Best Fit Out Finance Options

Fit out finance is a type of business loan used for refurbishment, relocation, and redevelopment of businesses in Australia. Fit out loans are used by a variety of businesses to finance everything from electrical work to signage, furniture, and HVAC systems.

Fit out finance can be used for almost any business refurbishment, and is utilised by a wide range of businesses and franchises in Australia, for example:

• Shop fit outs
• Restaurant fit outs
• New office fit outs
• Warehouse and factory fit outs
• Medical practice fit outs

It can finance both major and minor refurbishments. It's commonly used to completely revitalise existing spaces, rebrand following a change of ownership, or upgrade existing fit outs following periods of significant business growth.

Depending on the type of business, borrowers can access up to 100% of the fit-out cost for their new or existing business or franchise.

If fitting out a new premises involves acquiring new equipment, funding that through business equipment finance could also be an option.

Need fast access to finance or a one-time credit facility?

• Short-term business loan
• Unsecured business loan
• Invoice finance
• Business line of credit
• Business overdraft

Fit out finance is commonly used by individuals buying a franchise. Franchise premises commonly require refurbishment every 5 - 10 years. Usually the franchisor does not assist in funding this.

New owners of an existing franchise will often rebrand or purchase new equipment. This means costs for signage, upgraded staff facilities and more. You can read more about this in our guide on purchasing an existing established business and franchisee finance.

New office fit out finance is ideal for gaining the necessary funding to completely set up your new office space. If you are planning to time your relocation with an update to your business branding, you can use funds to create branded signage, break-out rooms or meeting areas with internal walls.

New office fit out finance can allow you to purchase:

• Employee workstations and desks
• Drawers and cabinets
• Printers and Photocopiers
• Rugs
• Standing desks and whiteboards
• IT infrastructure — including cabling and Wi-Fi extender systems
• Internal walls within an office — including meeting rooms or break-out rooms
• Tiling, carpet, or other flooring
• Lighting, electrical work and fittings
• HVAC units
• Security systems
• Branded signage
• Artwork
• Furniture such as couches, chairs and tables
• Bathrooms — including showers, toilets and washbasins

Qualifying for a fit out loan is relatively simple. Most lenders will be able to offer you fit out finance options if you have:

• Been trading for at least 9 months; and
• Have an ABN (Australian Business Number); and
• Are registered for GST

While most lenders will prefer you have been actively trading for a minimum of 9 - 12 months, you can still apply and get approved for fit out finance if you have been trading for less than 9 months.

Fit out finance falls under the same application process as other types of equipment finance. You’ll qualify for fast approval using a streamlined application process if you are applying for finance up to a total value of $100,000 and you:

• Have been in business 24 months; and
• Have an ABN; and
• Are registered for GST; and
• Own a home; and
• Have no major issues in your credit report

If you fall outside the above criteria, or are wishing to apply for a fit out loan greater than $100,000, the application process will be much the same albeit longer and requiring a greater amount of supporting documentation to gain approval.

Before applying for fit out finance, you’ll want to research lenders and get a firm understanding of the required documentation. Although some types of documentation will remain consistent between lenders — such as proof of identity — the depth of others may vary.

For example, some lenders may require financial records of a specific historical length, while others may request a business plan to support your application.

In general, you will need to supply a range of supporting documents, such as:

• Proof of identity
• Financial records for the previous 2 - 3 years (provided by your accountant)
• Profit and Loss Statements
• Balance Sheet
• Details of your fit out purchases
• Business bank statements
• Rates notice (if you own a home)
• Rental agreement (if you are renting)

You may also be asked to provide a business plan:

• Lenders will often request a business plan when assessing fit-out finance loans. This is to illustrate how you expect your business to perform over the next few years (the term of the loan) and how the fit out loan will assist in adding value to your business to increase profits and cash flow.