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Types of Properties That Qualify for a Mixed Use Mortgage

Does your property qualify for a mixed use mortgage?

Mixed use mortgages are designed for properties that combine both residential and commercial elements within a single structure or legal title. These types of properties don’t fall neatly into traditional mortgage categories, which is why they require more specialised mortgage lending solutions. Understanding what qualifies as mixed use is key to knowing whether this type of finance is right for your needs. Each property can have difficulties finding the right lender for your mixed use mortgage

What Is Considered Mixed Use?

Generally, a mixed use property will have:

  • A commercial element that’s used for business or rental income generation
  • A residential element that is used as living accommodation (either owner-occupied or let)

To be considered “mixed use,” both parts typically need to be part of the same freehold title, although in some cases, properties with separate leases may still qualify depending on the lender.

Examples of Mixed Use Properties

Below are some common types of mixed use properties that lenders will typically consider:

1. Shop with Flat Above

One of the most common mixed use property types. A ground-floor shop (retail, hairdresser, takeaway, etc.) with one or more flats above. The flats may be owner-occupied or rented out separately.
Example: A newsagent on the ground floor and two flats upstairs let to tenants.

2. Bed and Breakfast (B&B) with Owner’s Accommodation

A guesthouse or B&B where part of the property is used for paying guests, and another part is reserved for the owner’s private residence.
Example: A 5-room B&B in a coastal town with a 2-bedroom apartment for the owner.

3. Home with an Attached Workshop or Studio

This might be a residential property with a mechanic’s garage, art studio, or other workspace physically connected.
Example: A bungalow with an adjoining workshop used for a small furniture-making business.

4. Office with Residential Unit

A building that contains office space and a flat or maisonette. These are increasingly popular in city fringe locations or for small professional practices.
Example: An accountant’s office on the ground floor with a rented studio flat above.

5. Farmhouse with Commercial Units

Rural mixed use examples often include a farmhouse with agricultural buildings, holiday lets, or even commercial lets like cafés or farm shops.
Example: A farm property with a farmhouse, converted barn for holiday rentals, and a roadside farm shop.

6. Public House (Pub) with Accommodation

Pubs and inns often have staff accommodation or a flat for the landlord included above or behind the commercial area.
Example: A freehold public house with a 3-bed flat above for the operator’s family.

Why Property Type Matters to Lenders

Not all lenders will finance every type of mixed use property. Some may specialise in retail and residential combinations, while others are more suited to leisure or rural commercial properties. Key considerations include:

  • The type of business activity on-site (e.g., food service, retail, manufacturing)
  • The proportion of commercial vs residential space
  • Whether the commercial element is owner-occupied or let
  • The borrower’s experience managing similar properties (especially with trading businesses like B&Bs or pubs)

A strong mortgage broker will help match your property type to the right lender to maximise your chances of approval and ensure the terms are competitive.

Quick Reference Table

Property TypeResidential ElementCommercial Element
Shop with flat aboveFlat(s) upstairsRetail shop (newsagent, etc.)
B&B guesthouseOwner suiteMultiple guest rooms
House with attached studioMain residenceWorkshop / artist studio
Office with upstairs apartmentLet-out flatGround-floor office space
Farm property with lettingsFarmhouseHoliday lets / farm shop
Pub with landlord accommodationFlat above or behind pubPublic house / restaurant

Still Not Sure If Your Property Qualifies?

If you’re unsure whether your property meets the criteria for a mixed use mortgage, our advisers can help. We’ll assess the layout, planning classification, and business use to determine the best route forward, whether that’s a mixed use mortgage or an alternative like semi-commercial bridging finance.

types of properties that qualify for a mixed use mortgage shop

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Types of Properties That Qualify for a Mixed Use Mortgage

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