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Introduction
According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Construction Journal Economic Outlook for 2026 details that UK interest rates are forecast to drop down to 3.25% by the end of the year, and inflation to drop down to 2.8%, are being cautiously welcomed by the construction industry as it means that financing costs across the sector could lower and see an uplift in building activity.
It has been the case that since the Covid-19 Pandemic, overall construction growth activity in the UK has been driven by repair and maintenance (R&M) activity with output increasing by over 35% since 2019, with an average annual growth rate of almost 9%. In contrast, new build work across all sectors is currently 7% below pre-pandemic levels, due to significant dips in activity in 2023 and 2024 and then only making a modest recovery in 2025. The latest figures for the end of year 2025 from RICS show construction repair and maintenance activity at +2% growth and new project activity at a -13% decrease.
It is also the case that commercial sector construction is lagging with output down by 8% in 2025 and remaining 30% below pre-pandemic levels from 2019. There has been a decrease in demand from office space and retail as employers continue to shift to remote work and consumers shopping online rather than visiting bricks and mortar locations. However, there is still an increase in demand for new warehousing, logistics and data centre construction.
Businesses who are looking for funding assistance to renovate or expand their commercial premises or explore new builds can access a number of grants and loans to help with these activities. Funding is available from local authorities and enterprise support agencies in towns, cities and across rural areas. In many cases this type of funding is backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Buildings and Renovation Funding Opportunities Available?
i) The Kasbah Regeneration Programme
North East Lincolnshire Council is providing funding to leaseholders of buildings within the Kasbah Conservation Area of Grimsby Docks for repairs and reinstatement of historic features. Eligible works include roof repairs, works to ensure effective removal of rainwater, external wall repairs, repairs to windows and doors, reinstatement of external features and measures to reduce damp. Funding up to £150,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2027
ii) SME Capital Grants
Coventry City Council is running a scheme enabling B2B businesses to invest in capital assets such as machinery or equipment, hardware/software and the Increase in productive capacity of new and existing premises through new property builds, refurbishment activities and extensions. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Transforming Towns Property Development Grant
Denbighshire County Council is providing funding to property owners to develop and upgrade commercial properties in Rhyl town centre. Eligible projects include external works such as shopfronts, improved display windows, signage Improvements, windows and doors, external lighting, roofs and chimneys, rainwater goods and structural works. Internal works include windows and doors, improved accessibility, walls, ceilings, lighting, utilities and services, including heating and structural work. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Grants for Larger Capital Expenditure Projects
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is running a scheme that will support capital projects including, but not limited to, the purchase of larger pieces of machinery and equipment which will be fixed in place in the business premises and not moved in normal use, upgrades and improvements to non-moveable fixed assets including repurposing of buildings for farm diversification and energy efficient products. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Repurposing our High Streets Grants
Cheshire East Council is running a scheme providing funding to businesses or organisations that take up leases on empty commercial premises in Crewe town centre to cover the costs of improving the property or purchasing equipment. Funding up to £30,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Vacant Unit Activation Scheme
Fenland District Council is running a scheme that aims to help owners let commercial properties out with a view to revitalising March town centre and reducing the number of vacant units. Funding is available towards the cost of capital works on vacant properties to bring them up to a lettable standard. Funding up to £25,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) City Centre Improvement Grant
Glasgow City Council is running a scheme that aims to support organisations and communities in Glasgow city centre to create “Meantime Use” spaces, deliver small projects and undertake minor improvement works. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Hemsworth Shop Improvement Grant Scheme
Wakefield Council is providing funding towards the cost of improving the appearance and quality of shop units in Hemsworth and help attract more visitors to the local area. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Buildings and Renovation Funding Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested individuals and businesses can speak to funding advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.
Want To Find The Latest UK Buildings and Renovation Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK buildings and renovation funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/