SOLUTIONS

Commercial real estate financing for mixed-use condo corporations

Condo corporations with commercial components have financing needs that fall outside what standard commercial lenders handle. Condominium Lending Group works specifically in this space. We know the governance requirements, the documentation each step demands, and the approval processes that make condo corporation financing distinct from standard commercial lending.

$500M+

Financing Arranged

100+

Condo Corporations Served

13

Provinces & Territories Served

24 Hour

Initial Response Time

THE CHALLENGE

Standard commercial lenders don't understand condo corporation structure

Mixed-use condo corporations, buildings with both residential and commercial components, often fall into a gap when seeking financing. Traditional commercial mortgage lenders evaluate income-producing properties. Residential mortgage lenders focus on individual unit owners. Neither category fits a condo corporation well.

Condo corporations don’t have income in the traditional commercial sense. They collect monthly fees from unit owners. Decision-making runs through boards, bylaws, and in some cases an owner vote. Security is taken against the corporation’s personal property through a General Security Agreement, not a charge against real property titles.

When a mixed-use condo corporation approaches a standard commercial lender, the process tends to stall. Documentation requests don’t fit the corporate structure, and the eventual financing terms rarely reflect how the corporation is actually governed.

THE SOLUTION

Financing that accounts for how condo corporations are actually governed

Condominium Lending Group works with mixed-use condo corporations to structure financing that accounts for the commercial components while fitting within the corporation’s governance framework. We know the documentation each step requires and how to structure repayment around fee collection rather than rental income.

The specific need varies by corporation. Some require capital repair financing for commercial common elements. Others need reserve fund financing where the commercial component affects the contribution structure. In all cases our team has direct experience with the added complexity mixed-use buildings bring.

We serve registered condo corporations across Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. If your building has a commercial component and you are unsure whether your corporation qualifies, contact our team directly for an initial assessment.

THE PROCESS

How Commercial Real Estate Financing Works

Most corporations receive an initial response within one business day. Here is what the process looks like from first contact to funded.

01

Contact Us

Reach out with a brief description of your building, the financing need, and your timeline. You do not need final pricing or a confirmed project scope to start the conversation.

02

We Assess Your Situation

We review your reserve fund study, financial statements, and project details. Most corporations receive an initial response and preliminary financing overview within one business day.

03

Your Board Presents The Option

Once approved, funds are deployed directly to your corporation. Your building gets the work done with no special levies and no financial disruption to owners.

04

Condo Gets Funds Advanced

Once the bylaw is approved, funds are advanced directly to the corporation. Repayment begins through monthly common expense contributions.

WHO WE WORK WITH

Condo Corporations And Strata Councils Across Canada

The different types of corporations that Condo Lending works with across Canada.

Mixed-use residential and commercial

Condo corporations where the building contains both residential units and commercial spaces, whether retail, office, or parking, as common elements or separate commercial units within the corporation.

Commercial common element repairs

Corporations requiring financing for repairs or improvements to commercial common elements, including lobbies, parking structures, retail frontages, and loading areas, where the cost exceeds available reserve funds.

Complex governance structures

Corporations with more complex ownership structures, phased developments, or bare land strata with commercial components that require a lender with direct experience in non-standard condominium governance.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Commercial Real Estate Financing — Questions Boards Ask

FAQ

Do mixed-use condo corporations qualify for financing?

Yes. Condominium Lending Group works with mixed-use condo corporations in addition to purely residential ones. The presence of commercial components adds complexity to the financing evaluation but does not disqualify a corporation. Contact our team to discuss the specific structure of your corporation and how financing can be applied.

Is commercial real estate financing different from condo corporation financing?

Traditional commercial real estate financing is designed for income-producing properties evaluated on revenue, cap rates, and debt service coverage. Condo corporation financing is structured around the corporation’s fee collection capacity, financial health, and governance obligations. The two categories are fundamentally different. Condominium Lending Group specializes in condo corporation financing, not traditional commercial lending, which means our evaluation process fits how your corporation actually operates.

What security does the lender take on a mixed-use corporation?

The same as for a residential corporation, a General Security Agreement against the condo corporation’s personal property. No security interest is registered against individual unit titles, whether residential or commercial. Unit owners and commercial unit holders do not provide personal guarantees.

Can financing cover improvements to commercial spaces within the corporation?

This depends on the specific structure of your corporation and what the commercial spaces constitute, whether common elements or separate commercial units. Contact our team to discuss your building’s specific situation and we will advise on what financing structures are available and appropriate.

What provinces does Condominium Lending Group serve for commercial financing?

Condominium Lending Group currently serves condo corporations in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. This applies to both residential and mixed-use corporations. If your building is located in another province, contact us and we will advise on whether we can assist or refer you to an appropriate resource.

GET STARTED

Talk to a specialist about your mixed-use corporation

Mixed-use condo financing is more complex than standard residential financing. Contact our team for a direct conversation about what is available for your specific building.