Commercial Property Transactions

Cost effective advice

Whether you are looking to buy, sell or lease a commercial or agricultural property, Walker Foster’s specialised commercial property team is here to help you achieve your goals with clarity and confidence. From the initial discussions through to completion, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances and priorities.

If you are planning a commercial or agricultural property purchase or sale, exploring new premises to lease, or considering granting a lease, our knowledgeable lawyers will be by your side every step of the way. We are skilled lawyers always working proactively to protect your interests and deliver the best possible outcome.

Whatever your requirements, you can count on our team for professional legal support that makes the complex feel straightforward - whether that means navigating intricate contracts, managing due diligence, or resolving any unexpected challenges quickly and effectively.

For all legal needs, please speak to our friendly, professional team

Fill out our form

How Walker Foster can help with commercial property transactions

At Walker Foster, our specialist commercial property solicitors are here to provide clear, practical advice tailored to your needs. We can assist you with:

Freehold and leasehold transactions: we advise on the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold commercial and agricultural properties, as well as negotiating and agreeing lease terms for landlords and tenants. From the initial discussions to completion and beyond, we help you fully understand your obligations, rights and options at each stage.
Auction transactions: whether you are purchasing or selling at auction, we carry out thorough due diligence, prepare and review all legal documentation and support you throughout the process. Our involvement means you can bid or list with confidence, knowing your transaction is underpinned by careful preparation and clear advice.
Mortgage finance and funding arrangements: for purchases and certain lease transactions involving premium payments or borrowing, we liaise directly with lenders and brokers to arrange mortgage finance or funding facilities. We manage the process to help you progress your transaction smoothly and meet all necessary requirements without unnecessary delays.
Industrial premises: we have extensive experience supporting clients with the acquisition, leasing, development and disposal of industrial units, warehouses and logistics facilities. Whether you are expanding your operations or restructuring your property assets, we help you navigate the legal and practical complexities involved.
Development, conditional contracts and option agreements: if you are planning a commercial development, entering into a conditional sale or purchase agreement, or negotiating an option to buy or sell land, our team will protect your position and help you secure favourable terms. We work proactively to manage risk and ensure contractual arrangements are clear, robust and enforceable.
Building contracts and negotiations: where your transaction involves construction works - whether new builds, fit-outs or refurbishments - we draft, review and negotiate building contracts and associated agreements. Our goal is to help you manage risk, avoid disputes and keep your project on track, from commencement to completion.
Compulsory purchases: if your property or leasehold interest is affected by a compulsory purchase order, we provide clear, practical advice to safeguard your rights. We will represent your interests in negotiations, help you understand your entitlement to compensation, and work to achieve a fair and timely outcome.
Options and overage agreements: an option agreement is a contract where one party (the option holder) gains the right, but not the obligation, to buy a specific property at a predetermined price within a set timeframe. An overage agreement, also known as a clawback or uplift agreement, is a contractual arrangement where a land seller receives additional payments from the buyer if the land's value increases due to a future event, such as gaining planning permission for development. These agreements are common in real estate development, and we can provide practical advice to help you understand your obligations.

Whatever your commercial property requirements - be it buying, selling, leasing or developing - you can rely on Walker Foster for personal, professional and trusted legal support every step of the way.

What is involved with commercial property transactions?

Commercial property transactions involve the sale, purchase, leasing or refinancing of real estate used for business purposes. Unlike residential conveyancing, these transactions often require detailed legal advice, thorough due diligence and careful negotiation to protect your commercial interests and ensure compliance with complex regulations for commercial property transactions. UK legal requirements for commercial property sales and purchases include the correct application of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) - a tax on the acquisition of land - and adherence to the Land Registry's rules on matters such as registration timing.

Examples of commercial property include shopping centres, hotel properties, restaurants, pubs, farms and small holdings, warehouses, factories and retail spaces. Whether you are acquiring new premises, expanding your property portfolio or renegotiating lease terms, securing expert legal support is essential to achieve a smooth and successful outcome.

Our approach to commercial property transactions

At Walker Foster, we specialise in all aspects of commercial property, including sales, purchases and leasing. Whether you are acquiring new premises, disposing of a commercial asset or negotiating lease arrangements, our team provides clear, practical advice and a personal service that inspires confidence. We are committed to guiding you through every stage with professionalism, transparency and a focus on achieving your objectives efficiently.

Initial discussion: every transaction begins with an open conversation. For purchases and sales, we take the time to understand your desired outcomes, timescales, and any issues such as financing or vacant possession. For leasing, we explore your requirements as either landlord or tenant, including lease length, break clauses, rent reviews and repairing obligations. This discussion helps us shape a strategy tailored to your commercial priorities.
Due diligence: we conduct comprehensive due diligence to protect your interests and give you complete clarity. In purchases and sales, this includes reviewing the property title deeds, investigating planning permissions, assessing environmental risks and identifying any charges or restrictions. We also scrutinise lease terms, landlord consents, service charge arrangements and compliance with statutory requirements, ensuring there are no surprises later.
Negotiations: our experienced team manages negotiations constructively and with your objectives firmly in mind. When buying or selling, or in relation to options and overage agreements, we negotiate contract terms, warranties and completion arrangements to secure the best possible outcome. We will also focus on achieving terms that balance flexibility and certainty, including rent levels, rent-free periods, service charges and tenant protections, while fostering positive relationships between landlords and tenants.
Documentation finalisations: once terms have been agreed, we prepare, review and finalise all legal documents. In purchases and sales, this involves contracts, transfer deeds and ancillary documents required by lenders or regulatory bodies. For leases, we draft or approve the lease itself, along with any licences, rent deposit deeds or guarantor agreements. We will always explain each document in plain English so you have a full understanding of your rights and obligations.
Transfer of ownership or lease completion: we coordinate the completion process with care and efficiency. For sales and purchases, we manage the transfer of ownership, arrange payment of any SDLT, register your title at the Land Registry and liaise with all parties to ensure a smooth handover. In leasing transactions, we oversee execution of the lease, registration (if necessary), payment of any initial sums and service of notices, finalising matters promptly so you can take occupation or receive income without delay.
Ongoing compliance support:our commitment does not end at completion. For property owners, we offer guidance on planning obligations and future disposals. For landlords and tenants, we provide ongoing advice on rent reviews, lease renewals, dilapidations claims and any issues that arise during the term of the lease. We are here whenever you need us, so you can focus on running your business with confidence and peace of mind.

FAQs about commercial property transactions

How long do commercial property transactions take?

The time it takes to complete a commercial property transaction varies depending on the complexity of the matter. Factors that can affect the timeline include securing mortgage finance, resolving title issues or planning considerations, legal hurdles, negotiating detailed terms - particularly in leases - and coordinating with other professionals such as surveyors or lenders. At Walker Foster, we will keep you updated throughout, provide realistic timeframes, and work proactively to complete your transaction as efficiently as possible.

What can be done if disputes arise during the commercial property transaction process?

If a dispute arises during your commercial property transaction, it does not necessarily mean that progress must come to a halt or that the matter will end up in court. At Walker Foster, we understand that disagreements can occur - whether over contractual terms, completion obligations or differing expectations between business directors, landlords, tenants or other stakeholders.

Contact us

Walker Foster’s experienced team of commercial property specialists is here to help you navigate every aspect of your transaction with confidence and clarity. Whether you are buying, selling, leasing or developing commercial premises, we are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome in your interests.

We combine in-depth legal expertise with a practical understanding of the commercial property market, so you benefit from advice that is both legally robust and commercially astute. Our team stays up to date with current market trends, enabling us to offer clear guidance that reflects the realities of today’s business environment.

From helping you understand your financial liabilities to supporting you through negotiations, due diligence, and the completion process, our commercial property lawyers provide a personal, proactive service every step of the way.

If you are considering a commercial property sale, purchase or lease or simply wish to explore your options, please use our online contact form and we will be in touch at your convenience.