The perfect mortgage for
acquiring business property

  • Save over $10,000
  • No credit check
  • 95% client success

Today's lowest
5-year mortgage rates

4.04%

Fixed Rate Variable Rate

Commercial Mortgage

At Lower we offer competitive rates and terms for Canadian businesses looking to invest in property. Whether you’re looking to buy property to help your business run or looking to invest in a profit-generating investment asset, we’ve got the financing you need.

  • Get pre-approved so you can buy with confidence
  • Access competitive rates not available at the bank
  • Work with professionals who match your timeline

The right source for
Canadian mortgages

Lower is Canada’s premium mortgage broker offering mortgages for every type of new home, whether it's to work from or an investment.

  • See the lowest rates

    See the lowest rates

    We’ll check 40+ lenders and 10,000 products in the market.

  • Get expert advice

    Get expert advice

    Speak with your trusted Lower advisors anytime.

  • We do the hard work

    We do the hard work

    Lower advisors will do all the application admin.

Canadians love
Lower

Rated 4.9 / 5 on Google, Facebook, Trustpilot, Comparewise and others.

  • Brian Molnar
    Brian Molnar

    Google

    Buying a home for your family is so important. Ammar made us feel comfortable with at ease with this process. He took his time to understand our needs but was very quick with the process.

  • Karen Austin
    Karen Austin

    Comparewise

    I bought my first home a few years back and used @lowerdotca. It was a great experience so I called them when I was ready to purchase my second house. Ammar and his team go above and beyond.

  • Valerie Fincher
    Valerie Fincher

    Comparewise

    We had a great experience with Ammar and his team. He explained us all of our options without us feeling the pressure or rushed. I highly recommend.

  • Jeff Mahlum
    Jeff Mahlum

    Comparewise

    I was extremely nervous being a first time home buyer in Toronto. With prices skyrocketing I wasn't sure this was the right move but after speaking to Ammar, he made me feel confident.

  • Clementine Mason
    Clementine Mason

    Google

    Ammar went above and beyond our expectations, answering all of our questions and securing us an even better rate that we'd hoped for! The entire process was very smooth and we will be recommending his mortgage services.

  • Averi Blackwell
    Averi Blackwell

    Comparewise

    I was working with a broker before and it was a nightmare. Thank goodness I found Ammar. He was always quick to respond to help us. We will definitely be using Ammar when it’s time to renew our home.

  • Melissa Dodds
    Melissa Dodds

    Twitter

    I was anxious being a first-time home buyer in the Toronto market. Ammar was referred to me by a friend of the family and he definitely made the process much easier to work through!

  • John Hartman
    John Hartman

    Comparewise

    We really appreciated Damien’s patience and compassion through this entire process. We are very happy with our rate and how easy he made our experience.

  • Ruben Gonzalez
    Ruben Gonzalez

    Comparewise

    Ammar was amazing to work with from start to finish. Found us such an excellent rate. He went above and beyond for us.

  • Nicola Weber
    Nicola Weber

    Twitter

    @lowerdotca helped me with my purchase of my third business property. He found us the best rates. I would recommend Shawn if you need to speak to anyone.

  • Brooke Cheng
    Brooke Cheng

    Twitter

    My family member recommend @lowerdotca and to speak to Ammar. He doesn't disappoint. I was very satisfied with his service.

  • Fredy Pollich
    Fredy Pollich

    Comparewise

    My previous mortgage broker retired so I had to find a new one. When I contacted Lower. The whole team is amazing. I was impressed right off the bat. Very professional.

  • Tricia Seward
    Tricia Seward

    Twitter

    @lowerdotca was recommended to me by a fellow business owner who used their services to refinance their property. I found Ammar to be knowledgeable and efficient in helping us to reduce our rate and liquidate the capital we needed to expand our business.

  • Judson Flatley
    Judson Flatley

    Google

    So glad I found Damien and Lower. The last time I had to renew my mortgage was a headache. Damine is familar with the challenges of applying as a self-employed individual and got our re-financing done without any trouble.

  • Josephine R
    Josephine R

    Google

    Lower gave us confidence in our purchase. I won’t even hesitate calling because they are just that great! Very easy to understand and work with.

  • Albert Taylor
    Albert Taylor

    Comparewise

    I've worked with Lower many times. I highly recommend them to my clients who are in need. They work hard to get the best rates.

  • William Westley
    William Westley

    Comparewise

    I was referred to Damien because I wanted to purchase the building my business is in when my landlord decided to sell. We went over all of my options and I ended up not only managing to purchase the building but also get extra funds to

  • Javier Garcia
    Javier Garcia

    Google

    Very reliable team. They are straight forward which I liked. They are honest but they also work very hard to find the best rates for you.

  • Michele Peers
    Michele Peers

    Google

    I had the pleasure of speaking to Shawn about a few things. Including purchasing property for my business and we got approved very quick. I will be using his services for my business in the future.

  • Donal Lynch
    Donal Lynch

    Twitter

    I used @lowerdotca to help with the purchase of my second investment property. Damien made the process quick and straightforward, which I appreciated as I have a hectic schedule.

FAQs about Commercial Mortgages

Have a different question? Contact us today.

Can I get a residential mortgage on a commercial property?

The most straightforward answer is yes, but on the condition that the property was bought for investment. Examples are:

  • Pure residential, 1-4 units
  • Pure residential, five or more units
  • Residential Commercial Mixed.

What are commercial mortgage rates?

Canada's average commercial mortgage rate is between 4.5% and 8.3%. If you’d like to calculate the estimated rate but find it complex, simply use a commercial mortgage calculator. However, note that the rate you will get depends on the loan term and your choice of either a fixed-rate or variable rate on your mortgage.

What is a commercial mortgage?

It is a loan secured to finance a property you do not own or to free an existing building from a value invested in the business.

How do commercial mortgages work?

Most banks and financial institutions offer a this type of mortgage, but there are no set rates. That means lenders review every application thoroughly, based on the requirements and strength of your documents. However, you can use a commercial mortgage calculator to forecast how much you could qualify for. Additionally, a business mortgage will averagely last from 3 to 25 years. Therefore, you might need to consider a bridging or development loan if you want a shorter-term loan.

Are mortgage rates higher for businesses than residential?

Yes. A business mortgage rate is slightly higher than a residential one - typically between 0.25% and 0.75% higher. It requires a height of specialization and bears more risk for the lender if the borrowers breach.

About Commercial Mortgages in Canada

Investors and entrepreneurs seeking to finance commercial properties with loans often opt for a commercial mortgage. Business mortgage terms are similar to those of residential mortgages. However, your business needs will dictate the options you may have.

A commercial mortgage is a loan used to finance income-producing properties like office buildings, retail spaces, hotels, and other commercial real estate. A commercial mortgage application typically requires profit and loss statements, tax returns, rent rolls, and other financial documentation.

Rates are usually higher because lending for commercial properties is considered riskier for lenders. Major Canadian lenders for commercial mortgages include banks such as CIBC and other financial institutions and mortgage brokers.

There’s no shortage of ways to raise money for your start-up, but a commercial mortgage is one option to consider for property-related business needs. So how do you get started? That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand how this financing option works.

commercial mortgage - source mortgages

What You Need to Know About a Commercial Mortgage

Each case of a commercial mortgage varies. However, understanding the general structure can help you make more informed choices.

Common Uses of a Commercial Mortgage

Commercial mortgages are not only used for purchasing property. They can also help with:

  • Purchasing new commercial real estate
  • Refinancing existing commercial property debt
  • Expanding business operations into new locations
  • Renovating or improving income-generating properties
  • Funding construction or redevelopment projects

Types of Properties

You can seek a mortgage for different types of commercial properties. The common types are:

  • Mixed (Residential commercial)
  • Commercial plaza mortgage
  • Multi-family residential of multiple units
  • Office, industrial and farmland mortgages
  • Construction projects.

Expected Time Frame

Unlike residential mortgages that could close within 14 to 90 days, commercial mortgages typically take anywhere from 60 days to 6 months to complete, depending on complexity.

Delays often occur due to property valuation, business financial reviews, and lender due diligence.

Types of Commercial Mortgages

There are different types of commercial mortgages, and each varies in terms of loan-to-value (LTV) ratio depending on the property type and risk profile.

Common structures include:

  • Conventional commercial mortgages (standard bank financing)
  • Bridge financing (short-term funding until permanent financing is secured)
  • Construction loans (funding for development projects)
  • CMHC-insured multi-unit financing (for eligible residential rental properties in Canada)

Commercial Mortgage Versus Residential Mortgage

Though similar, these two mortgages have several differences, which you should be aware of before applying.

Requirements

Qualifying for a residential mortgage is mainly based on your income, credit score, and outstanding debts.

Application Procedure

Commercial mortgages are less standardized than residential mortgages and are underwritten more individually based on property and business performance. Many lenders require significantly more documentation to complete underwriting.

Down Payments

A higher down payment is usually required for commercial mortgages than residential mortgages.

Interest Rates

Commercial properties can be riskier for lenders despite their high value, so they typically attract higher interest rates.

Closing Times

A commercial mortgage can take about 60 days to 6 months to close. In comparison, residential mortgages can sometimes be completed in 2–6 weeks, depending on the lender and complexity.

Processing Costs

Processing costs for commercial mortgages are generally higher than residential mortgages due to increased documentation and due diligence. You may also require the services of a mortgage broker or lawyer.

Appraisal cost

Residential appraisals are generally simpler and less expensive than commercial appraisals. Costs depend on a property’s size, type, and location.

business mortgage - source mortgages

Mortgage Application Criteria

Seeking a commercial property mortgage requires you to satisfy several criteria, including but not limited to:

Debt-Service-Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

This is a key metric used by lenders. It is calculated as net operating income divided by total debt service.

Credit History

Lenders will assess your credit score history to judge your creditworthiness. Some lenders may still consider applicants with weaker credit profiles, depending on the deal.

Current Business Situation

Lenders evaluate the current financial health and profitability of the business. They will assess revenue, expenses, and overall financial stability. Requirements vary widely depending on lender and deal structure.

Type of Business

The type of business and property being financed can affect mortgage terms. Because this area can be complex, it is recommended to seek advice from a mortgage specialist.

Down Payment

The initial down payment for a commercial mortgage is typically higher, often between 20% and 35%. In some higher-risk or specialized deals, it may be significantly higher depending on the lender and borrower profile.

Additional Factors Lenders Consider

Beyond the main criteria, lenders may also evaluate:

  • Property location and market demand
  • Tenant quality and lease agreements (for income properties)
  • Vacancy rates and rental stability
  • Industry type and business risk level
  • Borrower experience in managing commercial property

These factors help lenders determine overall risk and long-term repayment stability.

Benefits of a Commercial Mortgage

While more complex than residential financing, commercial mortgages offer several advantages:

  • Enables long-term business expansion through real estate ownership
  • Builds equity in income-generating assets
  • Provides potential tax advantages depending on structure
  • Offers more capital stability compared to leasing space long-term
  • Can increase business valuation through property ownership

Challenges to Consider

Commercial mortgages also come with considerations borrowers should be aware of:

  • Higher qualification requirements compared to residential loans
  • Larger upfront capital requirements
  • More detailed financial documentation
  • Sensitivity to economic and market conditions
  • Longer approval and closing timelines

Where to Get a Commercial Mortgage in Canada

There three primary lenders for this type of mortgage are brokers, banks, and other financial institutions that provide business property loans. Some viable options to explore are:

Lower

Lower is one of Canada’s top mortgage providers. They mediate between borrowers and lenders for new mortgages, refinancing, and renewing mortgages. But its extensive experience and advice regarding commercial mortgages in Canada are not all Lower offers.

They also provide home loans, home equity loans, and mortgage refinancing options. And they even offer their clients debt consolidation solutions. But when it comes to businesses, this brokerage is equipped to assist with several commercial loan options, to suit their needs.

Tips for Strengthening Your Application

If you’re preparing to apply, here are a few ways to improve approval chances:

  • Maintain strong and consistent financial statements
  • Reduce existing business debt where possible
  • Ensure accurate and up-to-date tax filings
  • Strengthen tenant agreements (if applicable)
  • Work with a mortgage broker experienced in commercial lending

Final Words on Commercial Mortgages

There are many reasons borrowers apply for a commercial mortgage, such as property development or securing a new business location.

Fortunately, banks, financial institutions, and mortgage brokers can help finance these loans if eligibility criteria are met. However, commercial mortgages vary widely based on property type, risk, and lender requirements, so it is best to consult with a mortgage advisor before making a decision.