How to secure a $1.2M commercial loan for a warehouse in the Crestmead Logistics Hub?

Securing a $1.2M commercial loan for a warehouse in the Crestmead Logistics Hub requires a strategic approach, especially as the Logan region continues to grow as a premier industrial corridor. Whether you are a business owner looking to stop paying rent or a property investor eyeing the high demand for "sheds," understanding how lenders view these assets is the first step toward approval.

The Crestmead Logistics Hub is one of South East Queensland’s most significant industrial precincts. Its proximity to the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway makes it a "goldilocks" zone for logistics, manufacturing, and third-party delivery services.

How to qualify for a $1.2M warehouse loan in Crestmead

To secure a loan of this size, lenders primarily look at three things: the property’s value, your ability to repay (servicing), and the strength of your deposit.

• Deposit Requirements: Unlike residential home loans where you might get away with a 5% or 10% deposit, commercial warehouse loans typically require a 20% to 35% deposit. For a $1.2M loan, assuming an 80% Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR), the property would need to be valued at $1.5M, requiring a $300,000 deposit plus costs.
• Servicing the Debt: Lenders will use a Debt Service Cover Ratio (DSCR). Generally, they want to see that your business net income (or the rental income from the warehouse) covers the annual loan repayments by at least 1.25 to 1.5 times.

• Asset Quality: Crestmead is highly favoured by banks because the vacancy rates in Logan are historically low. Modern, high-clearance warehouses with B-double access and 24/7 zoning—standard for the Crestmead Logistics Hub—are considered "prime" security, which can help you secure more competitive interest rates.

Understanding loan types for self-employed buyers

If you are a self-employed business owner in Beenleigh or Logan looking to move into your own warehouse, you have two main paths for financing:

Full-Doc Commercial LoansThese are the standard loans where you provide two years of tax returns, BAS, and financial statements. These typically offer the lowest interest rates and are best if your business has a stable, easily proven income.

Low-Doc and Lease-Doc OptionsFor business owners whose tax returns don't yet reflect their true cash flow, a "Low-Doc" loan may be more suitable. Instead of full tax returns, lenders may accept an accountant's declaration or six months of BAS. Alternatively, "Lease-Doc" loans focus almost entirely on the rental income the warehouse can generate, rather than your personal or business income.

Using your SMSF to buy a warehouse

Many business owners in the Tamborine and Gold Coast regions are now using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to purchase their commercial premises. This allows your business to pay rent directly into your own super fund, effectively building your retirement wealth while providing your business with a permanent home.

This strategy offers significant tax advantages, but the lending requirements are stricter. You will generally need a 30% deposit within the fund, and the loan must be set up as a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA).

Key steps to secure your Crestmead warehouse loan

1. Check Your Zoning: Ensure the specific lot in the Crestmead hub is zoned correctly for your intended use (e.g., Medium Impact Industry). Lenders are wary of "specialised" properties that are hard to re-sell.

1. Organise Your Paperwork: Have your last two years of financials ready, along with a current statement of assets and liabilities. If you are buying through a company or trust, ensure those entities are up to date.
2. Get a Realistic Valuation: Commercial valuations are different from residential ones; they focus on the "capitalisation rate" (yield) and comparable sales in the Logan industrial market.
3. Partner with a Local Expert: A local broker understands the specific demand for the Crestmead Logistics Hub. At Ferns Finance, we have access to over 60 lenders, including niche commercial banks that traditional retail banks might not suggest.

Why the Logan industrial market is a smart play in 2026

The demand for logistics space in the "Logan-Gold Coast" corridor shows no signs of slowing down. With major infrastructure upgrades and the rise of e-commerce, a warehouse in Crestmead is more than just a place to store stock; it is a high-performing capital asset.

Securing $1.2M in funding requires more than just a good credit score—it requires a loan structure that matches your business's cash flow. Whether you're based in Logan, Beenleigh, or the Gold Coast, our team at Ferns Finance can help you navigate the complexities of commercial lending to ensure your application is "bank-ready" from day one.

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