SBA Loans for Commercial Real Estate

Explore SBA financing for purchasing, constructing, renovating or refinancing qualifying owner-occupied commercial real estate for your business.

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Simple application

multiple options

Multiple financing options

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Secure and confidential

SBAloansfor.com is not a government agency or direct lender.

Up to
$5 Million

Flexible funding for your goals

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Flexible Uses
Acquisitions, real estate, equipment & more

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Longer Terms
Competitive rates and longer repayment terms

Small Businesses Build Brighter Futures

Explore SBA Loan Programs

Compare popular SBA loan programs to find the right fit for your business.

sba 7a

SBA 7(a) Commercial Real Estate Loans

SBA 7(a) loans offer flexible financing for purchasing, constructing, renovating, or refinancing qualifying commercial real estate. The program may be appropriate when a business needs to finance property along with other expenses in the same transaction.

Depending on eligibility and lender approval, an SBA 7(a) loan may include funds for:

  • Purchasing commercial real estate
  • Constructing a new business facility
  • Renovating or expanding a property
  • Purchasing equipment and furniture
  • Supporting eligible working capital needs
  • Acquiring a business and its real estate
  • Refinancing qualifying business debt
  • Paying eligible transaction costs

The maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount is generally $5 million. The approved amount, rate, fees, and repayment terms depend on the borrower, property, intended use of funds, and participating lender.

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sba 504

SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loans

The SBA 504 program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation. It is commonly used to purchase, construct, or improve owner-occupied commercial real estate.

SBA 504 financing is arranged through a Certified Development Company working with a senior lender. The SBA-backed portion may reach $5.5 million for qualifying projects, while the total project financing may be higher.

Qualifying uses may include:

  • Purchasing an existing commercial building
  • Acquiring land for an eligible construction project
  • Constructing a new facility
  • Renovating or modernizing an existing property
  • Expanding a current business location
  • Installing qualifying long-term equipment
  • Refinancing qualified debt under applicable SBA rules

SBA 504 loans generally cannot be used for working capital, inventory, passive real estate investment, or speculative property purchases.

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SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504 Real Estate Financing

Both programs can finance qualifying owner-occupied commercial property, but they serve different financing needs.

Consider an SBA 7(a) Loan When:

  • The transaction includes real estate and working capital
  • You are purchasing a business and its property
  • The project includes several different uses of funds
  • You need a flexible financing structure
  • The total financing request falls within the program limit

Consider an SBA 504 Loan When:

  • The primary purpose is commercial real estate
  • You are constructing or renovating a business facility
  • The project involves major fixed assets
  • You want long-term financing for an owner-occupied property
  • The project amount may exceed the SBA 7(a) program limit

The appropriate program depends on the property, transaction, business financials and overall financing objectives.

Benefits of SBA Commercial Real Estate Loans

Build Business Equity

Purchasing a property may allow your company to build equity instead of continuing to pay rent to a third-party landlord.

Longer Repayment Terms

Commercial real estate may qualify for longer repayment periods, which can help make monthly payments more manageable.

Preserve Working Capital

Financing a property purchase may allow the business to retain more cash for payroll, inventory, marketing and daily operations.

Control Your Location

Ownership gives you greater control over renovations, property use, branding, and long-term occupancy.

Finance Construction and Improvements

Eligible project costs may include land acquisition, construction, renovations, and certain related improvements.

Support Long-Term Growth

A larger or better-equipped facility can help a business increase capacity, serve more customers, and pursue new opportunities.

Financing for Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate

Purchasing commercial property can give your business greater control over its location, provide room for future growth, and create an opportunity to build long-term equity. However, buying or developing business property can require a significant upfront investment.

SBA commercial real estate loans may help qualified businesses finance an office, warehouse, medical facility, retail building, manufacturing plant,t or another eligible owner-occupied property. Financing may also be available for new construction, property improvements, and certain qualifying refinancing transactions.

Compare SBA Loan Programs

Feature SBA 7(a) Loans SBA 504 Loans SBA Express Loans
Best For Acquisitions, working capital, equipment, real estate Commercial real estate and major equipment Smaller loans with faster approval
Loan Size Up to $5 Million Up to $5 Million Up to $500,000
Terms Up to 25 years Up to 25 years Up to 10 years

 

How SBA Commercial Real Estate Financing Can Be Used

Purchase an Existing Property

Finance the acquisition of a building that your company will use for its business operations.

Construct a New Facility

Purchase land and construct a new office, warehouse, retail location, manufacturing facility or other qualifying business property.

Renovate or Improve a Building

Make eligible improvements to a property, including structural renovations, accessibility upgrades, utility improvements and modifications needed for business operations.

Expand an Existing Facility

Add more office, production, storage, retail, or customer-service space to support business growth.

Purchase Property and Equipment

Depending on the SBA program and transaction, financing may include commercial real estate, qualifying machinery, equipment, furniture, or fixtures.

Refinance Eligible Real Estate Debt

Certain existing commercial real estate debt may qualify for refinancing when the transaction satisfies current SBA and lender requirements.

Financing Designed Around Your Business Goals

Get the capital you need with competitive terms and a variety of SBA financing options.

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Loans Up to
$5 Million

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Longer
Repayment Terms

Multiple SBA
Financing Options

Basic SBA Loan Requirements

To qualify for an SBA loan, your business generally must meet the following criteria.

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For-Profit Business

Must be a for-profit business.

location

Operates in the U.S.

Must operate in the United States or its territories.

industries

Eligible Industry

Must be in an SBA-eligible industry.

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Ability to Repay

Must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan.

community advantage

Owner Investment

Typically requires some owner investment.

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Required Documentation

Provide financials, business plan and other documents.

A Simple Path to SBA Financing

From application to funding, we make the process straightforward.

01
Tell Us About Your Business

Share a few details about your business and goals.

02
Choose Your Financing Goal

Select the type of financing your business needs.

03
Review Available Options

We'll match you with different, trusted lender options.

04
Connect With an SBA Lender

Get connected and move forward with confidence.

sba loans financing

Why Business Owners Choose SBALoansFor.com

Owner-Occupancy Requirements

SBA financing is intended primarily for properties occupied and used by the operating business. It is not designed for passive investments, speculative property purchases or properties acquired mainly to generate rental income.

Applicable occupancy requirements depend on whether the transaction involves an existing property, new construction or another project structure. A participating lender or Certified Development Company will review the proposed use of the property and determine whether it satisfies current SBA requirements.

How Much of a Down Payment Is Required?

The required borrower contribution depends on the SBA program, property, business history and transaction. Established businesses purchasing standard-use properties may qualify for a lower contribution than startups or businesses purchasing special-purpose properties.

Your participating lender will determine the required contribution after reviewing the complete transaction. The borrower must also demonstrate the source and availability of the funds being contributed.

What Do Businesses Need to Qualify?

Requirements vary by lender, property and SBA program. Participating financing providers commonly evaluate:

  • Business and personal credit history
  • Time in business
  • Historical revenue and profitability
  • Current and projected cash flow
  • Ability to repay the proposed loan
  • Existing business debt
  • Management and industry experience
  • Proposed use of the property
  • Property type and appraised value
  • Required borrower contribution
  • Available collateral
  • Personal guarantees from applicable owners
  • Environmental and property-condition considerations

The property and business must also satisfy the eligibility requirements of the selected SBA program.

Properties That May Qualify for SBA Financing

SBA commercial real estate financing may be available for many types of owner-occupied business properties, including:

  • Office buildings
  • Professional offices
  • Medical and dental facilities
  • Warehouses
  • Distribution centers
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Industrial properties
  • Retail buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels and motels
  • Automotive facilities
  • Daycare facilities
  • Private schools
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Fitness centers
  • Salons and spas
  • Mixed-use business properties
  • Other eligible owner-occupied commercial buildings

The property must be used primarily for eligible business operations and satisfy the occupancy requirements of the selected SBA program.

Documents You May Need

Applicants may be asked to provide:

  • Business and personal tax returns
  • Current profit-and-loss statements
  • Business balance sheets
  • Business debt schedules
  • Personal financial statements
  • Business bank statements
  • Ownership and organizational documents
  • Resumes for owners and key managers
  • Financial projections
  • A business plan or project summary
  • A purchase agreement or letter of intent
  • Property information and rent rolls, when applicable
  • Construction budgets and contractor estimates
  • Renovation or improvement plans
  • Equipment estimates
  • Environmental reports
  • A commercial real estate appraisal
  • Documentation showing the source of the borrower contribution

Required documentation depends on the property, financing program, lender, and project complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions About SBA Commercial Real Estate Loans

Can I use an SBA loan to buy commercial real estate?

SBA 7(a) and 504 loans may be used to purchase eligible owner-occupied commercial real estate. The business, borrower and property must satisfy applicable SBA and lender requirements.

Can I use an SBA loan to construct a new building?

SBA financing may be available to purchase land and construct a new business facility. The project must meet applicable eligibility, occupancy, underwriting and construction requirements.

Can SBA financing cover property renovations?

Eligible renovation, modernization and expansion costs may be included when they are part of an approved commercial real estate project.

Can I buy a rental property with an SBA loan?

SBA financing is generally not available for passive real estate investments or speculative rental properties. The operating business must occupy and use the property according to the requirements of the selected program.

Should I use an SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 loan?

An SBA 7(a) loan may be better suited to transactions combining real estate with working capital, a business acquisition or other eligible expenses. An SBA 504 loan is typically focused on commercial real estate and other major fixed assets.

How much can I borrow for commercial real estate?

SBA 7(a) loans are generally available up to $5 million. The SBA-backed portion of a 504 loan may reach $5.5 million for qualifying projects, and the total 504 project financing may be higher. The amount available depends on the project, property, cash flow and participating financing providers.

How long are SBA commercial real estate loan terms?

Available terms depend on the program and transaction. SBA 504 loans offer 10-, 20- and 25-year maturities. SBA 7(a) repayment terms vary based on the use of funds, property and lender requirements.

How do I apply for an SBA commercial real estate loan?

Begin by completing an online application with information about your business, property and requested financing. If you meet initial criteria, a participating financing provider may request financial statements, tax returns, property documents and other supporting information.

Explore SBA Commercial Real Estate Loan Options

Whether you are purchasing an existing building, constructing a new facility, renovating your current location or refinancing qualifying property debt, SBA financing may help your business secure the space it needs for long-term growth.

SBA Commercial Real Estate Loans Across the U.S.

SBALoansFor.com helps business owners across the United States explore SBA financing to purchase, construct, renovate, and refinance qualifying owner-occupied commercial property.

Whether you need an office, warehouse, manufacturing facility, medical building, retail location, or another eligible business property, we can help you explore available financing options based on your project and qualifications.

Complete one simple online application to begin exploring SBA commercial real estate loan options. Financing availability, amounts, rates, fees, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements vary by lender, program, property, and applicant. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding.

Important Financing Disclosure

SBALoansFor.com is not a bank, direct lender, government agency, or the U.S. Small Business Administration. Independent third-party lenders and financing providers provide financing. Available programs, loan amounts, interest rates, fees, repayment terms, eligibility requirements and approval criteria vary by provider and applicant. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding.