The UK Leisure Finance Landscape 2026 (Commercial Mortgages)
The leisure sector has remained relatively active from a funding perspective in 2026, with lenders generally taking comfort from the sector’s continued resilience despite ongoing cost pressures. Whilst rising employment costs and margin pressures remain key considerations, funding remains available for both acquisitions and refinancings where operators can demonstrate a stable trading history, experienced management and a clear route to maintaining profitability.
In the holiday park market, funding demand has been driven largely by refinancing activity and selective expansion opportunities. Lenders continue to favour larger, established parks with a strong level of recurring income, good occupancy levels and a diverse holiday offering. That said, regardless of size, we are finding that borrowers who have invested in accommodation quality and wider customer experience are generally receiving a more favourable reception from funders, particularly where that investment has translated into stronger trading performance.
Marinas continue to be viewed positively by lenders. High barriers to entry, constrained supply and recurring berth income create a relatively predictable income profile, which sits well within lender credit criteria. Whilst transactional activity remains limited compared with other leisure asset classes, we continue to see strong interest in established marinas capable of generating income beyond berthing through commercial, retail or leisure uses.
As a result, both refinancing and acquisition funding continues to attract competitive lender interest.
The visitor attraction sector presents a more varied picture, with lender appetite often driven by the quality of the individual businesses rather than the asset class itself. Attractions that benefit from a recognised and established brand, strong visitor numbers and multiple income streams remain fundable, particularly where operators have demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing consumer trends.
Case Study: Christie Finance supported the acquisition of Rainbow Plants, a well-established 10-acre wholesale nursery, alongside additional funding to support the working capital requirements of the purchaser’s existing business.
Rainbow Plants benefits from a diversified customer base across garden centres, landscaping contractors and housebuilders, reducing reliance on a single income stream and strengthening the resilience of the trading profile.
This funding represents a strong example of lender appetite for established operators in the horticulture and garden centre supply chain and the ability to leverage existing assets, trading history and site investment, reducing reliance on additional equity while preserving working capital.
Read the full market review here: Leisure Market Review 2026 | Christie & Co