Commercial property in Lewes
Lewes's commercial life centres on the High Street, Cliffe High Street and School Hill, with independent shops, cafés, pubs, galleries and professional offices, many in listed buildings with flats above. As the county town, Lewes is home to East Sussex County Council's headquarters and other public offices, which support demand for nearby office space and services. The town also has a long brewing history.
Industrial and workshop space is found on the estates around North Street and the Cliffe, near the river, and in nearby villages. Some of this land is earmarked for the Phoenix regeneration scheme, which has been slow to start, so businesses in the area should keep an eye on future plans.
Many Lewes commercial deals involve listed or historic buildings in the conservation area, and some sites near the Ouse are at flood risk. The South Downs National Park Authority deals with planning, including changes of use. All of these affect how lenders value and lend on a property.
Commercial finance we arrange in Lewes
We arrange commercial finance for:
- Owner-occupiers buying or refinancing the premises their business trades from, such as a shop, workshop, surgery or office.
- Investors buying let commercial property, where the lender looks at the lease, the tenant and the rent.
- Semi-commercial or mixed-use buildings, typically a shop or office with flats above.
- Larger HMOs and multi-unit blocks that fall outside standard buy-to-let criteria.
Pubs and restaurants are popular in Lewes, but licensed premises are specialist lending with fewer lenders, so we approach the right ones first.
Speak to a friendly, expert Mortgage Adviser about your unique mortgage needs.
We'll search 1000s of products for the best mortgage and present our advice to you.
Your Adviser will complete your application, liaise with the lender and you, keep you informed until completion.
What commercial lenders look at
Each commercial case is assessed individually. Expect a lender to ask for business accounts or a projection, a schedule of existing borrowing, details of any leases and rent, and a full commercial valuation. The loan size usually depends on both the value and the income, and many lenders lend up to around 70% to 75% of value on the right property and borrower.
Not every deal fits a commercial mortgage straight away. Auctions, part-vacant buildings and properties needing refurbishment are often bought with bridging finance first. Some owners use a SIPP or SSAS pension to buy business premises; we can work alongside your pension adviser and accountant.
Commercial mortgage advice in Lewes
We look across specialist and mainstream commercial lenders, including ones that do not deal direct with the public. We are directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926) and rated 5.0 stars from 109 Google reviews. We are based in Hastings and most Lewes clients work with us by phone or video, with documents uploaded securely; you are also welcome at our Hastings office.
We explain our fee and how we are paid before any work starts. Contact us or call 01424 444597 for an initial chat.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a commercial mortgage on a listed building in Lewes?
Yes. Many commercial lenders will lend on listed buildings with the right valuation. It may take longer and the lender will consider condition and any planning restrictions.
Does flood risk affect commercial lending in Lewes?
It can. Lenders will want buildings insurance on acceptable terms and may ask about previous flooding. We check this early in the process.
Can I buy my business premises through my pension?
Some business owners buy premises through a SIPP or SSAS. The pension owns the property and your business pays it rent. This needs advice from a pension specialist and your accountant; we can arrange any borrowing alongside.
Can a new business get a commercial mortgage?
It is harder but sometimes possible, especially with a larger deposit, relevant experience or other assets. Lenders will want a business plan and projections. We will tell you honestly whether it is worth applying.
Important: Commercial mortgages are generally not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. If you or a close family member will live in at least 40% of the property, the loan may be regulated and we will tell you which applies. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a loan secured on it.
Transparent Mortgage Services is a trading style of Transparent Financial Associates Limited, which is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 925926). 17 Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1BP. Telephone 01424 444597.
