Commercial conveyancing
Before you buy or sell a commercial property, you need to understand what the documents mean for your plans. We advise businesses, landlords and investors on the legal work involved in commercial property transactions. Tell us about the premises, the proposed deal and the dates that matter to you.
- Your plans come first
- Clear property checks
- Advice on occupied property
- A defined scope of work
Buying or selling business premises
Commercial conveyancing covers the legal transfer of properties such as shops, offices, industrial units and investment buildings. The issues depend on the premises and the agreement between the parties. A building used by its owner raises different questions from one occupied by several tenants.
We start by asking what you intend to do with the property. You may be moving an existing business, buying premises for the first time or adding to a portfolio. That context helps us identify which parts of the contract and property documents need particular attention.
Checks before you buy
We review the ownership documents and investigate legal matters affecting the property. These can include access, shared services, restrictions on use and rights held by neighbouring owners. We also consider relevant searches and ask the seller's lawyer for information that is missing or unclear.
The legal checks do not replace a building survey, valuation or specialist planning and tax advice. If a concern falls outside the agreed legal work, we explain where additional advice may be needed. Identifying that early can help you assess the purchase before making a binding commitment.
Property with tenants
An investment property may be sold subject to existing tenancies. In that case, the rent is only part of the picture. The leases can contain repair obligations, rights to end the tenancy, arrangements for rent reviews and restrictions on how the building is used.
We review the available tenancy documents and explain the legal obligations you would take on. Tell us if your plans depend on a tenant leaving, a rent changing or part of the building being altered. Those assumptions need checking against the documents and the applicable rules.
Preparing a property for sale
A sale often involves assembling documents held by different people. These might include leases, planning records, guarantees, replies from managing agents and information about rent or service charges. We explain what the buyer is likely to need and help you respond to legal enquiries.
If the property is being sold alongside a business, tell us at the outset. The property transfer and the sale of the business are separate pieces of work, and the full scope needs to be agreed. We will confirm what we can undertake and where other advisers need to be involved.
What to send us
- The property address and a short description of the premises
- The agreed or proposed price and any heads of terms
- Details of existing tenants or leases
- Information about finance and the intended completion date
Heads of terms are a summary of the main points agreed between the parties. Send them to us before committing to further documents. We can discuss the proposed transaction, identify the legal work required and provide an estimate.
Speak to us about your commercial needs
Contact our team in Blackburn or Blackpool before you make firm arrangements. We can discuss the property, any linked transactions and the stage you have reached. If a date is important to you, tell us at the start so we can assess what is realistic.
Your questions answered
Is this the same as advice on a commercial lease?
There is overlap, but the work is different. Commercial conveyancing usually concerns buying or selling a property interest. A new lease sets out the agreement between a landlord and a tenant. If you are taking premises under a lease, our Commercial Leases page explains that service.
Can you act if the property is occupied?
We can discuss a purchase or sale involving tenants. We will need the leases and information about the current arrangements before confirming the work involved. Existing occupation can affect the transaction, so tell us about tenants, informal agreements or any dispute as early as possible.
What could delay the transaction?
Missing documents, finance conditions, outstanding enquiries and issues with the property's ownership or use can all affect timing. A deadline agreed commercially may still depend on legal matters being resolved. We will identify the work needed before exchange and discuss any concerns about the proposed dates.
How do I find out the legal cost?
Send us the property details and an outline of the deal. Our estimate will explain the work included and the assumptions behind it. If the transaction changes or additional work is needed, the scope and costs will need to be reviewed rather than assumed.
Client feedback
What our clients say
Read about the experiences of people who have worked with our team.
Debra
Blackburn
Michael
Preston
Blackburn & Blackpool
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