The UK Retail Finance Landscape 2026 (Commercial Mortgages)
The convenience retail sector remains attractive to lenders due to its stable trading fundamentals and dependable income streams.
Lending appetite is strong for experienced operators, whilst well-prepared first-time buyers with solid business plans, sector knowledge and appropriate deposit contributions also continue to access funding. Funding remains available across both freehold and leasehold opportunities where trading fundamentals and covenant strength are evidenced.
Petrol filling station operators have continued to benefit from diversification beyond traditional fuel sales, with convenience retail, foodservice and electric vehicle charging points becoming increasingly important revenue streams - and a key focus for lenders. While fuel volumes face long-term structural challenges associated with electrification, operators are adapting through wider customer propositions. As such, forecourts remain well-positioned from a funding perspective, benefiting from multiple revenue streams and strong underlying asset values. Transactional activity and consolidation across the sector have also reinforced confidence in the long-term viability of quality forecourt assets.
Across both subsectors, debt availability remains healthy. Lenders continue to support acquisitions and refinances, and businesses demonstrating operational resilience, diversified revenue streams and strong asset backing remain particularly well positioned to access funding.
Read the full market review here: Retail Market Review 2026 | Christie & Co