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Secured business loans require one or more assets to be put forward as collateral. This protects the lender from financial loss if a company cannot afford to keep up with the repayments at any stage.
It reduces their risk of lending when compared with unsecured loans. A business loan secured on property or another valuable asset can be easier to access for this reason, and typically offers a lower interest rate than an unsecured loans.
Lenders prefer assets of a high value that can be resold relatively quickly in the event of default. This allows them to recoup their money with few issues and as property is one of the highest value assets available, it’s commonly used to secure a business loan.
If you purchase business premises for your own use, an owner-occupier mortgage will be secured on the commercial property. Alternatively, you may decide to purchase a business property to rent out using a commercial investment property mortgage.
This type of secured business loan enables you to purchase property over time, which may be up to 25 years.
The lender will value any asset that’s put forward as security and establish whether you own it outright or if you part-own it with others. Some lenders accept personal property as security even though the loan is for a business.
It’s highly advisable to seek professional assistance before going ahead with a secured loan, however, particularly if you’re placing your home at risk. If the property already has a mortgage against it, the lender will register a legal charge. This provides official recognition that it’s been used as security and enables the lender to claim their legal interest.
Helps your business grow
A secured commercial loan that uses property as collateral can provide the means to develop your business as long as you keep up with the repayments over the full loan term.
Access to favourable loan terms
A business loan secured on a property can provide access to larger sums given the high asset value. Loan terms may also be longer, and the lower interest rates associated with secured loans can make monthly repayments more affordable.
Accessible if you’re a start-up or have bad credit
If your business has a bad credit rating you may still be able to access this type of lending as the loan is secured and presents a lower risk to the lender. Eligibility isn’t based on trading history either – rather the value of the asset – so start-ups may be able to access valuable funding in this way.
It’s also important to be aware of the potential risk of having your property repossessed, however, and UK Business Finance can ensure you understand all the potential issues. We’re experienced commercial finance brokers and offer free consultations, so please get in touch to find out more.
We work across a wide range of sectors throughout the UK, providing specialist advice to each sector.
Why use a commercial finance broker?
A commercial finance broker plays an important role for businesses looking for funding. They can source the most suitable types of finance using a whole-of-market search strategy whilst also accessing the best deals and lenders.
What are cash flow forecasts and why are these important when obtaining business funding?
Operating with positive cash flow helps your business to pay its bills, conduct day-to-day trade with minimal issues, and plan confidently for the months and years ahead. But how do you know that there will be sufficient cash available when it’s needed?
Good debt vs Bad debt
Managed well, debt can improve your credit rating, enable expansion, and stabilise cash flow. It’s the backbone of growth but with so many different types of borrowing now available, it’s important for your business to carry ‘good debt’ rather than ‘bad debt.’
How to best prepare my company for a finance application
When preparing your company for a finance application, it’s key to present the business in its best light whilst also providing realistic projections, your plans for the funding, and how it will help the business grow.