One structure is often easier to manage than several separate agreements.

Is a finance estimate the same as approval?

No. Figures are indicative only and are not finance offers. Final approval is subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.

Next step

Ready to price the works?

Start with a finance estimate, or talk to us first if the project mixes building works, services, professional fees and installation in one contract.

Figures are indicative only and are not finance offers. Final approval is subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.