Business loans
Commercial property loans. Structured for growth
Commercial property finance is different from residential lending.
At Luminate, we structure commercial property loans for business owners and investors who need clarity, speed, and strategic thinking, not box-ticking.
Whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or releasing equity, we bring structure to the decision.
What is a commercial property loan?
A commercial property loan is finance secured against income-producing or business-use property.
This includes:
- Office buildings
- Retail premises
- Warehouses and industrial property
- Mixed-use developments
- Owner-occupied business premises
Commercial lending is assessed differently to home loans. Income strength, tenant quality, lease terms, and business cashflow all matter.
Owner-occupied commercial property
For business owners, owning your premises can:
-
Stabilise long-term occupancy costs
-
Build equity inside your business
- Provide strategic control over your location
We take a joined-up view of:
- Business cashflow
- Personal balance sheet
- Deposit structure
- Future growth plans
The goal is to get the right structure.
Commercial property investment loans
For investors, commercial property can offer:
- Stronger yields than residential property
- Longer lease terms
- Diversified tenant exposure
Lenders assess:
- Net rental income
- Lease covenants
- Vacancy risk
- Loan-to-value ratios
- Interest coverage ratios
We structure loans to balance yield, risk, and flexibility.
Why commercial lending is different
Commercial loans often involve:
- Lower maximum LVRs
- Higher deposits
- Shorter loan terms
- Different interest rate structures
- More detailed financial assessment
Approval depends on both the property and the borrower’s broader financial position.
That’s why experience matters.
Common challenges we solve
We regularly assist clients who:
- Have strong businesses but complex financials
- Need to refinance away from restrictive terms
- Want to extract equity for growth
- Are expanding into larger premises
- Need faster decisions than banks can provide
Commercial lending is rarely straightforward.
It requires judgement.
How Luminate approaches commercial property finance
We bring a private banking mindset to commercial lending.
That means:
- A holistic view of business and personal finances
- Clear explanation of trade-offs
- Matching bank and non-bank options appropriately
- Structuring debt around growth, not against it
We focus on long-term structure.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit do I need for a commercial property loan in NZ?
Typically 30% to 40%, depending on the property type and borrower strength.
Are commercial interest rates higher than home loans?
Yes, commercial lending carries different risk and pricing structures.
Can I buy commercial property through my company?
Yes. Many purchases are structured through trading companies or property-holding entities.
Can I refinance an existing commercial loan?
Often yes, particularly if terms are restrictive or growth plans have changed.
Let’s structure your commercial property finance
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