LANDLORD ADVICE · SELLING
How to sell a commercial property.
A practical guide to preparing your property, choosing a marketing strategy and moving an agreed commercial sale towards completion.
THE PROCESS
Six stages of a commercial property sale.
Clarify your objective and timing
Start with the outcome you need. Consider whether the property will be sold vacant or occupied, your preferred timescale, any tax or company-structure questions and whether another transaction depends on the sale. Take legal and tax advice where appropriate.
Obtain a market appraisal
A commercial agent should review the property, its location, condition, tenure, income and comparable evidence. Discuss the likely price range, suitable buyers and whether an open-market or more discreet approach best suits the instruction.
Prepare the information buyers will need
Gather title information, leases and tenancy documents, floor areas, plans, EPC information, business-rates details, service-charge records and information about VAT where relevant. Your solicitor can advise on the legal pack and replies to enquiries.
Present and market the property
Accurate particulars, clear photographs and a concise investment or occupational summary help buyers assess the opportunity. Agree how enquiries, viewings and confidential information will be handled before marketing begins.
Assess offers and agree terms
The highest figure is not always the strongest offer. Consider funding, conditions, proposed timing and the buyer’s ability to proceed. Your agent should record the principal commercial terms clearly for the solicitors.
Manage due diligence through to completion
Once solicitors are instructed, prompt answers and organised documents can reduce avoidable delay. The agent should remain involved, keeping communication moving between buyer, seller and professional advisers.
SELLER CHECKLIST
Useful items to prepare.
- Ownership and title information
- Current leases, licences and tenancy schedules
- Floor areas, plans and property photographs
- Energy Performance Certificate or exemption information
- Business-rates and service-charge information
- Planning, use and building documentation available to you
- Details of VAT treatment from your professional adviser
- A solicitor experienced in commercial property
Official reference: GOV.UK guidance on EPCs for business premises ↗.
SELL WITH PSS
Start with a straightforward conversation.
Tell us about your property and what you want to achieve. We’ll discuss the information needed for an appraisal and a suitable route to market.