SBA Loans for Commercial Real Estate

One of the most popular uses for the SBA loan is for purchasing commercial real estate. Learn about buying land, using the SBA loan to start new construction projects, or securing SBA funding for owner-occupied real estate. Read up on trends in different industries, and SBA CRE requirements for different types of facilities -- from hotels and motels to self-storage and assisted living.

SBA 7(a) loan: program overview

Maximum loan
$5 million (sba.gov, fetched 2026-07-24)
What it funds
Working capital, equipment, owner-occupied commercial real estate, refinancing business debt, and business acquisition.
Who lends
Participating banks and non-bank lenders. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan; it does not lend directly to borrowers.
Rate structure
Negotiated between lender and borrower, capped at the SBA maximum. Most 7(a) loans price off the WSJ prime rate plus a spread.
Personal guaranty
Required from every owner of 20% or more of the business (13 CFR 120.160(a)).

SBA 7(a) rates, fees, and terms · Eligibility and qualifications · Get financing

Program facts confirmed against sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans on Jul 24, 2026. Confirm current fees and maximum rates with your lender before relying on them.

Comparison Table

Current benchmark rates

Benchmarks refresh from our rates service. SBA 7(a) pricing is negotiated between lender and borrower and is capped at the SBA maximum; these benchmarks are the index side of that pricing, not a quote.

Latest Posts: Commercial Real Estate

How Do Commercial Real Estate Loans Work?
Commercial real estate lending isn’t rocket science. But the lack of resources out there on the topic certainly make it feel that way, sometimes. That’s why we’ve designed this infographic to break it down into logical steps.

What is a Commercial Real Estate Loan?
A commercial real estate loan is a mortgage loan secured against a commercial property. It’s similar to a typical home loan, except it’s for a commercial property rather than a residential one. Here’s how to get one.

What's an LTC and LTV Ratio?
Both the LTC (loan-to-cost) and LTV (loan-to-value) ratio are key factors in any commercial real estate construction project. Find both outlined below, but if you'd like direct advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at SBA7a.loans.

What is the SBA 504 Loan Program?
Businesses looking for funding options for large real estate and land projects might find what they need in the SBA 504 loan program. The 504/CDC loan program was created by the SBA in order enable businesses to complete projects much larger than what they would be able to accomplish with other loans.

SBA 7(a) Loans by Property Type

Different commercial properties have different underwriting requirements. Learn more about how the SBA 7(a) loan works with your particular type of commercial real estate here. 

Using the SBA 7(a) for a Self-Storage Facility
Self-storage revenue in the United States is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 2.9% through 2020. Growth is good news for lenders and borrowers, and now might be the time to take on a business mortgage through the SBA loan program.

Using the SBA 7(a) for a Retail Store
Funding a retail business can be very complex: from physical location to inventory, it requires planning and often funding from outside sources. If you can’t “bootstrap” it with your own capital or secure a traditional loan, an SBA 7(a) loan may be the solution.

Using the SBA 7(a) for a Restaurant
New and existing restaurants can both benefit from an SBA loan. Here at SBA7a.Loans, we specialize in helping food service businesses find the funding they need for real estate, equipment, working capital, and more.

Using the SBA 7(a) for a Preschool
In the United States, the daycare industry is expected to be one of the fastest-growing industries through 2020. If you’re ready to take on a business mortgage, the SBA 7(a) loan might be your path to starting a preschool.

Using the SBA 7(a) for an Office Building
Whether you’re building a new office building or buying an existing one, a business mortgage is an expensive ordeal. New office building construction can be more than $150 per square foot, depending on where you’re located.

Using the SBA 7(a) for a Motel
When you’re looking for an SBA lender, it’s important to find one who specializes in motels. Motels have unique underwriting procedures. Because they're often seen as high-risk, make sure you’re getting the best possible loan terms from your SBA lender.

To learn more about the SBA 7(a) loan program or to get a free quote, simply fill out the form on our get financing page and one of our friendly SBA loan experts will get in touch! 

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sba7a.loans is an independently owned and operated website and has no government affiliation. We are not the Small Business Administration and are not a lender. If you are trying to reach the SBA click here to be redirected.