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Sustainable Business Mortgages

Mortgages designed to support businesses that create environmental or social value – from sustainable enterprises to community‑focused organisations working to strengthen local economies.

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Any home or property given as security may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured on it

Why partner with Ecology?

Key features of our mortgages

Borrow up to 70% loan-to-value, subject to eligibility.
Mortgage terms typically range from 1 to 30 years.
Mortgages available on a capital and interest basis. Interest rates are variable.
Stage‑release payments available during renovation or environmental-impact improvement projects, subject to maximum LTV.
Designed for a wide range of environmentally focused businesses.
We assess every application individually.

How we support your project

We take time to understand your goals and how your project supports the environment or strengthens your local area.
We take a balanced view of the environmental, social and community impact your business creates.
A site visit may be arranged to provide a fuller picture of your business premises and plans.
Our team are experienced in supporting sustainable and non‑traditional enterprises.

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View Eligibility, Fees and Charges

Eligibility

Borrowers must be 18 or over, and this mortgage is only available to UK‑registered businesses, sole traders or partnerships.
Suitable for businesses that deliver environmental benefits or contribute to the sustainability of local communities.
We will need to see the last three years’ business accounts (loans for start‑ups are not available).
Eligible business types include:
- Environmental or low‑impact enterprises
- Fairtrade, organic or ethical businesses
- Workers’ co‑operatives and mutually owned organisations
- Rural or community‑serving businesses
- Sustainable architecture practices or environmental consultancies
- Educational or research services focused on sustainability
- All secured loans are subject to valuation.

Fees and charges

Application fee – non‑refundable and payable when you formally apply.
Offer acceptance fee – payable when you accept a formal mortgage offer.
Early repayment charge – may apply if you repay all or part of your mortgage within the first two years.
Stage‑release valuations and associated fees will be discussed with you.

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Our Mortgages for Sustainable Businesses are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

People and projects we support

We work with businesses that protect the environment, strengthen communities, or create positive, lasting impact.

Projects we support:

Sustainable business premises (new builds, renovations, conversions)
Organic farming or low‑impact land use
Fairtrade and ethical retail
Vegan, vegetarian or environmentally focused hospitality
Renewable or environmental technology businesses
Community‑serving enterprises such as local amenities
Educational and research facilities focused on sustainability

We do not lend for:

New start‑up organisations (business accounts for the last three years are required)

Enquire Now

Complete our enquiry form to get started.
Or, if you prefer, call or email us.

01535 650770
[email protected]
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (opening at 10am on Tuesdays)

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Fill out this form and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can find details about repayment types, loan-to-values, and available loan sizes on the relevant product page.

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Organisation Name*

Date Established*

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How much would you like to borrow?*

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Tell us briefly about your project or how we can help

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FAQs

Do we need to provide planning permission for a new build development?

Yes, we require detailed planning permission for an application.

What information do we need to progress a mortgage application?

We will need to be satisfied that you have enough income or surplus to meet the mortgage repayments and we’ll need to see a business plan showing the forecast income and expenditure for the organisation together with copies of your past three years’ accounts.

What deposit do we need for our mortgage?

You need a minimum deposit of 30% of the purchase price or value of the property(ies) being mortgaged, whichever is the lower.

Do we still need a deposit if we already own the land and have planning permission?

No, you don’t always need a deposit; we can lend based on the value of your land or property, providing you already own the land and it’s mortgage-free. Also, if you need us to, we can help you repay any outstanding finance on the land.

How long do we have to complete a new build or renovation project?

Subject to planning constraints, we allow a maximum of 2 years for you to complete the project.

Do you offer stage payments?

Yes, although we do not release payments at set construction milestone stages (e.g. foundation, wall plate etc). We release funds as and when the build progresses and release up to a percentage of the increased value of the property.

Can we have interest-only during a new build or renovation phase?

Yes, we can consider an interest-only period during the construction or renovation phase.

Does Ecology require a particular build warranty on completion of my project?

A build warranty is not a mandatory lending requirement of our mortgage and we are happy with a Building Regulation Completion Certificate. However, if you wish to take out a build warranty for the completion of the property then this is acceptable to the Society.

Do we need to have been established for a minimum period before you will lend to us?

Yes, you need to have a minimum of three years’ trading or accounting history.

How much will our mortgage cost a month?

As soon as we know that we can help, we’ll provide you with an indicative illustration, showing how much your monthly repayment will be for the amount you want to borrow, over the term you require.