What banks are lending for commercial property?

We are a startup and are considering purchasing our premises as the repayments on the mortgage would be less than the lease payments.

Although the banks make a big show of lending to small businesses, is this really the case in people's experience? And if so, which banks are actually lending?

Any advice appreciated.

A very good question ! I feel that you might be in for a bit of a shock when it comes to matching your rent payable versus Bank Mortgage / Loan repayment. In the main the Bank of Ireland are lending for Commercial Property. The criteria for lending really revolves around the borrowers own asset profile, their credit history and repayment ability. Coupled with all of this, the valuation they receive for the property is important and its location etc.etc.

So to say the Banks are lending is a bit of a loose statement . Yes some are lending and in many cases, the criteria to meet is so difficult that many don't bother. And remember the interest rates are pretty close to rock bottom, this does not mean the margin used by the Banks is very much off the wall when it comes to setting a lending rate.

Spoke to a commercial mortgage broker today and he advised that Bank of Ireland are really the only people doing business in the commercial property space...