Top 10 Fit Out Finance Lenders for Shops in 2026
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Top 10 Fit Out Finance Lenders for Shops Compared
| Rank | Lender | Best for | Published loan range | Loan rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lombard | Established retail shops fitting out larger high-street premises | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 4% to 11.5% monthly |
| 2 | Liberty Leasing | Independent retailers wanting annual-rate leasing for shop fixtures | £10,000 to £2,000,000 | interest 11% to 16% annually |
| 3 | Fleximize | Growing retail businesses with six months' trading behind them | £10,000 to £500,000 | interest 0.9% to 3.6% monthly |
| 4 | One Stop Business Finance | New shop ventures needing £100,000-plus fit-out funding | £100,000 to £3,000,000 | interest 1.6% to 3% monthly |
| 5 | Lloyds Bank | Smaller shop refurbishments for existing Lloyds business customers | £1,000 to £50,000 | interest 10.65% to 11.2% annually |
| 6 | Novuna | Trading shops seeking mid-to-large retail fit-out finance | £10,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 4.5% to 12.5% monthly |
| 7 | HSBC Bank | Shop owners with an HSBC relationship needing asset funding | £1,000 to £300,000 | interest 8.6% to 11.3% annually |
| 8 | Barclays | Large-scale retail projects needing higher funding ceilings | £1,000 to £25,000,000 | interest 8.5% to 14.9% annually |
| 9 | NatWest Bank | Higher-turnover retailers seeking flexible funding sizes | £500 to £10,000,000 | interest 4.5% to 10.5% annually |
| 10 | Virgin Money | Established retailers needing £30,000-plus for shop fit-outs | £30,000 to £10,000,000 | interest 4.5% to 10.5% annually |
Asset finance lets shop owners spread the cost of fitting out a retail premises by using the fixtures, shelving, counters and equipment themselves as collateral. It suits independent retailers and high-street businesses because it keeps working capital free for stock, staffing and launch marketing. With shop fit-outs commonly costing tens of thousands, asset finance turns a large upfront expense into predictable monthly payments.
Comparing fit-out finance lenders goes beyond the headline rate. Check whether the lender finances the full range of shop assets you need, from flooring and lighting to bespoke joinery and signage, as some exclude certain fixture types. Consider whether repayments can flex around seasonal retail income. Funding speed matters when contractors are on-site and lease deadlines loom. Also check the minimum trading history, as newer shops may need more flexible entry requirements.
Important note:
Funding Agent
Published loan rangeFrom £10,000 to up to £1,000,000
Rate typeInterest from 6.8% annually
Why it is included:It is included because many business owners need to compare several finance routes before choosing where to apply.
Funding Agent can help businesses compare suitable options across a lender panel, especially when eligibility depends on turnover, sector, trading history, credit strength and available documents.
Best use case: When the borrower wants to avoid applying to one lender at a time.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Why it stands out
- Useful when a business wants to compare lender fit rather than guess which lender to apply to first.
- Can help position the application around the funding purpose, trading profile and available documents.
- Works well as a conversion route for readers who are unsure whether a direct lender will approve a larger unsecured facility.
Need to know
- Funding Agent is a broker, not a lender.
- The lender, not Funding Agent, sets the final rate, term, fees and approval decision.
- The best match may be unsecured, secured, revolving credit, invoice finance or another product depending on the case.
Expert take
Funding Agent is a useful honourable mention for business owners who want to compare lender options before submitting a full application. A larger unsecured loan is not always approved by the first lender a business finds, so understanding lender fit early can reduce wasted time and avoid unnecessary declines.
Lombard
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4% to 11.5% monthly
Overview: Lombard charges monthly interest from 4% on asset finance, which can undercut unsecured lending rates for a shop fit-out. The structure spreads the cost of counters, shelving and signage across the asset's usable life. Funding decisions land within 24 hours, though Lombard will want clear asset schedules and may require a deposit.
Best next step: Compare Lombard fit-out finance rates
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Monthly rates can undercut unsecured borrowing
- Funds shop fixtures, fittings and equipment
- Decisions often within 24 hours
Need to know
- Requires detailed asset schedule for fit-out items
- Deposit may be needed for new businesses
- Asset must hold value over the term
Expert take
A veteran asset funder with deep experience in business equipment. For shop fit-outs, Lombard's understanding of retail fixtures means they price sensibly against the asset's resale value.
Source:https://www.lombard.co.uk/
Liberty Leasing
Published loan range£10,000 to £2,000,000
Rate typeinterest 11% to 16% annually
Overview: Liberty Leasing understands that retail fit-outs mix bespoke joinery with off-the-shelf equipment. Their asset finance covers display units, lighting rigs, EPOS tills and refrigeration, structuring each deal around the specific assets a shop needs. Annual rates start at 11%, and approvals can come through within a day.
Best next step: Explore Liberty Leasing for shop fit-outs
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Annual rates from 11%
- Covers bespoke and standard shop assets
- Funding decisions within 24 hours
Need to know
- Annual interest, not monthly rate structure
- Asset valuations may be required
- Minimum facility of £10,000 applies
Expert take
A specialist leasing provider that structures deals around the asset rather than the balance sheet. Retail fit-out projects align well with their model, particularly when the assets have clear resale value.
Fleximize
Published loan range£10,000 to £500,000
Rate typeinterest 0.9% to 3.6% monthly
Overview: Fleximize lends against property or business assets, making it a fit for shop owners who own their premises or have substantial equity. Monthly rates from 0.9% apply, and the secured structure can unlock larger sums for a full retail refurbishment. Repayments flex with revenue, which helps during the post-fit-out trading ramp-up.
Best next step: See Fleximize secured fit-out options
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Monthly repayments flex with revenue
- Secured lending unlocks larger fit-out sums
- Rates from 0.9% monthly
Need to know
- Requires property or asset security
- Legal and valuation costs may apply
- Strong trading history expected
Expert take
A lender that tailors terms to business cash flow rather than rigid schedules. For shop fit-outs, their secured loans release larger sums against property equity, suiting established retailers upgrading their premises.
Source:https://fleximize.com/
One Stop Business Finance
Published loan range£100,000 to £3,000,000
Rate typeinterest 1.6% to 3% monthly
Overview: One Stop Business Finance can fund fit-outs from £100,000 to £3 million, covering flagship retail stores and multi-site refurbishment programmes. The revolving credit structure lets shop owners draw funds as fit-out phases progress, repaying and redrawing without reapplying. Expect a five-day setup, with monthly rates from 1.6%.
Best next step: Check One Stop for larger fit-outs
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Facilities from £100,000 to £3 million
- Revolving credit suits phased fit-outs
- Draw and repay without reapplying
Need to know
- Minimum facility of £100,000 applies
- Security and personal guarantee likely required
- Five-day setup, not same-day funding
Expert take
A versatile lender with appetite for complex, larger facilities. Retailers undertaking substantial fit-outs across multiple sites or high-spec flagship stores may find their upper limits useful.
Source:https://www.osbf.co.uk/
Lloyds Bank
Published loan range£1,000 to £50,000
Rate typeinterest 10.65% to 11.2% annually
Overview: Lloyds Bank opens asset finance to businesses from start-up stage, making it one of the few high-street banks willing to fund a first shop fit-out. Loans start at £1,000, so even a modest refit of shelving and signage qualifies. Annual rates begin at 10.65%, though bank underwriting adds time and paperwork to the process.
Best next step: View Lloyds Bank fit-out finance
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Accepts start-up and early-stage retailers
- Loans from £1,000 for modest fit-outs
- Annual interest, not monthly
Need to know
- Bank underwriting can take several days
- Business plan and forecasts likely needed
- Upper limit of £50,000 on asset finance
Expert take
A high-street bank with a rare start-up lending programme. For first-time shop owners, their asset finance funds smaller fit-outs without forcing borrowers toward costlier alternative lenders.
Novuna
Published loan range£10,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4.5% to 12.5% monthly
Overview: Novuna funds shop fit-out assets with decisions often within 24 hours. For retailers racing to open before a lease commencement date, that speed reduces costly void periods. Monthly rates start at 4.5%, and the facility can cover everything from flooring and lighting to bespoke display cabinetry. Asset schedules need to be clear at application.
Best next step: Get Novuna fit-out funding quickly
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding decisions within 24 hours
- Monthly rates from 4.5%
- Covers full fit-out asset range
Need to know
- Clear asset schedules needed at application
- Minimum facility of £10,000
- Broker access may vary by arrangement
Expert take
A well-established name in business asset finance, formerly Hitachi Capital. Their speed of decision suits retailers who need to move quickly from lease signing to shop opening.
HSBC Bank
Published loan range£1,000 to £300,000
Rate typeinterest 8.6% to 11.3% annually
Overview: HSBC asset finance rates begin at 8.6% annually, which can make fitting out a shop meaningfully cheaper over a three or five-year term. The facility stretches to £300,000, covering everything from modest high-street refits to larger retail units. Bank underwriting means the process takes longer than alternative lenders, and trading history matters.
Best next step: Explore HSBC fit-out finance rates
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Annual rates from 8.6%
- Facilities up to £300,000
- Established bank with branch access
Need to know
- Strong trading history usually required
- Bank underwriting slower than specialists
- Business account may be expected
Expert take
A global bank with competitive asset finance rates for established businesses. Retailers with strong trading records may secure lower-cost funding for their fit-out compared to specialist funders.
Source:https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/finance-and-borrowing
Barclays
Published loan range£1,000 to £25,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8.5% to 14.9% annually
Overview: Barclays offers asset finance from £1,000 up to £25 million, giving it one of the widest ranges on the market. A small boutique and a national chain fitting out multiple stores can both find a facility. Annual rates start at 8.5%, and Barclays can structure terms around the expected lifespan of different fit-out assets.
Best next step: Check Barclays fit-out finance range
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Facilities from £1,000 to £25 million
- Annual rates from 8.5%
- Structured around asset lifespan
Need to know
- Bank underwriting applies at all levels
- Higher rates for riskier propositions
- May require existing banking relationship
Expert take
A major clearing bank with enormous lending capacity for asset-backed deals. The upper limit makes Barclays relevant for large-scale retail rollouts as well as single-shop fit-outs.
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NatWest Bank
Published loan range£500 to £10,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4.5% to 10.5% annually
Overview: NatWest structures asset finance with annual interest starting from 4.5%, among the lowest advertised rates for shop fit-out funding. The entry point at just £500 makes it accessible for micro-retailers needing only a few key fixtures. Funding decisions can come through within a day, though the lowest rates are reserved for the strongest applications.
Best next step: View NatWest fit-out finance deals
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Annual rates from 4.5%
- Entry point just £500
- Decisions often within 24 hours
Need to know
- Lowest rates for strongest applicants only
- Bank underwriting process applies
- Start-ups may face stricter criteria
Expert take
A high-street bank with competitive pricing on asset finance. Small independent retailers benefit from the low entry threshold, while larger businesses access multi-million-pound facilities at sharp rates.
Source:https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance.html
Virgin Money
Published loan range£30,000 to £10,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4.5% to 10.5% annually
Overview: Virgin Money brings a challenger-bank ethos to shop fit-out funding, combining high-street credibility with a more modern lending approach. Their asset finance and term loans fund fit-outs from £30,000 upwards, suiting established retailers ready to invest in their premises. Annual rates begin at 4.5%, and the underwriting culture feels less rigid than traditional banks.
Best next step: Explore Virgin Money fit-out finance
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Challenger bank with flexible underwriting
- Annual rates from 4.5%
- Facilities from £30,000 to £10 million
Need to know
- Minimum facility of £30,000
- Established trading history expected
- Not suitable for very small fit-outs
Expert take
A challenger bank that blends mainstream stability with flexible underwriting. Retailers who want bank-backed funding without the rigidity of traditional high-street lenders find the right balance here.
Source:https://uk.virginmoney.com/business/business-borrowing/
Asset Finance Calculator
What shop fit out finance covers for retail businesses
Shop fit out finance is a type of asset finance designed to help retail business owners fund the refurbishment, furnishing and equipping of a shop premises. It covers the hard assets that make a retail space functional and attractive to customers.
Typical assets financed under a shop fit out agreement include:
- Shopfront glazing, signage and exterior lighting
- Flooring, ceiling work and partition walls
- Display shelving, racks and retail counters
- Lighting systems, including track and accent lighting
- Point of sale counters and till stations
- Security shutters, alarms and CCTV systems
- Air conditioning and heating units
- Bespoke joinery and fixed cabinetry
Because the finance is secured against the assets themselves, lenders can often offer competitive rates. Most lenders on this list will finance both new fit outs and refurbishments of existing retail premises.
Typical costs of fitting out a retail shop
Fit out costs vary widely depending on shop size, location and the standard of finish required. A basic retail fit out for a small shop might start around £10,000 to £15,000, while a premium high street refit can exceed £100,000.
Key cost drivers include:
- Floor area: larger retail units need more material and labour
- Finish quality: bespoke joinery and premium materials push costs up
- Services: electrical rewiring, plumbing and data cabling add significantly
- Compliance: fire safety, accessibility and building regulation works
- Design fees: engaging a retail designer or shopfitter adds upfront cost
Liberty Leasing offers fit out finance from £10,000 to £2,000,000, while Lombard can fund facilities up to £5,000,000. Lloyds Bank starts from just £1,000, which suits smaller cosmetic refreshes. Matching your loan size to realistic cost estimates keeps your application grounded.
Comparing fit out finance rates and lender terms for retail shops
Rates and terms for shop fit out finance differ considerably between lenders. Understanding these differences helps shop owners choose funding that matches their budget and refurbishment timeline.
Annual interest rates among high street banks on this list range from 4.5% to 14.9%. NatWest Bank publishes rates from 4.5% to 10.5% annually, while Barclays quotes from 8.5% to 14.9% annually. Lloyds Bank sits between 10.65% and 11.2% annually.
Specialist lenders often quote monthly rates. Lombard publishes rates from 4% to 11.5% per month, while Fleximize offers from 0.9% to 3.6% per month for businesses with at least six months of trading and £150,000 turnover.
Loan terms also vary. Liberty Leasing offers terms of one to five years, while Barclays can stretch up to 25 years on larger projects. Novuna, with minimum loans starting at £10,000 and terms up to ten years, suits mid-range fit out projects.
How shop owners can strengthen a fit out finance application
Lenders want confidence that a retail shop fit out will generate enough revenue to service the finance. A strong application makes that case clearly.
Start with a realistic business plan. Outline your shop concept, target customer profile, expected footfall and revenue projections. Link the fit out investment directly to sales, for example by showing how better displays or lighting will increase basket size or conversion.
A cash flow forecast is equally important. Map out your first 12 months of trading post-refit, including lease costs, staffing, stock and loan repayments. Lenders like Fleximize, which accepts businesses trading from six months, will still want to see forward-looking numbers.
Check eligibility thresholds before applying. Lombard requires a minimum turnover of £25,000 and one year of trading. NatWest Bank looks for £300,000 turnover. If you are a startup, One Stop Business Finance accepts businesses from day one with no minimum turnover, though its minimum loan starts at £100,000.
