Commercial Property Loans in Australia: Types and Key Application Criteria
Learn about major commercial property loan types in Australia, including commercial property loans and development loans, and key approval metrics like LVR and debt service coverage ratio.
Types of Commercial Property Loans
Commercial property loans are designed for purchasing or refinancing commercial real estate, such as office buildings, retail spaces, or industrial properties.

Development loans are another major type, used to fund construction or development projects on land. These loans typically have different structures and drawdown schedules compared to standard commercial property loans.
Key Approval Metrics
Lenders assess several key financial indicators when evaluating a commercial property loan application. One of the most important is the loan-to-value ratio (LVR), which compares the loan amount to the property’s value. A lower LVR generally indicates a lower risk for the lender.
Another critical metric is the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), which measures a borrower’s ability to repay the loan from the property’s income. A higher DSCR suggests a stronger cash flow position and may improve the chances of approval.
These metrics help lenders gauge the risk of a commercial property loan and determine the terms they are willing to offer.