Bank of Canada 2.25% ▬ 0.00|Prime 4.45% ▬ 0.00|GoC 5yr 3.01% ▲ 0.02|CMB 5yr 3.42% ▲ 0.01|CORRA 2.24% ▼ 0.01|as of Jun 15, 2026 · sample · view the rate board →|Bank of Canada 2.25% ▬ 0.00|Prime 4.45% ▬ 0.00|GoC 5yr 3.01% ▲ 0.02|CMB 5yr 3.42% ▲ 0.01|CORRA 2.24% ▼ 0.01|as of Jun 15, 2026 · sample · view the rate board →|

How Commercial Financing Actually Works

Whether you are buying the building your business operates in, refinancing it, or financing an investment property, a lender asks the same first question: will the property carry the loan? Here is how commercial financing works, what lenders weigh, and how our full Halifax team puts your strongest file forward.

What lenders look at

Commercial financing leans on the property, not just the borrower. A few measures do most of the work.

Property income

Net operating income (NOI): the rent left after operating costs, before financing.

Debt service coverage

DSCR: whether that income covers the loan payments, with room to spare.

Loan to value

LTV: the financing measured against the property's value.

The borrower

Experience, credit, net worth, and track record.

The property

Location, condition, tenants, and lease terms.

How a deal moves

  1. Define the deal and what you are trying to do.
  2. Pressure-test the numbers so the file holds up.
  3. Build the package lenders need to see.
  4. Present it to suitable lenders.
  5. Manage the file through to close.

Your options

Conventional, insured, and alternative

Most deals are conventional (standard lender financing). For multi-unit residential, insured options through CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) may be available to review, which can suit the Halifax apartment market. Where conventional does not fit, alternative (non-bank) lenders may be considered. Any figures are illustrative only.

Private lending, one option to review

Private lending is one option we review when conventional financing does not fit. It is never a default or a recommendation, and we explain the cost and the exit clearly before you commit.

One team, every financing angle, your best file forward.

Picture an owner buying the building their business runs in. We weigh every angle, home equity, commercial, private, and the right lender, and bring the full team to package it. Because residential, commercial, private, and construction sit under one roof, a cross-over deal stays in-house instead of being handed off.

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Discuss commercial financing

Bring us the deal and we will pressure-test the numbers and send a clear document request so you know exactly what to gather. A licensed member of our commercial team will follow up.

Start a conversation
(902) 835-6420  |  contact@tmgharbourtown.ca

Information here is general and educational. It is not financial, legal, or lending advice, and it is not an offer of financing. Any figures are illustrative only. Commercial financing is subject to lender review, property review, and supporting documentation. Submission of a form does not guarantee approval or financing.