The Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) that a man who volunteered as a coastguard with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) was a 'worker' for the purposes of Section 230(3) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 ...
Selling a commercial property is a pivotal moment for any business or investor. Whether you're releasing capital, shifting strategy, or restructuring your property portfolio, the process must be approached with care and legal precision. At T G Baynes, our commercial property solicitors are on hand to guide you through the sale, ensuring your interests are protected at every step.
With decades of experience in commercial property sales, we understand the potential hurdles and complexities involved. Whether you are selling a freehold or leasehold commercial property or have tenants in place, we will provide straightforward, reliable advice tailored to your circumstances.
Our team will take the time to understand your goals and explain every part of the process clearly, avoiding legal jargon and ensuring you feel fully supported. We are here to make your commercial property sale as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Our commercial property services include reviewing title documents, handling contract negotiations, advising on tenant arrangements, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legal obligations. Whatever type of commercial property you are looking to sell, we can help make the transaction run smoothly.
Contact our commercial conveyancing solicitors in Bexleyheath, Dartford and Orpington
Don’t compromise with your commercial conveyancing matters. To speak to one of T G Baynes’s expert commercial conveyancing team in Orpington, Dartford and Bexleyheath, or to arrange an initial consultation, please fill in our simple enquiry form or call 020 8301 7777.
Why work with our commercial conveyancing solicitors?
Our commercial conveyancing team has a wealth of experience in managing complex commercial property transactions across various industries. Whether you have a freehold or leasehold commercial property to sell, we will handle the sale with professionalism and precision.
With T G Baynes, you can be confident that your commercial property sale and your company’s future endeavours are safely in expert hands.
Our selling commercial property services
Contract negotiations
We negotiate clear, commercially sound contracts that protect your interests and reduce your exposure to risk. Whether you're selling a single unit or a large portfolio, we ensure the terms are aligned with your business objectives.
Advising on tenant arrangements
Our team provides strategic advice on existing and proposed tenancy agreements, including lease assignments, rent deposits, and surrender terms, helping you navigate any potential complications during the sale process.
Legal due diligence
We carry out comprehensive legal due diligence to identify and resolve any issues that could delay or derail the sale. From title checks to planning consents, we make sure everything is in order before contracts are exchanged.
Reviewing documentation
We meticulously review all relevant documents, including leases, licences, title deeds, and service contracts, ensuring they are accurate, up to date, and ready for disclosure to potential buyers or their solicitors.
Our conveyancing solicitors’ fees
We understand that knowing the costs upfront is crucial when selling a commercial property. At T G Baynes, our expert commercial property solicitors offer complete transparency when it comes to our fees and any potential third-party charges that may arise during the conveyancing process.
Please contact us to request a costs estimate from one of our expert commercial property solicitors.
Selling Commercial Property FAQs
How to sell a commercial property?
To sell a commercial property, you must first prepare all the essential documents, including the title deeds, planning permissions, and energy performance certificate. Appointing a commercial conveyancing solicitor early will help ensure the process moves efficiently.
Once a buyer has been found and an offer accepted, your solicitor will prepare the draft contract, manage negotiations, and handle legal compliance checks. If you're selling a commercial property with tenants, their lease agreements will need to be disclosed and factored into the sale. Completion will follow the exchange of contracts once all conditions are satisfied.
What legal steps are involved in selling commercial property?
The legal process of selling a commercial property typically involves:
- Preparing Heads of Terms to outline the basic agreement.
- Reviewing title documents and drafting the sale contract.
- Providing replies to Commercial Property Standard Enquiries (CPSE).
- Coordinating due diligence and responding to the buyer’s solicitor queries.
- Negotiating any amendments to the contract or lease terms.
- Exchanging contracts, making the sale legally binding.
- Completing the sale and transferring ownership.
- Settling any final obligations, such as mortgage redemption or releasing any charges.
Our solicitors will guide you through each step, ensuring your interests are protected and your obligations fulfilled.
What searches and due diligence are required?
While the buyer typically undertakes searches, as the seller, you will be expected to assist in the due diligence process by providing key information. This includes:
- Property title details
- Lease agreements if you are selling a commercial property with tenants
- Planning and building regulation approvals
- Details of any ongoing disputes or legal issues
- Asbestos Reports or Fire Risk Assessments
Being prepared with accurate information can significantly speed up the process and reduce the likelihood of delays or renegotiations.
What documents are required for the sale?
Several documents are required when you sell a commercial property:
- Official copies of the title register and plan from the Land Registry
- Replies to CPSE enquiries
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Existing lease documentation (if applicable)
- Planning consents, warranties, and guarantees
- Details of any service agreements or insurance policies
Our commercial conveyancing solicitors will ensure all necessary paperwork is gathered and prepared correctly to facilitate a smooth transaction.
How long does it take to sell a commercial property?
The time it takes to sell commercial property varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction, whether tenants are involved, and the responsiveness of the buyer. On average, the process takes between 8 to 16 weeks from the acceptance of an offer to completion.
Selling a leasehold commercial property may extend the timeline due to the need for landlord consents or lease reviews. Delays may also arise if issues are uncovered during due diligence, so it’s important that you are thorough with searches during the process.
Our team will work diligently to keep the process on track and resolve any hurdles quickly – rest assured, we appreciate the importance of a speedy transaction and will strive to ensure your commercial interests are upheld.
What costs are involved in selling a commercial property?
When you sell your commercial property, several costs may be involved:
- Solicitor’s fees for managing the transaction
- Estate agent fees (if applicable)
- Mortgage redemption charges, if repaying an existing loan
- Capital Gains Tax, if applicable to your circumstances
- Removal or storage costs
- Landlord consent fees (for leasehold properties)
Understanding these costs early on will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises as the sale progresses. At T G Baynes, we will always ensure to clearly outline all expected costs prior to the beginning of a case.
What are the tax implications of selling a commercial property?
The sale of a commercial property may attract Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if the property has increased in value since you acquired it. The amount of CGT payable will depend on your tax position and whether any reliefs apply, such as Business Asset Disposal Relief.
VAT may also be relevant if the property has been elected for VAT, and it is essential to factor this into the negotiations with the buyer. Our solicitors can work with your accountant or tax adviser to ensure your transaction is structured efficiently, whilst you remain legally compliant and financially secure.
Speak to our commercial conveyancing solicitors in Bexleyheath, Dartford and Orpington
Don’t compromise with your commercial conveyancing matters. To speak to one of T G Baynes’s expert commercial conveyancing team in Orpington, Dartford and Bexleyheath, or to arrange an initial consultation, please fill in our simple enquiry form or call 020 8301 7777.