Commercial construction loans are an ideal way for companies to finance the construction of new facilities and the expansion or remodeling of existing facilities. But getting started trying to find commercial construction loans may be challenging. Here's what you should be aware of regarding commercial construction loans and how you can discover the most competitive rates.


Commercial Construction Loan Requirements

What Are Commercial Construction Loans?

A commercial construction loan is a kind of loan used to fund the building of commercial buildings. These lending institutions, like banks, generally issue these loans that can finance the construction of retail centers, office buildings, warehouses, warehouses, and commercial properties.

The two most common types of construction loans:


Standalone Construction Loans

Construction mortgages are a kind of loan used to fund a structure's building or renovation. Although standalone construction loans typically have lower interest rates because of their shorter terms, the borrower must request an additional permanent loan after construction. This is accompanied by double the closing expenses and can cause higher interest rates later.


Construction-to-permanent Loans

Like construction mortgage loans, construction-to-permanent loans finance construction. In contrast, a construction-to-permanent loan automatically converts into a permanent loan when construction is complete--without additional closing costs. Rates are fixed when underwriting begins but are typically higher than traditional construction loans.


How Commercial Construction Loans Work

The funds for construction loans are distributed in draws that coordinate with the construction milestones. In certain instances, inspections are required before the funds are released to verify that the loan has been made following the terms of the agreement. These loans have an interest rate that is only a percentage. This means that the loan's principal is not reduced during the duration of the loan. Instead, the principal is paid back when the loan is due to mature.


The term is typically brief, from one to three years. Afterward, the loan is converted into a mortgage, and the borrower will pay the principal over time. For a separate construction loan, the borrower must apply for a loan following the completion of construction.


Commercial Construction Loan Requirements

To be eligible for commercial construction loans, You must submit documents regarding your finances and proposed property. For instance, you could require detailed plans or diagrams of the structure and information regarding the contractor performing the work. Also, provide a detailed schedule of every step of the construction process and associated deadlines. Other construction loan requirements for commercial construction might include:

  • Personal financial statement
  • Financial statements for businesses
  • Tax returns of businesses for the two previous years
  • An original copy of your company license


How Much Do Commercial Construction Loans Cost?

The cost of commercial construction loans differs according to the project's scope and scope, as well as the terms of the loan. The interest rates for commercial construction loans tend to be higher than conventional mortgage rates, meaning you could be paying more interest throughout the loan. There is the option of paying points in advance to secure the loan, with each point equaling 1 percent of the loan amount.


Commercial Construction Loan Rates

The rates for construction-related loans in commercial settings usually start at about 4%, then increase to 10 percent. The speed you are eligible for is contingent on various variables, including the lender, the type of loan, and the terms.

  • The Prime Rate. The prime rate is the price banks charge their highest-paying customer for lending. It's usually about three percent more than the rate of federal funding. Current premium rates are 5.50 percent.
  • The type of loan you choose. The type of loan you receive will impact your interest rate. For example, construction-to-permanent loans usually have higher rates than standalone construction loans.
  • Terms of loans. Loans with shorter periods for repayment tend to be more expensive than those with longer time frames. Also, loans with adjustable rates generally come with lower rates than fixed-rate loans. However, they can be able to increase their rates substantially.

When looking for commercial construction loans, look at rates and terms with several lenders. Make sure you know the costs associated with the loan before agreeing to any deal. Along with origination fees and other charges incurred by the lender, it is necessary to pay the costs of appraisals, title work, and various phases of the acquisition and underwriting process.


Commercial Construction Loan Lenders

Commercial construction loans are offered by the majority of prominent lending institutions and banks. Alternatively, you could choose a specific construction lending business or talk with a mortgage broker or a real estate agent to locate companies that provide commercial construction loans.


Banks and Credit Unions

Regional and local banks are the best starting point for commercial construction loans. These lenders usually have experience working with companies in their local area, which can make the process of getting a loan go quickly. Also, think about credit unions. These lending institutions are usually less rigid than banks when approving loans and may also offer lower interest rates.


Hard Money Lenders

If you're having difficulty finding an institution like a credit union or bank offering a Commercial construction loan, you might want to consider loans made with hard cash. The lenders who offer hard money are either private firms or individuals that provide capital to real estate development projects. They are more costly than conventional loans, but they are easier to get and can be funded faster.


Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration offers a range of programs and services that assist small-sized businesses, including loans for construction projects. For instance, SBA 504 loans can finance commercial buildings' construction, renovation, or modernization, such as warehouses, factories, and office spaces. They are available for loans as much as $5 million.


Similar to that, SBA 7(a) loans can be as high as $5 million. They can be used to finance building a brand new construction or renovating an existing structure.


Commercial Construction Loan Alternatives

Commercial construction loans are difficult to get and usually have very high-interest rates and strict conditions. Consider a different route if trying to obtain commercial construction loans from a credit union.

  • Commercial mortgages. A commercial mortgage is a type of loan used to fund the purchase or refinancing of commercial properties, for example, an office shop, building, or warehouse for industrial use. Commercial mortgages typically last from five to ten years and have fifteen- to 25-year amortizations.
  • Credit lines for business. A business line of credit is a revolving credit that provides working capital for your company. You can use the funds from a line of credit fund projects for construction, purchase inventory, or cover other short-term expenses.
  • The loan is known as equipment. An equipment loan can be used to buy equipment or machinery to run your business. These loans are repaid over two to seven years.
  • Work capital loans. A working capital loan is a loan for short periods used to pay for everyday expenses, including payroll, inventory, and rent. These loans are usually returned over one or two years.


Commercial Construction Loan FAQs

Are construction loans more difficult to obtain than a loan?

A construction loan can be more challenging than a mortgage, as the process of applying for one is more complex. Because they are a more specific product of lending and not as many applicants are accepted. To be eligible for a construction loan, a company must prove that it has solid collateral and can repay the loan.


What could a commercial construction loan be employed to accomplish?

Commercial construction loans can be utilized to fulfill various needs, such as the purchase or construction of commercial properties and upgrading or renovating the commercial property that is already in use, as well as purchasing property to develop commercially.


What is the minimum down payment required to construct a new commercial building?

The amount of the down payment for commercial construction loans may vary based on the lender and the conditions of the loan. It's generally necessary to cover 10 to 30 percent of the loan amount.


Can I use my current home as collateral to get an investment loan?

Some lenders allow you to use your current home as collateral to secure construction loans. This will assist you in avoiding making an amount of money for a down payment or liquidating your belongings. But using an asset like your house as collateral is not without risk. If you cannot pay for the construction loan, your lender can take over the property.