Retail

Bridge financing

First National’s bridge loan terms usually range from three months to three years, include floating interest rates and allow some form of early prepayment. Borrowers choose this solution until standard financing is secured or while they contemplate a property sale, a change in ownership structure or enhance their tenant roster.

Bridge financing for retail properties

First National’s bridge loans are ideal for borrowers who have yet to secure standard financing or who need the time and flexibility to plot a better future for their retail property assets.

Our bridge loan terms typically range from three months to three years, include floating interest rates and allow some form of early prepayment.

Borrowers choose our bridge loans until standard financing is secured or while they contemplate a property sale or a change in ownership structure.

Additionally, a bridge loan can be used opportunistically to execute an operational strategy such as negotiating new leases or securing new tenants to position the property more positively for standard financing. This type of short-term financing can be used to provide a borrower with enough time to stabilize a property with the ultimate goal of positioning it for standard financing.

Consistent cash flows, strong operational history and a borrower’s net worth, and liquidity are key considerations for this type of financing.

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Smart risk solutions in action for retail

See how we’ve applied our financing products innovatively to help retail borrowers achieve their goals with performance and value.

To refinance the property.

$5.1 Million
17,488 sq. ft.
Oakville, Ontario

Conventional first mortgage
5 years term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 66%

To refinance the property and obtain equity capital for renovation business

$11.7 Million
165,528 sq. ft.
Barrie, Ontario

Loan financing
7 years term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 70%

Seeking a term loan to provide capital for the purchase of retail property

$6.8 Million
19,656 sq. ft.
London, Ontario

Conventional loan
5 years term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 60.0%

To refinance the current loan on the subject properties

$4.6 Million
57,574 sq. ft.
Woodstock/Orangeville, Ontario

Refinance
5 years term, 20 years amortization
LTV: 70%

Construction financing for the development of urban retail

$9 million
84,530 sq ft
Oakville, Ontario

Conventional construction advance
3 years term, 8 years amortization
LTV: 75%

Liberate existing debt against property to finance continued improvements on subject property

$6 million
32,542 sq ft
Milton, Ontario

CMHC refinancing first mortgage
Conventional mortgage extension
3 months term, interest only

Construction financing for the development of commercial space on subject property

$5 million
49,120 sq ft
Kitchener, Ontario

Conventional loan extension
1 year term, 8 years amortization
LTV: 65%

Provide funds required to re-lease the site and invest in further additions to subject property

$7 million
42,440 sq ft
North York, Ontario

Conventional bridge renewal
1 year term, 3 years amortization
LTV: 70%

View all recent financings

Latest resources and insights

Original perspectives and personal viewpoints on developments and industry trends in commercial real estate.

Growth, Value and Risk

Bank of Canada brings its benchmark interest rate down 50 basis points to 3.25%

The Bank of Canada tied a bow on 2024 by cutting its policy interest rate once again today to 3.25%. This latest 50 basis point drop – coming on the heels of reductions in June, July, September and October – is welcome news.

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Expert insights

A distinctly Western Canadian view of the year in commercial real estate financing

Activity in 2024 was bifurcated. In the first half of the year, overall real estate investment activity was relatively muted as interest rates remained in restrictive territory.

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Borrower perspectives

Borrower Perspectives: Rob Piroli, President, Piroli Group

Founded in 1992 in Leamington, Ontario, Piroli Group started in general contracting (under the name of Piroli Construction) but has evolved into a multi-faceted development group.

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Capital Markets update

Market Commentary: A catch-up and overview of the markets

First National’s, Jason Ellis, provides an overview as well as an update of the markets including rates, Government announcements and changes to the Commercial mortgages. Read an overview here.

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View other retail mortgage solutions

Standard financing

First National’s standard financing programs are favoured by borrowers when acquiring a new property or refinancing an existing building. Loan terms typically range from three to five years, have a fixed interest rate, and are closed to prepayment for the term’s duration.

Asset repositioning

First National enables owners to access a property’s equity for a short term, typically two years or less, to fund capital improvements or repairs without the need to raise capital from personal sources or less flexible, higher-cost alternatives.

Secondary financing

A First National second mortgage enables borrowers to liberate property equity and use it to purchase another asset or renovate/repair an existing property.

Construction financing

A First National construction loan provides funds to cover the cost of building or rehabilitating a retail property with terms typically of three years or less.