Podiatry practice loans: SBA rates and eligibility
Offices of Podiatrists · NAICS 621391 · Program that usually fits: 7(a) and 504
Podiatrists borrow to buy an existing practice, open a new office, add equipment like digital X-ray and lasers, or buy the building they practice in. Lenders view podiatry like other medical specialties: strong professional income, low default rates, and a business whose value is tied closely to the doctor. Most loans are 7(a), with 504 used for real estate. Lenders focus on patient volume, payer mix, the selling doctor's transition plan and the buyer's production history.
Who qualifies
Licensed podiatrists (DPMs) in good standing with their state board, including new graduates finishing residency who plan to buy or start a practice. Lenders like associates who have worked in the practice they're buying. Practices must meet Medicare and insurance credentialing requirements to bill. Hospital-owned or nonprofit clinics aren't eligible, but a privately owned group practice qualifies regardless of how many doctors it has.
Which SBA program fits
7(a) for practice purchases
Covers goodwill, equipment, working capital and sometimes real estate in one loan. Practice acquisitions usually run 10 years, and longer when real estate is included.
504 for an office building
Buying or building a medical office fits a 504 loan with a long fixed rate and about 10% down. Practices that rent space to other providers can still qualify if they occupy most of the building.
SBA Express for equipment
Digital X-ray, lasers, ultrasound and exam chairs under $500,000 can go through Express with a quick decision. The rate is slightly higher than standard 7(a), but equipment-only requests get a faster lender decision.
What borrowers use the money for
- Buying an existing podiatry practice
- Opening a new office and build-out
- Digital X-ray, ultrasound and laser equipment
- Buying a medical office building
- Buying out a retiring partner
Typical loan amounts, down payment and terms
Podiatry loans usually range from $200,000 to $1.5 million, with real estate deals higher. Buyers need at least 10% equity under current SBA rules, though a seller note on standby can sometimes cover part of it. Equipment and acquisitions run up to 10 years, and real estate up to 25 years.
What lenders look at for a podiatry practice
Lenders review three years of practice collections, patient counts and payer mix, since Medicare and insurers set much of the revenue. They compare collections to production to judge billing quality. On a purchase, they focus on how long the seller will stay to introduce patients, referral sources from primary care doctors and diabetes clinics, and whether the buyer's own production supports the debt. Surgical work, orthotics and in-office procedures add revenue and help the application.
Example: a $500,000 loan
At today's maximum variable 7(a) rate of 10.00% over 10 years, the payment would be about $6,608 a month. Most well-qualified borrowers get a lower rate. Try your own numbers.
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Today's rate caps
These are the SBA's maximum 7(a) rates with prime at 7.00%. See current SBA loan rates and SBA 504 rates for the full picture.
| Loan amount | Maximum spread | Maximum variable rate today |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | Prime + 6.5 | 13.50% |
| $50,001 to $250,000 | Prime + 6.0 | 13.00% |
| $250,001 to $350,000 | Prime + 4.5 | 11.50% |
| Over $350,000 | Prime + 3.0 | 10.00% |
Related industries and lenders
Related industries
SBA lenders active nationwide
Questions about podiatry practices loans
Can a podiatrist get an SBA loan to buy a practice?
Yes. A 7(a) loan is the most common way podiatrists buy practices. It covers goodwill, equipment and working capital on a 10-year term. You'll need at least 10% equity, and the lender will review the practice's collections and the seller's transition plan.
Can a new podiatrist get a loan to start a practice?
Yes. New DPMs can use 7(a) loans for build-out, equipment and working capital. Lenders want a business plan, a realistic patient ramp-up and student loan payments that still leave room for the new debt. Experience as an associate helps.
How much does a podiatry practice loan cost?
With prime at 7.00%, 7(a) loans above $350,000 are capped at 10.00% variable, and loans from $250,001 to $350,000 at 11.50%. Strong medical borrowers can often negotiate below the cap. Smaller loans carry higher caps.
Can I buy my office building with an SBA loan?
Yes. Owner-occupied medical offices qualify for 7(a) and 504 real estate loans with terms up to 25 years. The 504 debenture rate was about 6.57% in November 2026 for the SBA's portion. Equipment can be included.
Do student loans hurt a podiatrist's SBA application?
They count in the debt analysis, but they don't disqualify you. Lenders look at whether practice income can cover both your personal obligations and the business loan. Income-driven repayment plans often help the numbers. Bring current loan statements to the application.
Sources: SBA 7(a) terms, conditions and maximum variable rates; Federal Reserve H.15 selected interest rates (bank prime loan rate); November 2026 SBA 504 debenture pricing, as published by CDCs; SBA FOIA 7(a) and 504 loan-level data.