In 2021, the UK commercial mortgage market was showing signs of recovery after the pandemic-induced slowdown. The market was being driven by low-interest rates and strong demand for commercial property, especially in the logistics and distribution sectors. The market was also being fuelled by the government’s policies such as the Stamp Duty holiday and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) which helped small and medium-sized businesses to secure loans.

However, lenders were still cautious due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential for a downturn in the market. As a result, they were being selective in terms of the types of properties they were willing to finance and were placing more emphasis on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.

In terms of interest rates, they were low but rising slowly. The Bank of England’s base rate remained at a historic low of 0.1%, but some lenders were increasing their rates due to concerns about inflation and the impact of the pandemic on the economy.

Overall, the UK commercial mortgage market was showing signs of stability and growth in 2021, but lenders and borrowers alike were proceeding with caution due to the ongoing uncertainties.

Moving forward to 2023, it is important to note that the commercial mortgage market in the UK is subject to various external factors such as changes in government policies, economic trends, and market demand. However, some general trends can be expected based on current market conditions.

One of the main factors driving the UK commercial mortgage market in 2023 is the continued low-interest rate environment and very high demand. While interest rates have been rising slowly in recent years, they are still at historically low levels. This has made borrowing more affordable for businesses looking to finance commercial properties.

However, lenders are still being selective in terms of the types of properties they are willing to finance. This is particularly true for properties that may be considered high risk or in industries that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, such as retail and hospitality. Lenders are also placing a greater emphasis on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, which means that businesses with strong financials are more likely to secure financing.

In terms of property types, there has been a shift towards logistics and distribution centers in recent years. The growth of e-commerce has led to an increased demand for warehouse and distribution space, which has in turn led to higher property values and rental incomes in this sector. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, with logistics and distribution properties remaining in high demand.

Another trend in the commercial mortgage market is the increasing popularity of green finance. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming increasingly important for investors and lenders alike. As a result, businesses looking to finance commercial properties are being encouraged to consider the environmental impact of their operations and to invest in sustainable solutions. Lenders are also offering financing options that are specifically designed to support environmentally friendly projects.

In terms of government policies, there may be some changes in 2023 that could impact the commercial mortgage market. For example, the government may introduce new policies to encourage businesses to invest in sustainable solutions, which could lead to an increase in demand for green finance. Similarly, changes to immigration policies could impact the demand for certain types of commercial properties, such as office space in major cities.

Overall, the UK commercial mortgage market in 2023 is likely to be driven by a combination of interest rates policy decisions by the UK Central Bank, selective lending practices, and changes in market demand. Businesses that are able to demonstrate strong financials and a commitment to sustainable solutions are likely to be in the best position to secure