Buying or selling commercial property in the UK can feel complex, but the process becomes manageable when you break it into clear steps. This guide walks you through the full journey from planning to negotiation to completion.

Understand the UK commercial property market.

Commercial property covers offices, shops, warehouses, industrial units, mixed-use buildings and some investment blocks. It is governed by different tax rules, planning rules and lease structures than residential property.

Before you move ahead, be clear whether your main goal is:

  • To run your own business from the building
  • To hold it as a long-term investment for rental income and capital growth
  • To reshape an existing portfolio (sell weaker assets, buy stronger ones)

Plan your strategy

Spend time on your plan before you start viewing:

  • Set your budget – include deposit, legal fees, surveys, SDLT, agent fees and fit-out.
  • Choose a structure – personal name, partnership, company or pension (SSAS/SIPP), depending on advice from your accountant.
  • Narrow your locations – focus on areas with strong tenant demand, good transport links and realistic business rates.
  • Pick your property type – retail, office, industrial, mixed-use or specialised (care, leisure, etc.).

This planning stage saves time and helps you move quickly when you see the right opportunity.

Step-by-step guide to buying commercial property

Build your professional team.

For most purchasers, a good team is essential:

  • Commercial estate agent or surveyor
  • Commercial property solicitor
  • Accountant and tax adviser
  • Finance broker or lender

They will protect you on legal, tax and valuation issues that are easy to miss on your own.

Arrange finance and funding.

Most buyers use a commercial mortgage. Expect:

  • Deposits often 25–40% of the purchase price
  • Shorter terms than residential (often 15–25 years)
  • Lender checks on rental cover if the building is let

Your adviser should also explain SDLT (or the equivalent in Scotland or Wales) and any VAT treatment on the purchase.

Find and shortlist properties.

Use a mix of agent networks, local knowledge and online platforms focused on UK stock. When you research, look at:

  • Current and potential rent
  • Length and strength of leases
  • Vacancy risk and local demand
  • Condition and likely future repairs

If you want to see a broad range of UK listings in one place, searching for a focused UK property for sale near me can help you compare locations and price levels before you book viewings.

Viewings, surveys and due diligence

Once a property interests you:

  • Inspect layout, access, parking and services.
  • Check visibility and footfall for retail or office.
  • Commission a building survey for structure, roof, services and asbestos.
  • Ask your solicitor to review planning use class, restrictions and any enforcement history.

Offers, heads of terms and legal process

If you want to proceed:

  1. Make an offer – usually subject to contract, survey and finance.
  2. Agree heads of terms – price, deposit, timescales, what is included, any conditions.
  3. Solicitor due diligence – title checks, searches, lease review, replies to enquiries.
  4. Exchange of contracts – you pay a deposit and become legally bound.
  5. Completion – balance is paid, ownership transfers, and you receive the keys.

After completion, your solicitor registers the purchase at HM Land Registry and deals with SDLT returns.

A Guide To Selling Commercial Property

Clarify your goals and timing.

Decide whether you are:

  • Exiting the market
  • Releasing capital to reinvest
  • Reshaping a wider portfolio

Timing the sale around lease events (such as rent reviews or new leases) can affect value.

Get the property and paperwork ready.

Buyers move quicker when information is complete. Work with your solicitor and agent to prepare:

  • Title documents and plans
  • Leases, licences, service charge accounts and rent schedules
  • EPC and any improvement works
  • Fire, asbestos and health and safety records

Deal with obvious repairs or presentation issues so the building photographs well and feels well-managed.

Choose your sales route and market effectively.

Most sellers use a commercial agent regulated by RICS or a similar body.

Your agent will:

  • Advise on guide price and marketing strategy
  • Prepare details, photos and floor plans
  • Qualify buyers and arrange viewings

Auctions or discreet off-market sales can be suitable where speed or privacy matters.

Negotiation, legals and completion

When offers arrive, compare more than just price:

  • Funding strength and proof of funds
  • Conditions (subject to planning, vacant possession, etc.)
  • Proposed timescales

Once you accept an offer, the buyer’s solicitor will carry out due diligence. Your own solicitor will:

  • Draft the contract and replies to enquiries
  • Manage signing, exchange and completion
  • Handle apportionments of rent, service charge and insurance

You then deal with any capital gains tax and accounting entries on the sale.

Key costs, tax and running expenses

Budget for:

  • For buyers – deposit, SDLT or equivalent, legal fees, survey, lender fees, search fees, VAT (where applicable), fit-out and initial repair.
  • Ongoing – business rates, insurance, service charge, maintenance, managing agents, compliance upgrades.
  • For sellers – legal and agent fees, potential CGT, clearing arrears, or works agreed during negotiation.

Getting early advice on tax treatment (for example, capital allowances on fixtures, VAT option to tax and CGT) can improve your net result.

Conclusion

Buying or selling commercial property in the UK is a structured process rather than a mystery. With a clear strategy, the right advisers and realistic expectations on cost and timing, you can move from first idea to completion with confidence and turn each transaction into a strong long-term decision for your business or portfolio.