Brisbane Metro
Queensland's commercial hub. From CBD towers to suburban warehouses, we finance it all.
- Brisbane CBD & Fortitude Valley
- Inner suburbs & growth corridors
- Logan, Ipswich & Moreton Bay
- Industrial precincts
Nadine and Chris Connell
Co-Founders
Director & Co-Founder.
Commercial Mortgage Finance Expert.
Director & Co-Founder.
Commercial Mortgage Finance Expert.
Many commercial property finance deals fail not because of the property or business, but because the application wasn't structured effectively.
Each lender has specific property preferences and deal appetites. Applying to the wrong lender wastes months and damages your credit.
"Big 4 declined our warehouse. Nadine found a lender who specialises in industrial - approved in 2 weeks." - Michael T.
The way you structure your loan impacts approval chances and long-term costs. Wrong structure can cost hundreds of thousands.
"Restructuring saved us $180k over the loan term - wish we'd called earlier." - Dr. Lim
Commercial lenders need specific documentation presented correctly. Missing or poorly presented docs lead to instant declines.
"We'd been declined twice. Smart Business Plans knew exactly what lenders needed to see." - James K.
With 15 years and $550M+ in commercial deals, we know how to select the right lenders and structure your application to get the best rates, terms and outcomes.
As Your Commercial Property Finance Broker, I Guide You Through The Whole Process
30-Minute Consultation
I analyse your commercial property goals, financial position, and unique requirements. I'll give you honest advice & feedback on your options and likely outcomes.
We Handle Everything
My team prepares & manages your entire application, leveraging our lender relationships to secure optimal terms. No more chasing banks yourself.
Complete Support
I help coordinate settlement and remain your trusted finance advisor for future finance needs. Our relationship doesn't end at approval, I will regularly check in.
Sydney CBD & Metro • Newcastle • Wollongong • Central Coast • Parramatta • Western Sydney • Regional NSW including Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga
Melbourne CBD & Metro • Geelong • Ballarat • Bendigo • Frankston • Dandenong • Regional VIC including Shepparton, Warrnambool
Brisbane CBD & Metro • Gold Coast • Sunshine Coast • Townsville • Cairns • Toowoomba • Regional QLD including Mackay, Rockhampton
Perth CBD & Metro • Fremantle • Joondalup • Bunbury • Broome • Karratha • Regional WA including Albany, Geraldton
Adelaide CBD & Metro • Salisbury • Mount Gambier • Whyalla • Port Augusta • Regional SA including Barossa Valley, Clare Valley
Canberra • Hobart • Launceston • Darwin • Alice Springs • All territories and regional areas
Local expertise, statewide coverage. We understand Queensland businesses because we're part of your community.
Queensland's commercial hub. From CBD towers to suburban warehouses, we finance it all.
Australia's premier tourism & business destination. Specialists in hospitality & mixed-use developments.
Rapidly growing commercial market. From Caloundra to Noosa, we're funding the Coast's future.
The Garden City's commercial gateway. Supporting agriculture, logistics & regional business growth.
From mining towns to coastal cities, we understand regional Queensland's unique opportunities.
With 15 years and $550M+ in commercial property finance deals, we've seen every scenario. Book your free 30 min call with our experts and get matched to the best commercial property loan options.
Specialised lending for every commercial property category
Shops, cafes, restaurants
CBD & suburban offices
Warehouses, factories
Clinics, surgeries, aged care
Centres & schools
Accommodation venues
Retail + residential
Petrol, self-storage, unique premises
From first-time commercial property purchases to experienced, complex commercial finance requirements. We Are The Commercial Property Broker Experts.
Three doctors seeking to purchase their leased medical centre. Declined by major banks due to complex partnership structure and high LVR requirements.
Client saved $2,800/month vs rent
"After two bank rejections, we thought ownership was impossible. Smart Business Plans made it happen in 4 weeks." - Dr. Lim
Manufacturing business needed larger premises. Limited cash but substantial super balance. Banks wouldn't consider SMSF purchase due to business type.
Tax savings of $180k over loan term
"The SMSF structure was complex but saved us a fortune. Couldn't have done it without expert help." - Michael K.
Experienced developer with approved DA for 12 units + retail. Banks nervous about mixed-use in current market. Tight timeline before DA expiry.
Project proceeding with 70% debt funding
"Time was critical. Nadine's relationships got us approval before our DA expired." - Developer Client
I'm here to help you get the best commercial finance outcomes. Book your free 30 min, no obligation call with me to share your commercial finance goals.
We respect your privacy. Results reflect individual circumstances and are illustrations of potential outcomes only.
What types of commercial properties do you finance?
We finance all commercial property types including office buildings, retail shops, warehouses, industrial facilities, medical centres, childcare centres, mixed-use properties, development sites, and specialized properties like service stations. Whether you’re buying a small strata office or a $100M distribution centre, we have lenders to suit.
Do you work with all business types and industries?
Yes, we work with businesses owners across all industries – from professional services and medical practices to manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. We also assist commercial property investors, developers, and SMSF trustees. Our 60+ lender panel includes specialists for every industry, even those banks traditionally find “difficult.”
What are your minimum and maximum loan sizes?
We arrange commercial mortgages from $500,000 to $50 million+. We specialise in finding the most competitive rates and placing you with the right lender depending on your needs.
Do you operate Australia-wide?
Yes, we’re licensed to operate nationally and have successfully funded properties in every state and territory. Our virtual consultation model means you get expert service regardless of whether your property is in a city or regional area.
Can I get interest-only terms as an investor?
Yes, many lenders offer interest-only periods from 1-5 years for investment properties. This can improve cash flow and tax efficiency. We’ll model both options to show which works best for your situation.
Do you finance multiple commercial properties?
Absolutely. We regularly help clients build commercial property portfolios. We can structure facilities across multiple properties, cross-collateralize strategically, or keep loans separate – whatever best supports your growth strategy.
Can my SMSF buy commercial property?
Yes, we’re SMSF commercial lending specialists. Your super can borrow up to 70% LVR for commercial property. This is particularly popular for business owners buying their own premises. We’ll ensure all structures are compliant with strict SMSF borrowing rules.
I’m currently renting – can I buy my premises?
This is one of our most common scenarios. Many tenants don’t realize they can buy with modest deposits and often pay less in loan repayments than rent. We’ll analyse your lease vs buy scenario and show potential savings.
Can you include fit-out costs in the loan?
Yes, most lenders will include fit-out costs, sometimes up to 100% of renovation expenses on top of the purchase price. This is particularly common for medical centres, restaurants, and specialised facilities.
Can I refinance existing commercial debt?
Yes, we regularly help clients refinance to access better rates, release equity, or consolidate multiple facilities. With rates changing rapidly, many clients are saving $3,000-$10,000 monthly through strategic refinancing.
How much deposit do I need for a commercial property?
Most lenders require 20-30% deposit for commercial property, though strong owner-occupiers can sometimes access 80% LVR (20% deposit). Investors typically need 30-35% deposit. We can also explore other options or additional security to reduce cash requirements.
What’s the maximum LVR (loan-to-value ratio) available?
Maximum LVRs vary by property type: owner-occupied premises up to 80%, standard commercial investment 70%, specialized properties 65%, and vacant land or development sites 50-65%. Your business strength and property location also influence the final LVR.
How is commercial borrowing capacity calculated?
Lenders assess your business cash flow, not just profit. They typically look at EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization) plus any add-backs like owner’s wages. They’ll then apply a lending multiple to determine serviceability. We’ll calculate this for you in our free consultation.
Can I afford the property I want?
We’ll know after our 30 minute consultation. Our pre-qualification process quickly assesses your borrowing capacity across multiple lenders. Sometimes clients are pleasantly surprised they can borrow more than expected, especially when we structure the loan correctly.
How long does pre-approval take?
Commercial lending is different to residential where pre-approval is common. For Commercial Property we’ll assess you needs and situation, and give you an indicative chance of approval within 24-48 hours of receiving your basic information. Formal pre-approval typically takes longer as the premises need to be selected first before lending approval is possible.
What’s the typical process to approval and settlement look like?
Unlike residential, commercial property finance starts after you’ve found a property. The typical process is:
The whole process can take 6 – 12 weeks so it’s always best to contact us as soon as possible.
Can you fast-track urgent purchases?
Yes, in some cases that’s possible as we maintain relationships with lenders who can fast track approvals for strong applications. If you’ve found the perfect property and need to move quickly – contact us asap.
Do you specialise in commercial or do you mainly do residential?
We are specialist commercial property finance brokers with 15+ years experience focused exclusively on business and commercial finance. Unlike residential or generalist brokers who often don’t have the specialised knowledge or skills needed, we work on multiple commercial (often complex) transactions weekly. This expertise matters when structuring commercial deals effectively.
Why work with you instead of going directly to my bank?
Banks only offer their own products, while we compare 60+ commercial lenders to find the best fit. We know which lender will approve your specific scenario fastest and with favourable terms. Plus, we help coordinate all the paperwork, negotiations, and follow-ups – saving you weeks of work.
How many lenders do you actually access?
We have active relationships with 60+ commercial lenders including the Big 4 banks, second-tier banks, non-bank lenders, and private funders. This means if one lender says no, we have 59 other options – dramatically improving your approval chances.
Can you really get better rates than banks offer directly?
Yes, frequently. We can access wholesale rates, volume discounts, and know exactly which lender is most aggressive for your property type right now. Our average client can saves 0.2-0.5% vs their bank’s standard offering.
Are you really independent or do you favor certain lenders?
We’re completely independent and accredited to find you commercial property loans from more than 60+ lenders. We recommend financial products based on what’s best for your situation – rate, speed, flexibility, and approval likelihood. Our volume across all lenders ensures we maintain independence. We are proud members of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia.
What happens if I don’t qualify?
We’ll be honest upfront – if you don’t qualify now, we’ll tell you exactly why and create an action plan to get you approved. This might mean waiting 6 months, improving certain metrics, or considering alternative strategies like vendor finance or joint ventures.
What are current commercial mortgage rates?
As of July 2025, commercial mortgage rates typically range from 6% to 9% depending on the property type, loan size, and borrower strength. Owner-occupiers often get 6.5-7.5%, while investors might see 7-8.5%. We’ll show you exact rates from multiple lenders during your consultation.
Do you charge broker fees?
No, our commercial mortgage broking service is free to you in most cases. We’re paid by the lender when your loan settles. In rare complex situations (like development finance), if any fee applies, we’ll discuss this upfront before you commit – there are never surprise charges.
What fees are typically part of the application process?
Typical costs include: lender application fees, property valuation fees, legal fees, and stamp duty. We’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown before you proceed.
Will using a broker cost more than going direct to banks?
No – in fact, you’ll likely save money (and time). We often access wholesale rates not available to the public, plus we know which lenders are most competitive for your specific situation. Our clients typically save 0.2-0.5% on their interest rate compared to walking into their bank.
What types of commercial properties do you finance?
We finance all commercial property types including office buildings, retail shops, warehouses, industrial facilities, medical centres, childcare centres, mixed-use properties, development sites, and specialized properties like service stations. Whether you’re buying a small strata office or a $100M distribution centre, we have lenders to suit.
Do you work with all business types and industries?
Yes, we work with businesses owners across all industries – from professional services and medical practices to manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. We also assist commercial property investors, developers, and SMSF trustees. Our 60+ lender panel includes specialists for every industry, even those banks traditionally find “difficult.”
What are your minimum and maximum loan sizes?
We arrange commercial mortgages from $500,000 to $50 million+. We specialise in finding the most competitive rates and placing you with the right lender depending on your needs.
Do you operate Australia-wide?
Yes, we’re licensed to operate nationally and have successfully funded properties in every state and territory. Our virtual consultation model means you get expert service regardless of whether your property is in a city or regional area.
Can I get interest-only terms as an investor?
Yes, many lenders offer interest-only periods from 1-5 years for investment properties. This can improve cash flow and tax efficiency. We’ll model both options to show which works best for your situation.
Do you finance multiple commercial properties?
Absolutely. We regularly help clients build commercial property portfolios. We can structure facilities across multiple properties, cross-collateralize strategically, or keep loans separate – whatever best supports your growth strategy.
Can my SMSF buy commercial property?
Yes, we’re SMSF commercial lending specialists. Your super can borrow up to 70% LVR for commercial property. This is particularly popular for business owners buying their own premises. We’ll ensure all structures are compliant with strict SMSF borrowing rules.
I’m currently renting – can I buy my premises?
This is one of our most common scenarios. Many tenants don’t realize they can buy with modest deposits and often pay less in loan repayments than rent. We’ll analyse your lease vs buy scenario and show potential savings.
Can you include fit-out costs in the loan?
Yes, most lenders will include fit-out costs, sometimes up to 100% of renovation expenses on top of the purchase price. This is particularly common for medical centres, restaurants, and specialised facilities.
Can I refinance existing commercial debt?
Yes, we regularly help clients refinance to access better rates, release equity, or consolidate multiple facilities. With rates changing rapidly, many clients are saving $3,000-$10,000 monthly through strategic refinancing.
How much deposit do I need for a commercial property?
Most lenders require 20-30% deposit for commercial property, though strong owner-occupiers can sometimes access 80% LVR (20% deposit). Investors typically need 30-35% deposit. We can also explore other options or additional security to reduce cash requirements.
What’s the maximum LVR (loan-to-value ratio) available?
Maximum LVRs vary by property type: owner-occupied premises up to 80%, standard commercial investment 70%, specialized properties 65%, and vacant land or development sites 50-65%. Your business strength and property location also influence the final LVR.
How is commercial borrowing capacity calculated?
Lenders assess your business cash flow, not just profit. They typically look at EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization) plus any add-backs like owner’s wages. They’ll then apply a lending multiple to determine serviceability. We’ll calculate this for you in our free consultation.
Can I afford the property I want?
We’ll know after our 30 minute consultation. Our pre-qualification process quickly assesses your borrowing capacity across multiple lenders. Sometimes clients are pleasantly surprised they can borrow more than expected, especially when we structure the loan correctly.
How long does pre-approval take?
Commercial lending is different to residential where pre-approval is common. For Commercial Property we’ll assess you needs and situation, and give you an indicative chance of approval within 24-48 hours of receiving your basic information. Formal pre-approval typically takes longer as the premises need to be selected first before lending approval is possible.
What’s the typical process to approval and settlement look like?
Unlike residential, commercial property finance starts after you’ve found a property. The typical process is:Can you fast-track urgent purchases?
Yes, in some cases that’s possible as we maintain relationships with lenders who can fast track approvals for strong applications. If you’ve found the perfect property and need to move quickly – contact us asap.
Do you specialise in commercial or do you mainly do residential?
We are specialist commercial property finance brokers with 15+ years experience focused exclusively on business and commercial finance. Unlike residential or generalist brokers who often don’t have the specialised knowledge or skills needed, we work on multiple commercial (often complex) transactions weekly. This expertise matters when structuring commercial deals effectively.
Why work with you instead of going directly to my bank?
Banks only offer their own products, while we compare 60+ commercial lenders to find the best fit. We know which lender will approve your specific scenario fastest and with favourable terms. Plus, we help coordinate all the paperwork, negotiations, and follow-ups – saving you weeks of work.
How many lenders do you actually access?
We have active relationships with 60+ commercial lenders including the Big 4 banks, second-tier banks, non-bank lenders, and private funders. This means if one lender says no, we have 59 other options – dramatically improving your approval chances.
Can you really get better rates than banks offer directly?
Yes, frequently. We can access wholesale rates, volume discounts, and know exactly which lender is most aggressive for your property type right now. Our average client can saves 0.2-0.5% vs their bank’s standard offering.
Are you really independent or do you favor certain lenders?
We’re completely independent and accredited to find you commercial property loans from more than 60+ lenders. We recommend financial products based on what’s best for your situation – rate, speed, flexibility, and approval likelihood. Our volume across all lenders ensures we maintain independence. We are proud members of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia.
What happens if I don’t qualify?
We’ll be honest upfront – if you don’t qualify now, we’ll tell you exactly why and create an action plan to get you approved. This might mean waiting 6 months, improving certain metrics, or considering alternative strategies like vendor finance or joint ventures.
What are current commercial mortgage rates?
As of July 2025, commercial mortgage rates typically range from 6% to 9% depending on the property type, loan size, and borrower strength. Owner-occupiers often get 6.5-7.5%, while investors might see 7-8.5%. We’ll show you exact rates from multiple lenders during your consultation.
Do you charge broker fees?
No, our commercial mortgage broking service is free to you in most cases. We’re paid by the lender when your loan settles. In rare complex situations (like development finance), if any fee applies, we’ll discuss this upfront before you commit – there are never surprise charges.
What fees are typically part of the application process?
Typical costs include: lender application fees, property valuation fees, legal fees, and stamp duty. We’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown before you proceed.
Will using a broker cost more than going direct to banks?
No – in fact, you’ll likely save money (and time). We often access wholesale rates not available to the public, plus we know which lenders are most competitive for your specific situation. Our clients typically save 0.2-0.5% on their interest rate compared to walking into their bank.
With 15 years and $550M+ in commercial property finance deals, we've seen every scenario. Book your free 30 min call with our experts and get matched to the best commercial property loan options.
Last Updated: 4 June 2025 | Rates subject to change
Property Type |
Interest Rate Range |
Max LVR |
Loan Terms |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
🏢
Office Buildings
|
5.29% - 8.45%
|
Up to 75% |
5-30 years |
|
🛍️
Retail Properties
|
6.49% - 8.95% |
Up to 70% |
5-25 years |
|
🏭
Industrial/Warehouse
|
6.35% - 8.75% |
Up to 70% |
5-30 years |
|
🏥
Medical/Healthcare
|
5.89% - 8.25% |
Up to 80% |
5-30 years |
|
🏘️
Mixed-Use Properties
|
6.59% - 9.25% |
Up to 65% |
5-25 years |
|
🏗️
Development Finance
|
7.95% - 12.50% |
Up to 80%* |
12-36 months |
|
💼
SMSF Property Loans
|
6.89% - 9.45% |
Up to 70% |
5-30 years |
|
⭐
Owner-Occupier
|
5.99% - 7.95%
|
Up to 80% |
5-30 years |
|
Get indicative loan repayments for commercial property loans. Speak to our team for specific rates and repayments.
Get expert advice and access to 60+ lenders with competitive rates
Book Your Free 30 min Call With NadineDirector & Co-Founder.
Commercial Mortgage Finance Expert.
Our extensive lender panel ensures you get access to the most competitive commercial property finance solutions in the market.
With access to 60+ lenders and deep market knowledge, we'll identify the best commercial property finance options for your specific situation.
Speak To Our Commercial Finance ExpertOur extensive lender panel ensures you get access to the most competitive commercial property finance solutions in the market.
With access to 60+ lenders and deep market knowledge, we'll identify the best commercial property finance options for your specific situation.
Speak To Our Commercial Finance ExpertWe share our extensive business experience with our clients across business finance, strategy and planning.
We work for you, focusing on your unique situation, needs and business goals.
We attract clients that want to get things done as quickly and effectively as possible.
Our services are generally free, but in the rare case a fee is needed, this would be disclosed up-front.
We believe in creating lifelong partnerships with our clients.
We believe every Australian business owner and commercial property investor deserves access to the best commercial property finance options, so we created Smart Business Plans to unlock opportunities no matter where you’re located across Australia.
That’s why we provide convenient and personalised consultations via virtual meeting or phone call (whichever you prefer), connecting you with our extensive network of 60+ commercial lenders who provide commercial property finance solutions—from owner-occupied premises to investment portfolios—wherever you are across the country.
Nadine has more than 20+ years of international business experience, including 15 years experience as owner-operator of Smart Business Plans Australia.
She has single-handedly helped over 3,300 Australian business owners and property investors, helping her clients seek over $550 million in bank lending and private investment. Nadine’s strengths are her tenacity, ability to find solutions to complex needs, and drive to provide efficient, fast and effective outcomes for her clients.
Chris brings more than 20+ years business management experience, including roles with tier 1 lenders such as the Commonwealth Bank, high-growth FinTech companies, as well as owner-operator of Smart Business Plans Australia.
Chris has significant international and local business management and growth experience, and specialises in customer support, partnerships and growth. Chris’s strengths are in communication, strategy development and client success.
With 15 years and $550M+ in commercial property finance deals, we've seen every scenario. Book your free 30 min call with our experts and get matched to the best commercial property loan options.
Please note that all calculators, rates, amounts, case studies and examples on this page are for illustration purposes only. Nothing on this page is financial advice. Always seek your own financial advice before making any financial decisions.