Where We Stand: Commercial Mortgage Rates and Today's Market
As we close out 2025, commercial real estate borrowers are seeing a market that’s finally stabilizing after years of volatility. Here’s where things stand heading into the new year.
Current Commercial Mortgage Rates
Commercial mortgage rates start as low as 5.16% as of December 2025. These rates are influenced by key benchmarks: the 5-year Treasury at 3.715% and the 10-year Treasury at 4.139%.
Rates vary widely depending on property type, loan structure, and borrower profile. Expect to see commercial rates ranging from around 5.16% to 15% depending on the deal.
Rates vary widely depending on property type, loan structure, and borrower profile. Expect to see commercial rates ranging from around 5.16% to 15% depending on the deal.
What Drives Commercial Mortgage Pricing
In order to determine commercial mortgage rates, the first thing a lender needs to know is the type of
property involved. Pricing on apartment loans will be lower than pricing for office properties, as
apartments are a preferred investment in today’s market.
After the lender understands the asset class involved, they will look at the deal metrics, which include Loan to Value ratio (LTV), Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), and Debt Yield. Loans with a lower LTV and higher DSCR are considered less risky and will have better pricing.
Another important deciding factor is the location of the property. Top quality urban and suburban markets will be preferred over rural locations. Strong borrowers with experience can expect the best pricing.
After the lender understands the asset class involved, they will look at the deal metrics, which include Loan to Value ratio (LTV), Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), and Debt Yield. Loans with a lower LTV and higher DSCR are considered less risky and will have better pricing.
Another important deciding factor is the location of the property. Top quality urban and suburban markets will be preferred over rural locations. Strong borrowers with experience can expect the best pricing.
Why the Fed Cuts Haven't Helped as Much as Expected
The Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 50 basis points at its September 2024 meeting and
another 25 basis points each at its November and December 2024 meetings.
But here’s what many borrowers don’t realize: most commercial mortgage rates are based on the 5-, 7-, or 10-year treasury rates, and not the Prime Rate.
Long-term treasury rates actually rose since the Fed cut short term rates. On September 18th, the 10-year treasury was roughly 3.70%. By the end of January 2025 this rate had jumped to over 4.50%. Investors are still concerned about future inflation and are adopting a wait and see attitude.
But here’s what many borrowers don’t realize: most commercial mortgage rates are based on the 5-, 7-, or 10-year treasury rates, and not the Prime Rate.
Long-term treasury rates actually rose since the Fed cut short term rates. On September 18th, the 10-year treasury was roughly 3.70%. By the end of January 2025 this rate had jumped to over 4.50%. Investors are still concerned about future inflation and are adopting a wait and see attitude.
The Refinancing Challenge
Higher rates in 2025 can make refinancing challenging, with some borrowers needing to inject cash into deals. Once rates soften, refinancing may become more favorable for many property owners. Many commercial property owners who locked in loans at 4% or lower a few years ago are now facing significant payment shock when those loans mature.
Typical Commercial Loan Terms
Commercial mortgage lenders typically lend up to 75–80% on an apartment purchase (down payment of 20–25% necessary). On other types of commercial property, commercial mortgage lenders will typically lend up to 70–75% (down payment of 25–30% necessary). An exception is for owner-occupied business real estate, where owner/users may qualify for up to 90% LTV financing
My Advice
Don’t wait for the perfect rate. If your deal pencils at today’s numbers, move forward. You can always refinance later if rates drop. The worst outcome is missing a solid opportunity while waiting for conditions that may never materialize.
Have questions about financing your next commercial property? Let’s talk
Have questions about financing your next commercial property? Let’s talk