Lawyers for the Sale of Freehold Commercial Premises

Whether you are investing in a new premises or preparing to sell an existing commercial property, the legal process surrounding the freehold of a commercial building can be complex, and mistakes or delays can prove costly.

At Mounteney Solicitors, our expert Commercial Property Team is here to provide clear, practical legal support at every stage of your property journey, helping you to achieve your goals with confidence and peace of mind.

We work with a wide range of clients—from business owners taking their first steps onto the commercial property ladder, to established companies with large property portfolios. Our approach is always personal and responsive. We’ll take the time to understand your priorities and concerns and guide you through the legal process with clarity and care.

Our commercial property department also deals with commercial contract agreements.

The term “freehold” means that the owner has outright ownership of both the building and the land it sits on, with no time limit on that ownership. This differs from leasehold property, which involves owning the building but not the land, usually for a fixed term.

Buying or selling a commercial freehold property involves a detailed legal process. For purchasers, it’s essential to be confident that the property is legally sound and free from hidden liabilities or restrictions. For sellers, preparing the property correctly and ensuring all legal documents are in place can help avoid unnecessary delays or complications later on.

When acting for a buyer, our team carries out in-depth due diligence, reviewing the title documents, boundaries, access rights, planning history, environmental issues, and any existing leases or occupational arrangements that could affect your use or investment. We also advise on tax implications, including VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), and liaise with mortgage lenders if finance is involved.

When acting for a seller, we help you prepare your property for sale, ensuring that the legal groundwork is properly laid before a buyer is found. A central part of this process involves completing a Commercial Property Standard Enquiries (CPSE) form.

The CPSE form is a standard set of pre-contract enquiries used in almost every commercial property transaction. It enables a seller to provide clear and comprehensive information about the property to the buyer in a structured way. The questions cover a broad range of topics, including:

• Legal ownership and title matters

• Leases, licences or occupational arrangements

• Planning permissions and building regulations

• Environmental concerns such as asbestos or contamination

• Disputes, enforcement notices, or historic litigation

• Services, utilities and maintenance responsibilities

• Insurance history and repair obligations

The information disclosed in the CPSE form plays a vital role in the buyer’s due diligence and decision-making process. It’s essential that this form is completed accurately and transparently, as misleading or incomplete responses could lead to legal claims after completion.

At Mounteney Solicitors, we guide you through this step with care and precision. Our solicitors will help you understand each question, ensure your answers are consistent with supporting documents, and advise you on how best to deal with any issues or irregularities. By tackling this stage thoroughly, we help avoid complications later in the transaction and ensure a smoother path to exchange and completion.

The time taken for our  work to conclude depends on precisely what it is we are asked to do.  We will always endeavour to complete any work in a timely manner.

Your supplier is SRA-regulated Mounteney Solicitors, that charges VAT some customers may be able to reclaim

Supplement £400 + VAT for each lease to which property is subject (if any)

Supplement £650 + VAT if standard mortgage to be taken out on a purchase

There is more about our fees on our website here

If you have any questions, require any further information, or would like to engage us on the T&Cs linked Our Terms in the footer below, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.

Our service doesn’t end when the deal is done. We take care of all necessary post-completion tasks, including submitting the SDLT return (where required) and registering the change of ownership with HM Land Registry. If you are a buyer, we’ll also advise you on compliance with any ongoing obligations—such as those related to restrictive covenants, access rights, or service charges where shared areas are involved.

You can also count on us for future advice, whether you’re leasing the property to a tenant, refinancing, or planning further acquisitions or disposals. Building a trusted relationship with your legal team can be a valuable asset for your business in the long term.

What documents do I need to sell a commercial freehold property?

As the seller, you will need to provide proof of title (usually a Land Registry title document), replies to CPSEs, details of any leases, planning consents, and evidence of compliance with regulations such as asbestos or energy performance standards. Your solicitor will help you gather these documents and ensure they are in order before the property is marketed or sold.

How long does a freehold commercial property transaction take?

Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and whether third parties (such as lenders or tenants) are involved. Straightforward sales and purchases may complete within six to eight weeks, but transactions involving finance, planning issues, or multi-tenanted buildings can take longer. We’ll give you realistic timelines and keep you fully informed throughout.

What is due diligence, and why is it important?

Due diligence is the process of investigating the legal, financial, and regulatory aspects of the property before you commit to buying. It’s essential to uncover any issues that could affect your use of the property or its future value. This includes reviewing the title, checking for legal restrictions, assessing planning history, and examining any tenant arrangements. Our job is to give you a clear picture of what you’re buying and help you avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Do I need to pay VAT on a commercial property purchase?

Not all commercial property transactions attract VAT. Whether VAT is payable depends on the seller’s tax status and the nature of the property. In some cases, the transaction may qualify as a Transfer of a Going Concern (TOGC), which may be exempt from VAT. We will advise you on the VAT position early in the process to ensure you understand your financial commitments.

Can I exchange and complete on the same day?

While simultaneous exchange and completion is technically possible, it is rarely advisable in commercial property transactions due to the number of checks and documents involved. In most cases, we will recommend a short gap between exchange and completion to allow for final preparations and to minimise risk. However, where a quick turnaround is essential, we can work closely with all parties to achieve the fastest possible completion.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a commercial freehold property, Mounteney Solicitors can help you achieve a successful outcome with minimal stress. We’re proud to offer a cost-effective, client-focused service, grounded in legal excellence and commercial common sense.

Get in touch with one of our local offices in Heald Green, Hazel Grove, Bramhall or Cheadle, or contact us online to request a no-obligation quote and speak to a solicitor today.

Let Mounteney Solicitors be your trusted legal partner for commercial property transactions.