Many people who invest in property or who own a business overlook the advantages of buying commercial premises. Although it is often cheaper in the short-term to rent property for business, there are a number of benefits to buying. If you are interested in commercial property, then this guide will tell you the best way to go about getting a commercial property mortgage.

What are the advantages of a commercial mortgage?

There are many benefits to buying commercial property using a commercial mortgage. Firstly, the commercial mortgage payment is likely to be the same as the cost of renting the property, and you have the added financial bonus that you will eventually own the property. Also, if you rent a property then you are subject to rent increases which can harm your business.

Commercial mortgages stop you from having your rent payments drastically increased and so give you peace of mind and stability. Also, the interest payments on a commercial mortgage are tax deductible, which may help you to reduce your overall tax burden each year. If you have a large amount of commercial property then any unused areas could be sub-let to other companies, although this usually requires the permission of the lender.

What are the disadvantages?

As with any type of loan there are also disadvantages to getting a commercial mortgage. Firstly, you will need to pay a large deposit as down payment on the property, which you may not be able to afford or is allocated for more important business items. If you are a business that anticipates rapid growth or the need for a change in location fairly frequently, then getting a commercial mortgage may not be right for you. It is much harder to relocate if you have to sell your property first, and if your business relies on quick relocation you could lose out. However, perhaps the biggest problem with owning commercial property is the responsibility involved. Unlike rental property you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the building, which may end up costing you a lot of money should something go wrong.

What are the costs?

Commercial mortgages have higher rates of interest to residential mortgages, because the properties are usually of a higher value and the risk is greater. Although business success can be predicted, there is no guarantee a business will do well, and so the lender has to charge higher rates to account for this. Apart from this, the repayment methods and loan terms and fairly similar to residential mortgages. Most banks and mortgage lenders can offer commercial mortgages, but as with any loan it pays to shop around to find the best prices.

Who should get a commercial mortgage?

If you have a business and believe that you will remain in a location for a long period of time, then getting a commercial mortgage could be right for you. Leisure businesses such as restaurants and pubs are a good candidate for commercial property mortgages, as expansion usually requires additional units rather than moving premises. Also, you have the benefit of owning the property and perhaps benefiting from an increase in property prices.