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Commercial mortgages are rarely straightforward. Between varying property types, business structures, and lender criteria, brokers often need more than just access to rates. They need clarity, lender insight, and a process that keeps deals moving.
At Clever Lending, we work alongside brokers to structure and place commercial mortgages that stack up properly with lenders and complete without unnecessary friction. This page outlines who our service is for, how we support brokers, and what you can expect when placing commercial cases with us.
Who This Is For and Typical Broker Scenarios
Our commercial mortgage service is designed for brokers placing cases that fall outside standard residential lending or require specialist lender support.
We regularly assist brokers with:
- Owner-occupied commercial property purchases
- Commercial investment property with tenants in place
- Mixed-use and semi-commercial properties
- Refinancing commercial assets to release capital
- Portfolio restructures across multiple properties
- Limited company and SPV borrowing
These cases often involve detailed underwriting, business accounts, or lease analysis. Our role is to help brokers assess viability early, position the case correctly, and place it with lenders whose criteria genuinely fit. If your client needs a borrower-focused overview, our guide to commercial mortgages for borrowers is a useful resource to share.
What We Deliver for Brokers
We focus on making commercial deals work in practice, not just on paper.
When you place a commercial mortgage with Clever Lending, you benefit from:
- Early case sense-checking and honest feedback
- Access to a broad panel of UK commercial lenders
- Clear guidance on lender appetite and structure
- Support with valuations, lease analysis, and legals
- Ongoing case management through to completion
For brokers placing commercial property regularly, our dedicated commercial mortgage broker support is designed to support repeat placements and more complex transactions.
Our Process: From Broker Enquiry to Completion
Initial Case Review
We begin with a high-level overview of the deal. Property details, purchase or refinance value, loan requirement, and borrower profile. This allows us to assess viability and flag potential issues early.
Lender Matching
Commercial lenders vary significantly in appetite. Some focus on owner-occupied properties, others on investment assets or specific sectors. We match the case to lenders whose criteria align with the property and income profile.
Terms and Structure
Once a lender is identified, terms are agreed. We help you understand pricing, conditions, and timescales before costs are incurred.
Valuation and Legal Stage
Valuations and solicitors are instructed. We remain involved throughout, helping to manage lender queries and keep progress on track.
Completion
Once conditions are satisfied, funds are released and the transaction completes.
Pricing Ranges and Timelines (Guidance Only)
Commercial mortgages are longer-term products, and pricing reflects both risk and stability.
As a general guide:
- Interest rates vary depending on property type and income strength
- Loan-to-value commonly ranges up to 65%–75%
- Loan terms often span 5 to 25 years
- Completion timelines typically range from several weeks to a few months
Final terms depend on factors such as tenant quality, lease length, borrower experience, and overall risk. Our role is to help brokers position cases to achieve realistic and workable outcomes.
Case Examples and Lender Appetite
Commercial lenders assess both the asset and the income supporting it.
Examples of broker-placed deals we regularly support include:
- A business purchasing its own trading premises
- An investor acquiring a commercial unit with a long-term tenant
- A mixed-use property with residential and commercial elements
- A refinance to release capital for business expansion
Clear information, realistic assumptions, and sensible leverage all improve approval chances and pricing.
Next Steps and What We Need from You
To assess a commercial case quickly, we usually need:
- Property details and current or purchase value
- Loan amount and proposed term
- Details of the business or rental income
- Information on tenants and lease terms
- Any deadlines or time pressures
Even a brief outline is enough for an initial view. From there, we can advise on structure, lender fit, and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do you need from us?
We usually start with property details, loan requirements, and income information. Full documentation follows once the route is clear.
Do you coordinate with brokers, accountants or solicitors?
Yes. We work closely with brokers and regularly liaise with accountants, solicitors, and other advisers involved in the transaction.
Can this be arranged quickly?
Commercial mortgages typically take longer than residential lending, but well-prepared cases can still progress efficiently. Timescales depend on complexity and lender requirements.
What affects approval chances?
Property type, loan-to-value, income strength, tenant quality, and how well the case is presented to the lender.
What does it typically cost?
Costs vary depending on structure and risk, but usually include interest, arrangement fees, valuation fees, and legal costs.
What are the common pitfalls?
Incomplete information, unrealistic valuations, unclear income assumptions, or selecting a lender that does not suit the asset. Early guidance helps avoid delays.