Fit-Out Finance

Fit-out finance is business funding used to pay for the construction, renovation, fixtures, equipment and other costs involved in fitting out new or existing commercial premises. It can help preserve your working capital by spreading eligible fit-out costs over an agreed repayment period.

We assess your fit-out costs, business turnover, trading history, cash flow, credit profile and overall project, then compare suitable options across our panel of 80+ banks and non-bank lenders. Finance may be structured as a business loan, equipment finance or a combination of facilities depending on what you're funding.

Fit-out finance can potentially cover cabinetry, counters, shelving, flooring, lighting, electrical work, plumbing, signage, furniture, commercial kitchens, equipment, technology, partitions and other eligible costs involved in preparing your premises for business.

The amount available depends on the total project cost, your turnover, cash flow, trading history, credit profile, existing commitments and whether security is available. We can structure finance around smaller refurbishments through to major commercial fit-outs.

Eligible businesses can receive a same-day decision, with same-day funding available up to $500,000 for qualifying applications. Larger or more complex fit-outs may take longer where quotes, contracts, valuations or additional financial information are required.

Rates vary depending on the amount, finance structure, term, business performance, credit profile and whether security is provided. We compare rates, fees and repayments across suitable options to help find competitive fit-out finance for your circumstances.

Not necessarily. Unsecured fit-out finance may be available to eligible businesses without residential or commercial property security, although guarantees may still be required. Secured options can also be considered for larger projects and may provide longer terms or more competitive rates.

Potentially. Established businesses with sufficient turnover and cash flow may qualify for unsecured funding to cover fit-out costs. Eligibility and the amount available depend on your business and lender criteria.

Potentially. Low-doc or streamlined finance may be available without a complete set of financial statements or tax returns. Depending on the lender, you may instead provide business bank statements, BAS, accounting data, turnover information and details of the proposed fit-out.

Potentially. An ABN is an important starting point, but an ABN alone doesn't guarantee approval. Your trading history, turnover, cash flow, credit profile and details of the fit-out may also be assessed.

Potentially. Previous credit issues don't automatically prevent you from obtaining fit-out finance. Some lenders may place greater emphasis on current business turnover and cash flow, although your credit history can affect the rate, amount, terms and options available.

Potentially. New businesses can access fit-out finance in some circumstances, although lenders may require additional information because there is limited trading history. Your industry experience, business plan, financial forecasts, contribution, credit profile and available security can become particularly important.

Yes, subject to eligibility. Finance can potentially cover eligible costs involved in opening or refurbishing a retail store, including counters, shelving, displays, lighting, flooring, signage, furniture and equipment.

Yes. Fit-out finance can potentially fund commercial kitchens, refrigeration, counters, furniture, lighting, flooring, point-of-sale equipment and other eligible costs associated with opening or renovating a café, restaurant or hospitality venue.

Yes, subject to approval. Finance can potentially be structured for treatment rooms, cabinetry, reception areas, furniture, technology and eligible medical or dental equipment.

Yes. Eligible office fit-out costs can include workstations, meeting rooms, partitions, furniture, lighting, flooring, technology and other improvements required to prepare commercial premises.

Potentially. Fit-out finance may be used for eligible construction, furniture, fixtures and equipment required for gyms, fitness studios, hair salons, beauty businesses and other commercial premises.

Potentially. Funding may be available for eligible warehouse and industrial improvements, including racking, office areas, electrical work, storage systems and business equipment.

Yes. Eligible equipment may be financed alongside the fit-out or through a separate asset finance facility. Separating equipment from other fit-out costs can sometimes provide a more suitable overall finance structure.

Potentially. Commercial furniture and fixtures can form part of a fit-out finance package, depending on the items and finance structure.

Potentially. Certain building and construction costs may be funded, although substantial structural works or property development may require a different commercial finance structure.

Potentially. Eligible internal and external business signage may be included as part of the overall fit-out costs.

Potentially. Some finance structures may accommodate eligible costs associated with the project, although architects, designers, consultants, approvals and professional fees aren't automatically financeable under every facility.

Yes, subject to eligibility. Many businesses finance fit-outs for premises they lease rather than own. The lender may consider the remaining lease term, lease options, fit-out cost and how long the improvements are expected to remain useful.

It can. The remaining lease term and available options may influence the finance term because much of a fit-out can be permanently attached to the premises. Lenders may want the finance term to align appropriately with your right to occupy the property.

Potentially. Start-up fit-out finance may be available before trading begins, although lenders may require a business plan, forecasts, industry experience, lease details, quotes and evidence of your contribution or available security.

Yes, subject to eligibility. Franchise fit-out finance can potentially cover the construction, fixtures, furniture, equipment and other eligible costs required to establish or refurbish a franchise location.

Potentially. Your funding package may include finance for the physical fit-out as well as additional working capital for stock, wages, marketing, rent and other expenses associated with opening or expanding the business.

Yes. Depending on the project, we can look at structuring the fit-out costs and eligible equipment under separate facilities or as part of an overall funding package. Using the right finance type for each expense can help create a more suitable repayment structure.

Not always. Whether a contribution is required depends on the business, amount, project, finance structure and lender. Start-ups and larger projects may be more likely to require a contribution than established businesses with strong cash flow.

Terms depend on the amount, lender, business and type of expenses being financed. The useful life of the fit-out, lease term and whether the finance is secured can also influence the maximum term available.

Potentially. Existing fit-out finance may be refinanced where another facility provides a more suitable rate, term or repayment structure. Any payout costs, establishment fees and total cost of refinancing should be considered.

Requirements vary, but you may need identification, ABN or company details, business bank statements, BAS or financial statements, fit-out quotes, supplier invoices, lease information, project costs and details of any equipment being purchased.

Where possible, it's sensible to understand your available funding before committing to major fit-out costs. Having finance organised early can help you set a realistic budget and avoid relying on working capital to cover unexpected project expenses.

Getting an initial quote with Overdrive does not require an upfront credit check. We can assess your project and compare suitable options before progressing to a formal application. If you choose to proceed, the selected lender may conduct a credit enquiry as part of its assessment.

Fit-out finance can be suitable if you're opening, relocating, renovating or expanding business premises and don't want to fund the entire project from existing cash. The right structure depends on the project costs, equipment involved, lease term, business cash flow and how quickly you want to repay the finance.