Can a retail business get a secured loan without owning property?

Yes. If you do not own property, you can often secure finance against equipment or vehicles through asset finance, or use revenue-based finance and merchant cash advances that are repaid from card sales. Some owners also secure against personal property, though that carries personal risk and should be considered carefully.

Is a secured loan cheaper than an unsecured one?

Secured lending can carry a lower headline cost because the lender has an asset to fall back on, but this depends on your profile, the security and market conditions. Short-term or flexible facilities may cost more per period but suit short needs, so compare the total cost against the term, not just the rate.

How is revenue-based finance different from a traditional loan?

Revenue-based finance is repaid as a percentage of your card or online sales rather than a fixed monthly amount, so payments rise and fall with trade. The cost is usually a single fixed fee agreed upfront rather than a traditional APR, which is why it helps to compare the total repayable against the amount advanced.

How quickly can a retailer get funding?

Online lenders and revenue-based providers can sometimes approve and fund within a few days, especially if you already use a connected payment platform. Property-secured loans and commercial mortgages take longer, often weeks, because they involve valuations and legal work.

Will I need a personal guarantee?

Many business loans, both secured and unsecured, ask directors for a personal guarantee, which means you can be personally liable if the business cannot repay. Always confirm whether a guarantee applies and what it covers before you commit.

What is bridging finance used for in retail?

Bridging finance is short-term, property-secured lending used to move quickly, for example to secure a new site before an existing property is sold or refinanced. It is generally more expensive than a term loan and relies on a clear exit plan, so it suits specific, time-sensitive situations rather than everyday funding.

How much can a retail business borrow?

Borrowing amounts vary widely by lender, product, turnover and security. Revenue-based finance is often sized against your monthly card takings, while property-secured lending relates to the value of the asset and your ability to repay. A broker can help you gauge realistic amounts across the market.

Does using a broker cost more?

A broker can charge a fee, be paid by the lender, or both, and this should be disclosed to you upfront. The potential benefit is comparing options across the whole market in one place, so ask any broker how they are paid before proceeding.

Secured Loans for Retail Businesses: Lenders Compared

The best secured business loan for a retail business depends on what you can offer as security and how your cash flow behaves. Retailers with commercial property often use property-backed term loans or commercial mortgages for the lowest headline cost, while those without property tend to weigh asset finance or revenue-based finance secured against future card takings. There is no single winner, so the right choice comes down to your assets, your trading pattern and how quickly you need funds.

This roundup explains the main options, sets out how a whole-of-market broker views the lending landscape, and compares several well-known providers fairly so you can shortlist for your own situation. It is general information, not financial advice.

What is a secured business loan?

A secured business loan is a loan backed by an asset the lender can recover if the debt is not repaid. Common security includes commercial property, equipment, vehicles or, in some structures, a claim over future sales. Because the lender has recourse to an asset, secured facilities can sometimes offer larger amounts or longer terms than unsecured borrowing, though the exact terms always depend on your profile and the security offered. For a lender-by-lender view across all sectors, see our comparison of secured business loans from UK lenders.

For retailers, the main types are:

Property-backed term loans: a lump sum repaid over a set term, secured against commercial (or sometimes personal) property. Often used for larger investments or refinancing.
Commercial mortgages: a longer-term loan to buy or refinance premises such as a shop, unit or warehouse, secured on that property.
Bridging loans: short-term, property-secured finance used to move quickly, for example securing a new site before selling or refinancing another. Typically higher cost and intended to be repaid or refinanced within months.
Asset finance: funding secured against equipment, fit-out, vehicles or machinery, where the asset itself acts as security. Includes hire purchase and leasing.

Retailers without property often consider revenue-based finance or a merchant cash advance, where repayments are taken as a percentage of card sales. These are not always classed as traditional secured loans, but they are widely used in retail and belong in any honest comparison, so we include them below with their trade-offs made clear.

How we chose

As a whole-of-market broker, Greenwood Capital does not favour any single lender. We look across the market and match a business to the options that fit its assets, turnover and goals. For this roundup we selected providers that are relevant to UK retail, transparent about how their products work, and cover a range of needs from card-based repayments to property-secured lending.

We assessed each on the type of finance offered, who it typically suits, speed, flexibility and common watch-outs. We do not quote specific rates or fees, because these vary significantly by credit profile, security and current market conditions. Always confirm live figures directly with the lender before you decide.

Shortlist: secured and revenue-based options for retailers

YouLend, best for card-taking retailers wanting revenue-based repayments

YouLend provides revenue-based finance where repayments flex with your card and online sales, so you pay more when trade is strong and less when it is quiet. This suits retailers with steady card takings who want repayments that track turnover rather than a fixed monthly figure. YouLend partners with many payment platforms and marketplaces, which can make the process quick for businesses already using those systems. Watch-outs: revenue-based finance is priced as a total fixed cost rather than a traditional APR, so compare the total repayable against the amount advanced, and check how the repayment percentage affects your day-to-day margins.

Liberis, best for seasonal retailers wanting flexible repayment

Liberis offers a business cash advance repaid as an agreed slice of future card sales, which can help retailers with seasonal peaks and troughs. Because there is usually no fixed end date, repayment naturally slows in quieter months, which many shops and hospitality businesses find easier to manage. It is often embedded within payment providers, so approval can be fast for existing users. Watch-outs: as with any advance priced as a single fixed cost, work out the total repayable and the effective cost of capital, and consider how the sales percentage sits alongside your other outgoings.

iwoca, best for fast, flexible short-term borrowing

iwoca provides flexible business loans and a Flexi-Loan facility designed for speed and short-term needs, with the option to draw funds and repay early without early repayment fees on many products. This suits retailers who need working capital quickly, for example to buy stock ahead of a busy period, and who value a simple online application. Facilities are commonly used on shorter terms, and larger sums may involve a personal guarantee. Watch-outs: shorter-term flexible facilities can carry higher periodic costs than long-term secured lending, so they are best matched to a clear, short repayment plan. Confirm the current terms and any guarantee requirements.

Shawbrook, best for property-backed term loans and commercial mortgages

Shawbrook is a specialist lender active in commercial mortgages and secured term lending, often used by established retailers buying or refinancing premises. Property-secured lending like this typically offers longer terms and, for strong profiles, more competitive headline pricing than short-term unsecured finance, because the property provides security. It suits businesses with a trading track record and a clear asset to secure against. Watch-outs: applications involve valuations and legal work, so timelines are longer than for online lenders, and your property is at risk if you cannot keep up repayments. Rates and fees vary by profile and security, so check current terms.

Together, best for bridging and complex or time-sensitive cases

Together provides bridging finance and other property-secured loans, and is often considered where speed or a non-standard situation rules out mainstream lenders. Bridging can help a retailer secure a new site quickly, with the intention of repaying through a sale or refinance within months. It suits borrowers with a clear exit plan and property to secure against. Watch-outs: bridging is short-term and generally more expensive than a term loan or commercial mortgage, and your security is at risk if the exit does not complete on time. Only use it with a realistic repayment route in place.

Funding Circle, best for established retailers wanting a straightforward term loan

Funding Circle offers fixed-term business loans with clear monthly repayments, which many retailers find simple to budget for. It suits established businesses that want a predictable structure rather than sales-linked repayments, and its application process is designed to be quick. Loans may be unsecured up to certain limits or require a personal guarantee. Watch-outs: eligibility usually depends on trading history and credit profile, and a personal guarantee means directors can be personally liable. Compare the total cost and term against secured alternatives if you have property to offer.

Comparison table

Secured Loans for Retail Businesses Compared (Greenwood Capital, July 2026)
Lender	Typical funding size	Main product	Best for	Repayment style	Typical speed	Key watch-out
YouLend	Up to £2m	Revenue-based finance	Card-taking retailers	% of card and online sales	Fast	Compare total repayable, not APR
Liberis	£1k–£1m	Business cash advance	Seasonal retailers	% of card sales, no fixed end date	Fast	Check effective cost of capital
iwoca	£1k–£1m	Flexi-Loan / term loan	Fast short-term borrowing	Flexible drawdown, often shorter term	Fast	Best for short, clear plans; may need a guarantee
Shawbrook	£150k–£35m	Commercial mortgage / secured term loan	Property-backed lending	Fixed term, monthly	Slower (valuation and legals)	Property at risk; longer process
Together	£30k–£2m	Bridging / property-secured	Speed and complex cases	Short term, exit via sale or refinance	Fast for its type	Higher cost; needs a clear exit
Funding Circle	£10k–£750k	Fixed-term business loan	Straightforward term borrowing	Fixed monthly repayments	Fast to moderate	May require a personal guarantee

Products, criteria and costs change. Treat this as a starting point and confirm current details with each lender.

Worked scenario: how a retailer might weigh two options

Imagine an independent homeware shop that wants £60,000 to refit its store and buy stock before the winter season. The owner does not own the premises but takes most sales by card, and also owns a buy-to-let flat with equity.

Option one is revenue-based finance from a provider like YouLend or Liberis. The appeal is speed and repayments that flex with sales, easing pressure in the quiet post-Christmas months. The trade-off is that the total cost of capital is fixed upfront, so the owner needs to compare the total repayable against the £60,000 advanced and check the sales percentage does not squeeze margins during the peak.

Option two is a property-secured term loan against the flat, arranged through a specialist such as Shawbrook. This may offer a longer term and lower headline cost, spreading repayments and protecting cash flow. The trade-offs are a slower process involving valuation and legals, and the fact that the property is at risk if repayments are missed. The owner would weigh speed and flexibility against total cost and the willingness to secure against personal property. A broker can put both routes side by side so the numbers, not the marketing, drive the decision.

How to choose for your situation

The right option follows from a few honest questions about your business. Work through these before you apply anywhere.

What security can you realistically offer? Commercial or personal property opens up term loans and commercial mortgages; equipment suits asset finance; card takings suit revenue-based finance.
How predictable is your income? Fixed repayments suit steady turnover, while sales-linked repayments suit seasonal or volatile trade.
How fast do you need the money? Online and revenue-based lenders can move in days; property-secured lending takes longer due to valuation and legal work.
What is the purpose and term? Short-term working capital and long-term property purchases call for very different products.
Are you comfortable with a personal guarantee? Many facilities require directors to guarantee the debt, which carries personal liability.

What to check before you commit

Before signing any agreement, read the terms in full and confirm the figures in writing. The headline rate is only part of the picture.

Total cost of borrowing: for revenue-based products, compare the total repayable against the amount advanced, not just an advertised percentage.
Fees: ask about arrangement, valuation, legal, broker and early repayment charges, and how they are applied.
Security and guarantees: understand exactly which assets are at risk and whether a personal guarantee applies.
Repayment flexibility: check whether you can overpay, settle early or adjust during quiet periods, and at what cost.
Term and exit: for bridging especially, be sure your repayment or refinance route is realistic.
The provider: check who you are dealing with and confirm current terms directly, as products and criteria change.

Let Greenwood Capital compare the market for you

Every retail business is different, and the best route depends on your assets, your trading pattern and your plans. As a Manchester-based whole-of-market broker, Greenwood Capital can compare options across the lending market and match them to your situation, so you can see the trade-offs side by side rather than guessing.

This page is general information, not financial advice. If you would like impartial help understanding your options, get in touch and we will look at the market with you.

Frequently asked questions

Can a retail business get a secured loan without owning property?
Yes. If you do not own property, you can often secure finance against equipment or vehicles through asset finance, or use revenue-based finance and merchant cash advances that are repaid from card sales. Some owners also secure against personal property, though that carries personal risk and should be considered carefully.
Is a secured loan cheaper than an unsecured one?
Secured lending can carry a lower headline cost because the lender has an asset to fall back on, but this depends on your profile, the security and market conditions. Short-term or flexible facilities may cost more per period but suit short needs, so compare the total cost against the term, not just the rate.
How is revenue-based finance different from a traditional loan?
Revenue-based finance is repaid as a percentage of your card or online sales rather than a fixed monthly amount, so payments rise and fall with trade. The cost is usually a single fixed fee agreed upfront rather than a traditional APR, which is why it helps to compare the total repayable against the amount advanced.
How quickly can a retailer get funding?
Online lenders and revenue-based providers can sometimes approve and fund within a few days, especially if you already use a connected payment platform. Property-secured loans and commercial mortgages take longer, often weeks, because they involve valuations and legal work.
Will I need a personal guarantee?
Many business loans, both secured and unsecured, ask directors for a personal guarantee, which means you can be personally liable if the business cannot repay. Always confirm whether a guarantee applies and what it covers before you commit.
What is bridging finance used for in retail?
Bridging finance is short-term, property-secured lending used to move quickly, for example to secure a new site before an existing property is sold or refinanced. It is generally more expensive than a term loan and relies on a clear exit plan, so it suits specific, time-sensitive situations rather than everyday funding.
How much can a retail business borrow?
Borrowing amounts vary widely by lender, product, turnover and security. Revenue-based finance is often sized against your monthly card takings, while property-secured lending relates to the value of the asset and your ability to repay. A broker can help you gauge realistic amounts across the market.
Does using a broker cost more?
A broker can charge a fee, be paid by the lender, or both, and this should be disclosed to you upfront. The potential benefit is comparing options across the whole market in one place, so ask any broker how they are paid before proceeding.