Owner-Occupied Commercial Loans

Clear, lender-neutral program guidance and documentation checklists to help streamline the approval process.

Finance the property your business operates from—across the USA and Canada—with loan structures designed for long-term stability, control, and sustainable growth.

What Is an Owner-Occupied Commercial Loan?

An owner-occupied commercial loan is financing used to purchase or refinance a commercial property that your business primarily occupies and operates from. For many businesses, this is a strategic shift from paying rent to building long-term equity in a facility they control. These loans may be structured through conventional commercial lenders, and for eligible borrowers, through SBA-backed programs offering longer terms and favorable leverage.

Who Are Owner-Occupied Loans Best For?

Owner-occupied commercial loans are generally a strong fit when:

Common industries and property types
include:

Owner-Occupied Loan Programs We Help Evaluate

Owner-occupied financing comes in various structures based on business, property, and goals, with differences in leverage,
documentation, timelines, and eligibility.

Bank & Credit Union Loans

Competitive rates and flexible terms for established businesses with strong, consistent financial performance.

SBA 7(a) Loans

Flexible financing for acquisitions, refinancing, working capital, and expansions with extended terms.

SBA 504 Loans

Long-term, fixed-rate financing ideal for owner-occupied real estate and major equipment purchases.

How the Process Works

Clear guidance at each step helps reduce delays and improve approval outcomes.

Initial Review

We evaluate your business goals, property details, and borrower profile to understand eligibility and financing direction.

Program Matching

Suitable loan programs are identified based on your timeline, cash-flow requirements, and long-term business objectives and strategy.

Documentation & Submission

Required financial statements, property information, and disclosures are organized and submitted to appropriate lenders.

Lender Evaluation

Lenders underwrite the request by reviewing business performance, property fundamentals, risk factors, and repayment ability.

Approval & Closing

Final loan terms are confirmed, all conditions are satisfied, and funds are released once the transaction successfully reaches closing.

Key Benefits and Tradeoffs

Owner-occupied financing offers equity building, control, and stability, but requires down payment, liquidity,
ownership responsibility, and thorough documentation for success.

Benefits

Equity building

Monthly payments may convert occupancy expenses into a long-term business asset

Control

Greater flexibility for renovations, branding, operating hours, and long-term planning

Stability

Minimizes risks from rent hikes, lease renewals, or unexpected business relocations.

Refinancing flexibility

Allows businesses to restructure financing as they grow and achieve long-term stability.

Tradeoffs

Down payment

Property purchases typically need substantial upfront capital, including down payment and fees.

Illiquidity risk

Capital invested in real estate can reduce short-term cash flow flexibility, limiting funds for immediate needs.

Ownership responsibility

You are fully responsible for all maintenance, taxes, insurance, and repair costs associated with the property.

Documentation intensity

Underwriting carefully assesses both the business’s financials and the property to determine loan eligibility and risk.