Buying or Selling a Commercial Property

Expert Commercial Property Solicitors for Acquisitions & Disposals

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Buying & Selling Commercial Property at Woodstock Legal Services


Buying or selling a commercial property is a significant business decision, whether it’s an office, shop, industrial unit or development site. These transactions often involve complex title issues, planning matters, VAT and existing tenancies, so careful legal advice is essential. Woodstock Legal Services acts for businesses, investors and developers on commercial property transactions across England and Wales.


Our commercial property lawyers advise on freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, investment properties with tenants in place, development land and sites, sale and leaseback arrangements, property purchases funded by commercial lending, and VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax (or Land Transaction Tax in Wales) on commercial transactions.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who understands your commercial objectives, explains the key risks in plain English and keeps your transaction moving from instruction through to completion.


Buying a Commercial Property


When you buy a commercial property, thorough due diligence is key. Issues with title, planning, rights of access, environmental matters or existing leases can all affect the property’s value and how you can use it.


Our lawyers review the title and searches, raise enquiries with the seller’s lawyers and report to you on any issues that need your attention. Where the property is let, we review the leases and rental income carefully. We negotiate the contract to protect your position, work with your lender to meet the conditions of your loan, and deal with completion, tax returns and registration at HM Land Registry.


Whether you’re buying premises for your own business or an investment property, we’ll make sure you know exactly what you’re taking on.


Selling a Commercial Property


A well-prepared sale helps keep buyers engaged and avoids delays later in the process. Getting your title, planning and tenancy information in order early makes a real difference.



Our commercial property lawyers prepare the contract and sale pack, respond to the buyer’s enquiries promptly and negotiate the terms of the sale. Where the property is let, we deal with the transfer of leases and rent, and advise on matters such as the VAT treatment of the sale. On completion, we redeem any mortgage and transfer the sale proceeds to you.


We work closely with your agents and other advisers to keep the sale on track and achieve a smooth, timely completion.

Get in Touch With Our Commercial Property Team

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Buying or Selling a Commercial Property FAQs

  • How long does a commercial property transaction take?

    It depends on the complexity of the property and the transaction, whether there are tenants in place and how quickly both sides respond to enquiries. Many straightforward transactions complete within a couple of months, while larger or more complex deals can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timescale at the outset.

  • Does VAT apply to commercial property sales?

    It can. Some commercial property sales are subject to VAT, for example where the seller has opted to tax the property or the building is new. In some cases, the sale of a let property can be treated as a transfer of a going concern, so VAT isn’t charged. We’ll check the VAT position and advise you before you commit.

  • What searches are needed for a commercial property?

    Commercial purchases usually include local authority, drainage and water, and environmental searches. Depending on the property and its location, your lawyer may recommend others, such as flood, mining or highway searches. A survey is also strongly recommended. We’ll advise on the right searches for your purchase.

  • What is a sale and leaseback?

    In a sale and leaseback, a business sells the property it occupies and then leases it back from the buyer. This can release capital while allowing the business to stay in its premises. The terms of the lease are crucial, so careful negotiation is essential. We can advise on both sides of the transaction.

  • Do I pay Stamp Duty on a commercial property?

    Stamp Duty Land Tax usually applies to commercial property purchases in England, and Land Transaction Tax applies in Wales, with different rates from residential property. Mixed-use properties may also be taxed at non-residential rates. We’ll calculate the tax due and submit the return on your behalf.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our commercial property solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re buying premises or negotiating a lease, your transaction gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Joined-Up Property Expertise

Our commercial property, property litigation and construction teams work closely together, so you get complete support across transactions, leases and disputes. That means commercially minded advice from one firm at every stage of your property’s life.