How to buy business premises without a bank

  • KVK Editors
  • How to
  • 1 February 2021
  • Edited 23 January 2026
  • 2 min
  • Managing and growing
  • Finance

Buying or remodelling business premises costs money. If the bank has turned down your loan application, there are alternative forms of financing available for a business mortgage. Check the options here.

5 alternative types of financing

If you are unable to fund a business property using a business mortgage, you can also choose an alternative form of financing. As with business mortgages, alternative forms of financing provide a maximum of 70% of the purchase price for a commercial property. You need your own money to cover the remainder. Here are 5 alternatives for a business mortgage . 

1. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding involves asking investors to invest through a platform. The maximum amount you can raise through crowdfunding is €5 million.

Several crowdfunding platforms finance real estate. Crowdfunding platforms specialised in funding property include:

  • Mogelijk
  • Crowdrealestate
  • Briqwise
  • FDCfunding
  • MaxCrowdfund

There are also crowdfunding platforms that provide financing for working capital and business assets, including financing for real estate :

  • Collin Crowdfund
  • Geldvoorelkaar
  • Waardevoorjegeld
  • NL Investeert
  • Horeca Crowdfunding

2. Qredits

Qredits provides mortgage loans of between €50,000 and €250,000, with a term of between 1 and 20 years. You pay monthly repayments and interest. The credit facility is intended for commercial property you use for your own business, and not for buildings bought as an investment.

3. Leasing

Sale-and-leaseback transactions involve selling business assets, in this case your commercial building, to an investment firm. You subsequently lease it back. This might be a solution if your business is struggling financially. The proceeds from the sale will then give your cash flow a temporary boost.

4. Business angels

Business angels are entrepreneurs who invest in innovative businesses during the start-up and growth stages, intending to make a profit. In addition to money, business angels offer knowledge, their own experience in the business world, and networking opportunities for your business growth. You can also use the funds you receive from a business angel to acquire business premises. 

5. Family and friends

Another option is taking out a private loan from family or friends. Set out the terms of the loan carefully and be aware of the pros and cons. Clear terms and conditions increase your chances of keeping a good relationship with your friend or family member.

Choosing a type of financing

If you are looking for an alternative form of financing to buy commercial premises, take note of the following:

  • required amount of loan
  • fees, charges, and terms and conditions
  • repayment term

Compare fees and charges such as interest, repayment, closing fee, and administrative fees if you change your legal form. Check the terms and conditions for early repayment. Will you need to pay a fine, or are you exempt from them?

Be sure to read the small print of the credit proposal. You should also check if the financier has a quality mark (in Dutch) and is a member of a trade or industry association. If this is the case, they are bound by the rules of a code of conduct. The code of conduct requires that the parties involved communicate clearly during the funding process.

Help with financing

Do you want to know more about financing your business premises? Use the information in the Financing Guide. Or get help from a certified financial adviser (in Dutch). You can also call the KVK Advice Team on 088 585 11 11.

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