Business property guide
Owner-occupied real estate financing for an operating business
Explore financing for an eligible property purchase, construction project, renovation, expansion, or refinance when the operating business plans to occupy the space.
Lendstra is not a lender. Financing is offered by third-party lenders and is subject to underwriting, approval, and program requirements.
A clearer place to start
Owner occupancy can open financing paths designed around the operating company rather than passive investment. Exact occupancy and project rules depend on the lender and program.
- Conventional and SBA-backed paths may be considered
- The property and operating business are both evaluated
- Appraisal, environmental, title, and project reviews may apply
Compare paths
Compare property-financing paths
The right path depends on the property, occupancy, total project, related equipment, and other uses of proceeds.
SBA 504 loans
A program focused on eligible owner-occupied real estate and other major fixed assets.
Learn moreSBA 7(a) loans
A flexible program when the eligible transaction includes real estate and broader business needs.
Learn moreCommercial real estate loans
Compare SBA-backed and conventional commercial property paths.
Learn moreSpecial-use real estate
Review additional considerations for properties designed around a particular business.
Learn moreCommon goals
Owner-occupied financing may support
Prepare a detailed property and project description, including how the operating company will use the space.
Occupancy, contribution, collateral, appraisal, environmental, insurance, guarantees, and construction requirements vary by lender, program, property, and transaction.
- A property purchase
- Ground-up construction
- A building expansion
- Eligible renovations
- Facility improvements
- An eligible refinance
What happens next
One starting point, then the right route
Tell us what you need
Share your financing goal, desired amount, and a few details about the business.
Get routed to the right path
The application flow uses your answers to direct you toward an appropriate next step.
Review available options
If there may be a fit, a financing specialist or lending partner can explain the requirements.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
What does owner-occupied commercial real estate mean?+
It generally means the borrowing operating business will occupy and use a qualifying portion of the property. The exact test depends on the financing program and project.
Can SBA financing be used for owner-occupied property?+
SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 financing may support eligible owner-occupied commercial property. Each program has different use, structure, and documentation rules.
What property reviews may be required?+
A lender may require an appraisal, environmental review, title work, insurance, survey, construction documents, leases, and other transaction-specific reports.
Is the required contribution always the same?+
No. It varies by lender, program, property, business, project, and risk factors. The complete transaction must be reviewed.
Not sure which loan fits?
That is what the application path is for. Start with your goal and it will direct you to the most relevant next step.