Guide · Real Estate Investors
Letting and buying commercial property
How offices, retail and logistics differ from residential property.
Key points
- Define the required outcome before approaching providers
- Verify qualifications and relevant experience
- Compare written scope, responsibilities and extra costs
- Keep decisions and key evidence documented
More contractual freedom
Commercial leases are less regulated than residential ones. Term, indexation and service charges are negotiated individually.
Tenant quality matters
The value of a commercial property depends heavily on the tenant, remaining lease term and alternative use.
Careful review
Technical, legal and financial due diligence are standard. Specialist agents, managers and advisers can take on parts of it.
Checklist
- Objective and constraints written down
- Comparable proposals reviewed
- Qualifications and references checked
- Scope, timing and fees agreed
- Change process and contact person identified
Common mistakes
- Choosing on price alone
- Accepting an unclear scope
- Using unrelated references as proof of suitability
Frequently asked questions
How many proposals should I compare?
Two or three genuinely comparable proposals are often more useful than many offers with different assumptions.
Are references proof of quality?
They show experience but do not replace checks of qualifications, contract and suitability for your project.
General editorial information, not individual legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and programmes can change; verify the current position for your case.