5.0 from 220 Reviews
Commercial property loans sit in a different category to home lending, and for good reason. The lenders are different, the assessment criteria are different, and the questions you need to answer before you even start are different. Whether you are looking to buy business premises, build a commercial portfolio, or refinance an existing commercial property, getting the structure right from the beginning matters a great deal.
At Zella Money, we work with clients across Australia to access commercial property loan options from banks and lenders who understand what commercial finance actually involves. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach, because commercial lending rarely works that way.
What makes commercial property loans different
When lenders assess a commercial property loan, they look at a broader set of factors than they would for a residential mortgage. The commercial property valuation carries significant weight, as does the commercial zoning, the nature of any commercial lease in place, and whether the property is owner occupied commercial or held as a commercial investment. Lenders will also consider the commercial LVR, which is typically lower than what you would see in residential lending, meaning the commercial deposit required tends to be higher.
Commercial interest rates also work differently. You may have the option of a variable interest rate or a fixed interest rate depending on the lender and the loan structure, and some products offer flexible repayment options or redraw facilities. The commercial loan term can vary too, and the right term for your situation will depend on your commercial cashflow, your business goals, and how you plan to use the asset over time.
It is also worth knowing that commercial GST and commercial stamp duty considerations can apply to property purchases, and these are things your accountant or solicitor will need to factor into your planning. Zella Money's role is to help you understand the lending side clearly, so you can have informed conversations with the other professionals involved.
The types of commercial property we work with
Commercial property finance covers a wide range of asset types. Office warehouse finance is one of the more common requests we see, but we also work with clients looking at strata commercial properties, retail premises, and mixed-use buildings. The property type influences which lenders are likely to be interested, what commercial property rates might look like, and how the commercial application will be assessed.
If the property has a commercial tenant in place, lenders will want to understand the commercial rental income, the strength of the lease, and any commercial vacancy risk. A well-leased property with a strong tenant on a long commercial lease can support a more favourable assessment, while a vacant property or one with a short lease may require a different approach.
For clients looking to buy business premises for their own use, the assessment will lean more heavily on the business itself, including its trading history, revenue, and overall financial position. This is where a business loan conversation sometimes overlaps with commercial property finance, and having a broker who understands both sides is genuinely useful.
Why loan structure matters more than rate
It is tempting to focus on the commercial property rates when comparing options, but the loan structure is often what makes the real difference over time. A commercial property loan that is structured well for your cashflow and business use can save you considerably more than chasing a slightly lower rate on a product that does not suit your situation.
At Zella Money, we look at the full picture. That includes the commercial loan amount you need, the loan to value ratio (LVR) that is achievable, whether flexible loan terms are available, and how the repayment structure fits with your income and business activity. If you are considering a commercial property refinance to release equity or improve your terms, we can help you understand what options could be available and what the trade-offs might be.
For clients who are also building out a broader investment loan strategy alongside their commercial property goals, we can look at how everything fits together, because the decisions you make in one area can affect what is possible in another.
Zella Money is here to make commercial property finance feel less like a foreign language and more like a conversation you are actually part of. If you are thinking about a commercial property purchase or want to understand what your options could look like, we would love to talk.
Getting a home loan can feel overwhelming. It doesn't have to be. At Zella Money, we've built a process that keeps you informed, supported, and confident at every step. Here's how we work together.
Let's Have a Chat: Everything starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand where you are right now, where you want to go, and what matters most to you. No pressure, no jargon. Just an honest discussion about your situation and your goals.
We Dig Into the Detail: Once we know what you're working towards, we take a closer look at your finances. Income, expenses, savings, existing debts. We look at the full picture so we can give you advice that's actually relevant to your life, not just a generic answer.
We Research the Market: With a clear picture of your situation, we search across a wide panel of lenders to find options that genuinely suit you. We're not tied to one bank or one product. Our job is to find the right fit, not the easiest one.
We Walk You Through Your Options: We present a shortlist of suitable loan options and explain each one in plain language. Rates, fees, features, flexibility. We cover it all so you can make a decision you feel good about. No hard sell, ever.
We Handle the Application: Once you've chosen the loan that works for you, we take care of the paperwork. We prepare and lodge your application, liaise with the lender, and keep things moving. You don't need to chase anyone.
We Keep You in the Loop: From application through to approval, we stay in regular contact. You'll always know where things stand. If the lender needs anything extra, we handle it quickly and let you know what's happening and why.
Settlement and Beyond: Approved and settled? We're still here. We check in after settlement to make sure everything's running smoothly, and we stay available as your circumstances change. One loan is just the beginning.
Ready to talk to the team? We're excited to meet you! Shoot though an enquiry and we'll get back to you ASAP!
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We used Jaclyn the Senior Finance Broker to buy our first home and she was amazing! She is so knowledgeable, made us feel valued and turned our dream into a reality. Can not recommend her enough! Shout out to Sal as well the Settlements Manager who helped make settlement nice and simple.
Chris Fallon
I cannot recommend Zella highly enough! Charlotte and the wider Zella team were with us every step of the way! They truly had our backs in securing the best home loan for our family. Prompt, informative and easy to deal with! Thank you so much for all your hard work!! xx
Olivia Jolliffe
I had a great experience with Zella from start to finish. The team was friendly and made our refinance super easy. Highly recommend!
Casey Sharrock
Huge thanks to Tara and her team! Highly recommend !
Maddie B
Bought my first home through Zella and so so glad I did! Georgia was extremely helpful from the start and patient with answering all of my stupid questions. Thank you again for everything!
Christine Untario
I really appreciated working with the team. They were really efficient, no question went unanswered and they were lovely to work with. I felt in good hands!
Jane Eldershaw
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Let's chat
For most standard lending appointments, no. We're paid by the lender once your loan settles. In rare cases where applications are highly complex, a fee may apply, but we'll always discuss and disclose this with you upfront.
Yes. We use bank-grade security systems and are fully compliant with Australian privacy regulations. Your information is treated with the highest level of care and confidentiality.
Absolutely. We assist clients across Australia and have a thorough understanding of different state and territory regulations, grants and incentives.
We keep communication clear and simple. Your broker will be available via email and phone, and we manage documentation securely through our electronic portal. Your initial meeting can be held over the phone or by video call, depending on your preference. We're always just a message away if you need support.
To get started, we'll need documents such as identification, proof of income (like payslips or tax returns), details of your assets and liabilities, and statements for any existing loans or credit facilities. Your broker will give you a personalised checklist so you always know what's needed.
Your borrowing capacity depends on factors like your income, expenses, existing debts, credit history and the policies of individual lenders. We'll work with you to assess your position and give you a clear understanding of what's achievable.
Yes. Our brokers stay across all available incentives, including first home buyer grants, stamp duty concessions and guarantee schemes. If you're eligible, we'll help you understand how to apply and make the most of these opportunities.
Absolutely. We specialise in guiding first-home buyers through the process with tailored advice, clear communication and plenty of support along the way.
Banks offer their own products. We offer you options. As your broker, we take the time to understand your goals and financial circumstances before searching across a broad panel of lenders to find solutions that genuinely suit you. We also stay across the latest policies, grants and niche lender options that could make a real difference to your outcome.
We conduct a credit check early in the process to help us best assist you. Your score is safe with us. If you have any concerns about your credit history, please speak with your broker — we're here to support you.
Pre-approvals generally last between three and six months, depending on the lender. We'll guide you through the timeline and help you refresh your approval if your property search takes a little longer than expected.
Once your loan is formally approved, we'll guide you through the settlement process. We work closely with your solicitor or conveyancer to ensure all requirements are met and everything runs smoothly right through to settlement day.
Definitely. We understand the nuances of self-employed income and have extensive experience presenting applications for business owners in a way that resonates with lenders.
No. In addition to home loans, we also assist with commercial lending, investment loans, refinancing and asset finance. Whatever your finance goals, we're ready to support you.
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