Commercial mortgages are typically more expensive than residential mortgages for several reasons:
Risk: Lenders consider commercial mortgages to be riskier than residential mortgages. This is because commercial properties are typically used for business purposes, and businesses may have fluctuations in income and may be more susceptible to economic downturns. The potential for a tenant to default on rent payments, which is the primary source of income for the property owner, is also higher for commercial properties.
Loan size: Commercial mortgages tend to be larger than residential mortgages, which means that lenders are taking on more risk and tying up more of their capital. This can lead to higher interest rates and fees.
Underwriting costs: The underwriting process for commercial mortgages is more complex than for residential mortgages. Lenders must review the financial statements of the property owner and any potential tenants, as well as the property's cash flow and valuation. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, and lenders may pass these costs on to borrowers.
Market factors: Commercial mortgage rates are also affected by market factors such as the overall health of the economy, interest rates, and competition among lenders. In times of economic uncertainty, lenders may be more cautious and charge higher rates to compensate for the increased risk.
Overall, commercial mortgages are typically more expensive than residential mortgages because of the increased risk, larger loan sizes, and more complex underwriting process involved.