Commercial Property Funding
Commercial Property Funding Solicitors
Securing funding against your commercial property could be a good option if you are looking to expand or take advantage of new economic opportunities.
We ask that you first approach your chosen bank to agree the principles of any funding.
Once you have an approved lending agreement, we can give you a realistic estimate of how long it will take for funds to be made available to you.
We will ensure that you are kept up to date at every stage of the process.
Our costs will be dependent on the amount that you are borrowing and the complexity of the lending agreement.
We will give you a realistic estimate at the beginning of the process so that you can budget accordingly.
When is commercial property finance used?
Commercial property finance is often used to purchase new business space such as warehouses, retail units and office buildings, and is a great option if you want to grow your business but can’t afford to do so outright.
Commercial property finance can also be used to refurbish or develop an existing commercial property.
What type of funding/finance should I use for my commercial property?
There are several options for funding the purchase of commercial property including:
- Commercial mortgage-a loan used to buy or refinance a property used for business purposes.
- Bridging finance-a short term loan used to bridge funding gaps before finding a long-term solution. Usually used to secure commercial property quickly or buy a property at auction.
- Asset-based lending-a loan secured by an asset (such as real estate, machinery or the property you intend to buy) which is used as collateral to guarantee the loan’s repayment.
- Sale and leaseback-you sell a commercial property you own and occupy from a buyer and lease it back from them.
- Private equity-Securing investment from private individuals or firms who in return get a percentage share in the equity of the property.
Should I purchase commercial property as a sole trader or under a limited liability company?
If you purchase commercial property as a sole trader, you are personally responsible for all the liabilities and debts of your business, which means if the business fails you could lose your personal assets to pay back the outstanding loan.
Whilst there are extra costs involved in setting up as a limited liability company, since a limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners, your personal assets will not be at risk if the business fails.
Do I need a personal guarantee to fund a commercial property?
If you are a small business or a new business that doesn’t have a strong financial record, then you will most likely need a personal guarantee because if you default on the loan the guarantee provides an additional source of repayment.
You should consider the implications of a personal guarantee before agreeing to one, as you will be personally responsible for paying back any outstanding debt and you could be putting your personal assets at risk.
However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk to you such as taking out personal guarantee insurance or director’s or officer’s liability insurance, carefully reviewing the terms of the guarantee and seeing if you can negotiate the terms with the lender to release the personal liability once your business becomes more stable.
Why use Rothera Bray for commercial property funding?
Our team can help you with securing funding against your property for, amongst other things, the following:
• Expansion plans for your business
• Improvements to your commercial property
• Changing lenders and re-mortgaging
• Purchasing industrial plant and machinery
• Investing in other commercial property
Send us a message
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Philip Heseltine
Head of Commercial Property-Leicester
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Posted 23 December 2025
I purchased my first home with an ex-partner and needed to get an equity transfer completed. The situation was very messy and chaotic involving Help to Buy. Lucy and Karen were beyond helpful in explaining everything and dealing with Help to Buy when they were being not very helpful and slow. I feel that the whole drama would be ongoing without their expertise and help. Thank you.
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Posted 23 December 2025
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Mr Page
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Posted 22 December 2025
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Posted 19 December 2025
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Employment Law client
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Posted 18 December 2025
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Posted 18 December 2025
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Posted 18 December 2025
Having been using Rothera Bray (previously Woolley, Beardsleys and Bosworth) for almost the last 10 years, I can honestly say that it is by far the best solicitors that I have used, in the Loughborough area. Having used them between 25-30 times in that period, not just for house sales and purchases, but for other tasks too, their work on everything has been exceptional, prompt and meticulous. Everything is explained clearly and no question ever feels too silly to ask... I must say a huge thankyou to Suzanne Riozzi, and her PA's over the years, who have been handling everything for me during this time. Her professionalism and dedication to her work, and clients, is second to none, and her time and effort has made the legal landscape for me personally, and for my work, a lot easier to navigate. Suzanne is the reason I have used, and will continue to use, Rothera Bray.
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Posted 17 December 2025
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Catherine Angrave
Partner & Head of Commercial Property
Catherine deals with all types of commercial property work and has acquired substantial experience in acting for residential property developer clients in the acquisition and disposal of development land. She’s based at our Leicester office.

Antony Fyson
Partner
Antony Fyson is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Lace Market office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial property, property development and conveyancing matters.

Phillip Heseltine
Partner
Phillip has specialised in Commercial Property Law since 1997. He deals with sale and purchases of investment property and investment portfolios, but also the sale and acquisition of development land.

Russell Thompson
Partner & Head of Licensing
Russell Thompson is a Partner in the Commercial Property department at Rothera Bray Solicitors and is based at our Lace Market office.

David Tomlinson
Partner, Commercial Property
David is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Derby office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial and commercial property matters.

Marneya Chauhan
Senior Associate Solicitor
Marneya is a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Commercial Property department based at our Leicester office. He acts for commercial property lenders, property investors and landowners. He’s based at our Leicester city centre office.

Amy Moore
Senior Associate Solicitor
Amy is part of our busy Commercial Property team at our Leicester city centre office. She specialises in commercial leases, renewal leases, and acts on behalf of pension schemes in relation to purchases, sales and lease aspects.

James Gray
Associate Solicitor
James is based at our Spa Place, Leicester office within the Commercial Property team. James’ specialisms include advising on all areas of freehold and leasehold commercial, agricultural and (aspects of) residential property.

Amie Hardy
Solicitor
Amie Hardy is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.

Danielle Marshall
Solicitor
Danielle Marshall is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.

Sabita Kandel
Trainee Solicitor
Sabita Kandel is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Leicester office.

Alison Gill
Paralegal
Alison is a Paralegal in our Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.

Katie Sampson
Paralegal
Katie Sampson is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.

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