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Introduction
According to the UK Commercial Property Monitor for Q1 2025 by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) there is an increase in demand for occupancy for office (+6%) and industrial (+9%) premises when compared with the previous quarter, signifying gradual improvements in market sentiment for the commercial property sector. However, in comparison the demand for retail premises is struggling with a -1% change in demand compared with the previous quarter.
The rise in National Insurance contributions for employers has been cited by survey respondents as one of the main factors that will affect overall commercial premises demand over the next 12 months, creating increased financial pressure on current and potential future occupants. Other respondents have cited that the uncertainty of US Tariff levels against the UK by President Trump as potentially affecting businesses decisions for taking on new commercial occupation over the next 12 months.
Both commercial premises owners and existing and new leaseholders can revitalise a business space by carrying out renovation activity and therefore make the long term use of a building a more attractive proposition. Financial support for improving commercial premises can be found from local authorities and enterprise support agencies in towns, cities and across rural areas. There is also funding available for the building of new commercial properties where existing premises are not suitable or for the conversion of one property type into another.
Here Is A Selection Of The Latest Building and Renovation Funding Schemes
i) Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund
Growing Mid Wales is providing a fund that aims to enable the development of new commercial property, including the provision of infrastructure and utilities as necessary and enable the extension, renovation/refurbishment, retrofit or conversion of existing commercial property. Funding up to £2.5m is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund
Invest in Bradford is providing funding to businesses to support investment projects that create new revenue streams, improve productivity and expand or diversify existing businesses leading to sustainable growth and job creation. Eligible funding includes the renovation and improvement of commercial premises. Funding up to £315,000 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, Denbigh and Corwen town centres. Freeholders and occupiers of commercial premises with a long term lease are eligible to apply. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Repurposing our High Street Grants
Cheshire East Council is 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
v) Vacant Unit Activation Scheme
Fenland District Council is running a scheme 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
vi) Choose Chorley Relocation Grant
Choose Chorley will assist with relocation costs for existing businesses that are permanently relocating into the borough of Chorley and are creating jobs. Eligible activities include the construction of new buildings, refurbishment or adaptation of existing business premises, site engineering works, external signage, hard/soft landscaping and security improvements. Funding up to £25,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Mauchline Town Centre Regeneration
East Ayrshire Council is providing a scheme that aims to maximise and sustain the economic potential of Mauchline’s Culture and Heritage assets. Grants of up to 90% of eligible costs are available for priority building projects, grants of up to 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £15,000 are available for the reinstatement of architectural detail and grants of up to 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £25,000 are available for small building repairs and shopfront improvements.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2026
viii) Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grant Scheme
Belfast City Council has funding available to incentivise property owners and potential occupiers to bring vacant spaces back into use and support the revitalisation of the city centre. The grants can be used for external capital works, internal capital works and the diversification of a property’s unoccupied space to help existing businesses survive. Funding up to £24,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Building 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 businesses can speak to funding specialists 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 More UK Building and Renovation Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK building and renovation funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/