Commercial Real Estate Loans in Ohio: 2025 Investor Guide
Ohio’s diverse cities and stable economy make it an attractive environment for commercial real estate (CRE) investors in 2025. Whether you’re financing a downtown Columbus office building, a Dayton industrial property, or a Cleveland multifamily portfolio, understanding the latest lending opportunities and requirements is essential. This guide delivers an in-depth look at commercial mortgages in Ohio, including rates, underwriting trends, top local lenders, and step-by-step processes for a successful CRE investment.
- Commercial Real Estate Loans in Ohio: 2025 Investor Guide
- Ohio Commercial Real Estate Market Overview (2025)
- Types of Commercial Real Estate Loans in Ohio (2025)
- Key Commercial Lenders in Ohio (2025)
- Ohio Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Rates & Terms (2025)
- Step-by-Step Ohio Commercial Mortgage Application Process (2025)
- Ohio CRE Success Stories (2025)
- Ohio CRE Market Trends & Outlook (2025)
- Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio Commercial Real Estate Mortgages (2025)
- Connect with Ohio CRE Lenders in 2025
Ohio Commercial Real Estate Market Overview (2025)
Ohio’s economy is forecast to grow moderately in 2025, with a steady demand for commercial space across several industries. The state’s strategic location and transportation infrastructure, especially in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, continue to attract both in-state and out-of-state investors seeking stable returns and a resilient tenant base.
- Columbus Arena District: Booming mixed-use development, office, and hospitality projects.
- Downtown Cleveland: Major investments in retail and office tower renovations.
- The Cincinnati Banks: High-value waterfront commercial and multifamily complexes.
- Dublin Bridge Street District: Rapidly expanding tech and medical office hub.
- Dayton Innovation Corridor: Strong industrial and logistics growth for 2025.
- Toledo Warehouse District: Popular for warehouse conversions and CRE investments.
- Akron Biomedical Corridor: Expanding medical offices and research facilities.
Types of Commercial Real Estate Loans in Ohio (2025)
Focus: Commercial Mortgages
This year, Ohio investors have unprecedented access to tailored commercial mortgage products. These permanent loans come with fixed or variable rates, generous amortization periods, and terms suitable for a range of asset types.
Need capital? GHC Funding offers flexible funding solutions to support your business growth or real estate projects. Discover fast, reliable financing options today!
⚡ Key Flexible Funding Options:
GHC Funding everages financing types that prioritize asset value and cash flow over lengthy financial history checks:
DSCR Rental Loan
- No tax returns required
- Qualify using rental income (DSCR-based)
- Fast closings ~3–4 weeks
SBA 7(a) Loan
- Lower down payments vs banks
- Long amortization improves cash flow
- Good if your business occupies 51%+
Bridge Loan
- Close quickly — move on opportunities
- Flexible underwriting
- Great for value-add or transitional assets
SBA 504 Loan
- Low fixed rates through CDC portion
- Great for construction, expansion, fixed assets
- Often lower down payment than bank loans
🌐 Learn More
For details on GHC Funding's specific products and to start an application, please visit our homepage:
- Permanent Commercial Mortgages: Long-term fixed or floating rate financing for stabilized office, retail, multifamily, or industrial properties. Terms typically range from 5 to 25 years.
- SBA 504 & 7(a) Loans: Small business-friendly mortgages for owner-occupied properties and expansions in Ohio’s growing business corridors.
- Portfolio Loans: Flexible options for investors holding several Ohio CRE assets or mixed-use portfolios.
- CMBS Loans: Attractive for large assets ($2M+) in core urban centers due to non-recourse structure and favorable rates.
Key Commercial Lenders in Ohio (2025)
Partnering with Ohio’s top CRE lenders connects you to competitive rates, local expertise, and efficient underwriting tailored to state trends:
- Huntington National Bank – Headquartered in Columbus, offers comprehensive CRE solutions statewide.
- KeyBank Real Estate Capital – Cleveland-based lenders specializing in office, retail, and multifamily projects.
- First Financial Bank – Excellent for SBA loans and traditional CRE mortgages in southwestern Ohio.
- Fifth Third Bank – Robust bridge and construction-to-perm loan products, plus strong local support.
- Cedars Commercial Lending – Local boutique lender with expedited CRE loan approvals and tailored underwriting.
Ohio Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Rates & Terms (2025)
After recent economic stabilization, Ohio commercial rates remain competitive:
| Loan Type | Typical Rate (2025) | Term | LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Fixed | 6.05% – 7.20% | 5-20 yrs | 70-75% |
| 5/7/10-Year ARM | 6.45% – 7.50% | 5-10 yrs | 70% |
| CMBS | 6.25% – 7.10% | 10 yrs | 70% |
| SBA 504 | 5.90% – 6.55% | 20-25 yrs | 80-85% |
Loan rates are influenced by property type, local demand (especially in Columbus and Cincinnati CBDs), borrower profile, and current Fed policy.
Step-by-Step Ohio Commercial Mortgage Application Process (2025)
- Identify the Asset: Assess your target property—location, class, and expected cash flow. Gather up-to-date rent rolls, appraisals, and performance data.
- Select the Right Lender: Compare offerings from banks like Huntington or KeyBank, as well as regionally focused lenders. Consider rate, flexibility, relationship, and closing speeds.
- Submit Pre-Application: Prepare financial statements (2-3 years), tax returns, business plans, and a property pro forma. Many lenders also want personal guarantees for smaller investments.
- Receive Term Sheet: Negotiate preliminary terms—rate, amortization, prepayments. Scrutinize lender fees, required reserves, and covenants.
- Due Diligence and Underwriting: The lender will order third-party reports (appraisal, environmental Phase I), review leases, and stress-test cash flows.
- Commitment & Closing: Upon approval, you execute the loan agreement. Finalize title, insurance, and closing documents. Fund disbursement occurs post-closing.
Ohio CRE Success Stories (2025)
- Columbus Arena District Office Acquisition: An investor secured a $3.8M permanent commercial mortgage from Huntington National Bank at 6.45% fixed for 10 years, refinancing older debt on a stabilized, 40,000 sq ft office space. With improved tenant leases, the property’s DSCR now exceeds 1.35x, supporting sustainable cash flow for the next decade.
- Cleveland Mixed-Use Development: A local developer used a $2.1M CMBS loan provided by KeyBank to finance a mixed-use redevelopment in the Warehouse District. The 10-year, 6.30% non-recourse loan featured 30-year amortization, enabling the repositioning of retail and residential units with minimal equity injection.
- Small Business Expansion in Cincinnati: Through First Financial Bank, an Ohio manufacturer obtained an SBA 504 loan for $690,000 at 6.10%, enabling the purchase of a Dayton industrial flex space. Favorable terms allowed the company to expand operations and add two new shipping lines in 2025.
- Dublin Class A Medical Office: A syndicate led by Fifth Third Bank closed a $4.5M permanent mortgage at 6.60%, fixed for 7 years, on a trophy medical office building in the heart of the Bridge Street District. The project enjoys stable tenancy from expanded regional healthcare groups.
Ohio CRE Market Trends & Outlook (2025)
- Continued flight to quality in downtown Columbus and Cincinnati, with cap rates holding steady at 6-7% for core assets.
- Strong demand for multifamily, medical office, and suburban industrial, particularly near the Dayton Innovation Corridor and Akron’s research hub.
- Increased lending appetite for properties with ESG upgrades or energy-efficient retrofits, particularly from Ohio-based lenders.
- Bridge and construction loans remain viable, but permanent commercial mortgages dominate due to stabilizing rates and leasing trends.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio Commercial Real Estate Mortgages (2025)
- What minimum down payment is required? Most lenders require 25-30% equity for investor loans in Ohio, but SBA and select programs can go as low as 15%.
- What is the minimum loan amount? Generally, $500,000 for non-SBA CRE mortgages; SBA loans can start at $250,000 for owner-users.
- Can I finance properties statewide? Yes, though underwriting standards and interest rates may vary by market, especially between major metros and smaller cities like Toledo or Youngstown.
- How fast can I close? Well-prepared borrowers in Ohio can close in 35-60 days; expedited options available for repeat sponsors.
Connect with Ohio CRE Lenders in 2025
Ohio’s commercial lending landscape is dynamic, relationship-driven, and offers value to investors from main street to urban high-rises. By choosing the right commercial mortgage structure and lender fit, local and national sponsors can optimize ROI and reduce risk in one of the Midwest’s most vibrant CRE markets.
Get a No Obligation Quote Today.
Use these trusted resources to grow and manage your small business—then connect with GHC Funding
to explore financing options tailored to your needs.
GHC Funding helps entrepreneurs secure working capital, equipment financing, real estate loans,
and more—start your funding conversation today.
Helpful Small Business Resources
