Office Mortgages

Office space can be a solid investment, as almost every sector requires some level of administrative function, and the underlying use typically doesn’t need adapting for different industries.

If you’re planning to purchase offices for your own business, or to let them as a commercial landlord, read on to learn how office mortgages work and how we can support you.

Can you get a mortgage to buy an office?

Yes—provided you use a commercial mortgage, with the type determined by how you plan to use the office space.

• For your own business: If you intend to purchase offices for your company’s use, this can reduce ongoing commercial rent. You’ll need a commercial owner-occupier mortgage.

• For a rental investment: If you’re a commercial landlord buying offices to let, you’ll require a commercial investment mortgage. Lenders will assess criteria specific to the property and its intended use.

Multi-office properties

You can take a single mortgage across a multi-office building. However, if any part of the premises includes a non-commercial element, you may need a semi-commercial mortgage instead.

As a general guide, if around 40–60% of the total floorspace will be used for residential purposes, you’ll need a semi-commercial mortgage rather than a fully commercial facility.

How these mortgages work

Commercial mortgages are highly bespoke, so lenders assess each application on your circumstances and the intended use of the property. While these are not regulated products, that status gives lenders more flexibility in how they evaluate risk.

In general, a commercial investment mortgage is viewed as higher risk than a commercial owner-occupier mortgage for office space. Lenders typically gauge risk against the following factors:

Office mortgage criteria

• Deposit and LTV: Expect to provide at least a 20% deposit, though 40%+ is common. For investment use, borrowing is often capped around 70% LTV, whereas owner-occupiers may access up to 80% LTV.

• Business plan and experience: A robust plan demonstrating sector experience—or landlord track record if you intend to let the offices—is essential.

• Property condition and value: Many lenders will consider refurbishment of older buildings, as office renovation is usually straightforward, but they will still scrutinise current condition and valuation.

• Tenancy profile (for lettings): If you plan to let the space, lenders will assess the tenant’s industry and the security of the lease. Well-established firms and public sector occupiers are typically seen as lower risk.

How to get an office mortgage

Whether you plan to purchase office space or need an industrial mortgage, commercial borrowing can be complex. Specialist commercial mortgage brokers can advise on your application and business plan, and search the market to identify the most suitable commercial lenders for your needs and circumstances.

Lenders and rates available

There’s a broad mix of commercial lenders prepared to consider office mortgages, as offices are readily adaptable across sectors and typically have stronger resale potential. That said, because commercial finance is bespoke, pricing isn’t usually published in the same way as residential mortgage rates.

Rates for office mortgages are generally higher than for residential mortgages, so it’s sensible to get professional advice to understand what you’re likely to qualify for.

While there are fewer high street names in this market, some major banks—such as HSBC—do offer lower-risk commercial facilities. To identify the most suitable lender and secure competitive terms for your office mortgage, it’s wise to speak with a commercial specialist like us.

Other types of finance you could use

You’ve also got alternative ways to fund an office purchase, such as:

• Bridging loans: Short-term finance that can be arranged quickly—useful for auction purchases or when timing is tight.

• Development finance: Designed for ground-up builds or conversions (e.g. turning another property into offices). Funds are usually released in stages to match the build schedule.

• Remortgage to buy property: If you already own a residential or commercial property, you can remortgage to raise a deposit—or, in some cases, to purchase another property outright.

Frequently Asked Questions