Commercial Property Solicitor: Complete Guide to Business Conveyancing
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Commercial property transactions are more complex, higher-stakes, and longer-running than residential ones. Whether you're buying an office, leasing a shop, or selling a warehouse, you need a solicitor who understands the unique challenges of business property.
This guide covers what commercial conveyancing involves, how it differs from residential, what it costs, and how to choose the right solicitor for your transaction.
What is commercial conveyancing?
Commercial conveyancing is the legal process of buying, selling, or leasing non-residential property. This includes offices and office blocks, retail units and shops, industrial units and warehouses, restaurants, pubs, and hotels, mixed-use properties (commercial and residential), and development land.
The legal principles are similar to residential conveyancing, but the transactions are typically more complex, involve more negotiation, and require specialist knowledge of commercial property law.
How commercial conveyancing differs from residential
No standard contract. Residential transactions use a standard Law Society contract. Commercial deals often use heavily negotiated bespoke contracts with complex conditions.
Due diligence is deeper. Commercial buyers need to investigate planning permissions and change of use, environmental contamination liability, existing tenant obligations and lease terms, business rates and service charges, access rights and restrictive covenants, and VAT implications of the transaction.
Tax is more complex. Commercial property transactions involve VAT (which may or may not be chargeable), Capital Gains Tax considerations, SDLT (with different rates than residential), and potential Capital Allowances on fixtures and fittings.
Timelines are longer. A commercial purchase typically takes 3–6 months, compared to 2–4 months for a residential transaction. Complex deals with multiple tenants or environmental issues can take 6–12 months.
Typical commercial conveyancing costs
| Transaction type | Solicitor's fee | Disbursements | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small commercial purchase (under £500K) | £1,500–£3,000 | £500–£1,500 | £2,000–£4,500 |
| Medium commercial purchase (£500K–£2M) | £3,000–£7,000 | £1,000–£3,000 | £4,000–£10,000 |
| Large commercial purchase (over £2M) | £7,000–£20,000+ | £2,000–£5,000 | £9,000–£25,000+ |
| Commercial lease (new) | £1,000–£5,000 | £300–£1,000 | £1,300–£6,000 |
| Commercial lease assignment | £800–£2,000 | £200–£500 | £1,000–£2,500 |
Fees are often charged on a percentage basis (0.5–1.5% of the property value) for larger transactions, or as a fixed fee for smaller, more straightforward deals.
Choosing a commercial property solicitor
Specialisation matters. Commercial property law is a distinct specialism. A residential conveyancing firm handling a commercial deal is like a GP performing surgery — technically qualified, but not the right choice. Look for a firm with a dedicated commercial property team.
Sector experience. Different types of commercial property have different legal challenges. A solicitor experienced in retail leases may not be the best choice for an industrial acquisition. Ask for examples of similar transactions they've handled.
Responsiveness. Commercial deals often involve time-sensitive negotiations. Your solicitor needs to be responsive and available — not someone who returns calls three days later.
Network. A good commercial property solicitor will have contacts in commercial surveying, planning consultancy, environmental assessment, and commercial finance — and can refer you when needed.
Need a commercial property solicitor? Our team handles transactions from small retail units to multi-million-pound portfolios. Get a tailored quote for your commercial deal.
*Internal links: → Residential vs commercial conveyancing, → Conveyancing costs guide, → Stamp Duty Calculator*
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