Retail property

Smart-risk lending solutions for retail property owners and developers

Retail properties come in all shapes and sizes, and so do First National’s lending programs for this important asset class.

We understand and appreciate the differences in retail property assets because we work closely with developers and asset managers across the country to achieve their goals through empowering advice and strategic capital deployment.

Retail assets we finance:

Throughout our history of lending across Canada, we have amassed significant experience by participating across these retail asset types:

Neighbourhood plazas and strip malls of 30,000+ sq. ft.
Retail centers of 30,000 to 150,000 sq. ft. often anchored by a supermarket to provide service for daily living
Community centers of 150,000 to 400,000 sq. ft. usually anchored by a junior or discount department store
Regional malls and power centers of 400,000+ sq. ft. anchored by several department stores or big-box retailers

Standard financing

First National’s standard financing programs are favoured by borrowers when acquiring a new property or refinancing an existing building. Loan terms typically range from three to five years, have a fixed interest rate, and are closed to prepayment for the term’s duration.

Bridge financing

First National’s bridge loan terms usually range from three months to three years, include floating interest rates and allow some form of early prepayment. Borrowers choose this solution until standard financing is secured or while they contemplate a property sale, a change in ownership structure or enhance their tenant roster.

Asset repositioning

First National enables owners to access a property’s equity for a short term, typically two years or less, to fund capital improvements or repairs without the need to raise capital from personal sources or less flexible, higher-cost alternatives.

Secondary financing

A First National second mortgage enables borrowers to liberate property equity and use it to purchase another asset or renovate/repair an existing property.

Construction financing

A First National construction loan provides funds to cover the cost of building or rehabilitating a retail property with terms typically of three years or less.

Smart risk solutions in action for retail

See how we’ve applied our financing products innovatively to help retail borrowers achieve their goals with performance and value.

To refinance the property.

$5.1 Million
17,488 sq. ft.
Oakville, Ontario

Conventional first mortgage
5 years term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 66%

To refinance the property and obtain equity capital for renovation business

$11.7 Million
165,528 sq. ft.
Barrie, Ontario

Loan financing
7 years term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 70%

Seeking a term loan to provide capital for the purchase of retail property

$6.8 Million
19,656 sq. ft.
London, Ontario

Conventional loan
5 years term, 25 years amortization
LTV: 60.0%

To refinance the current loan on the subject properties

$4.6 Million
57,574 sq. ft.
Woodstock/Orangeville, Ontario

Refinance
5 years term, 20 years amortization
LTV: 70%

Construction financing for the development of urban retail

$9 million
84,530 sq ft
Oakville, Ontario

Conventional construction advance
3 years term, 8 years amortization
LTV: 75%

Liberate existing debt against property to finance continued improvements on subject property

$6 million
32,542 sq ft
Milton, Ontario

CMHC refinancing first mortgage
Conventional mortgage extension
3 months term, interest only

Construction financing for the development of commercial space on subject property

$5 million
49,120 sq ft
Kitchener, Ontario

Conventional loan extension
1 year term, 8 years amortization
LTV: 65%

Provide funds required to re-lease the site and invest in further additions to subject property

$7 million
42,440 sq ft
North York, Ontario

Conventional bridge renewal
1 year term, 3 years amortization
LTV: 70%

View all recent financings

Latest resources and insights

Original perspectives and personal viewpoints on developments and industry trends in commercial real estate.

Growth, Value and Risk

Bank of Canada brings its benchmark interest rate down 50 basis points to 3.25%

The Bank of Canada tied a bow on 2024 by cutting its policy interest rate once again today to 3.25%. This latest 50 basis point drop – coming on the heels of reductions in June, July, September and October – is welcome news.

View all

Expert insights

A distinctly Western Canadian view of the year in commercial real estate financing

Activity in 2024 was bifurcated. In the first half of the year, overall real estate investment activity was relatively muted as interest rates remained in restrictive territory.

View all

Borrower perspectives

Borrower Perspectives: Rob Piroli, President, Piroli Group

Founded in 1992 in Leamington, Ontario, Piroli Group started in general contracting (under the name of Piroli Construction) but has evolved into a multi-faceted development group.

View all

Capital Markets update

Market Commentary: A catch-up and overview of the markets

First National’s, Jason Ellis, provides an overview as well as an update of the markets including rates, Government announcements and changes to the Commercial mortgages. Read an overview here.

View all

Sign up for Market updates

Economic and political developments – both in Canada and globally – can impact the commercial real estate market. First National experts follow these trends closely and provide honest, real and professional perspectives into what they could mean for your portfolio.