Lawyers for the Sale of Freehold Commercial Premises
Expert Legal Advice for Sale of Freehold Commercial Property
Commercial Property Freehold Sales
If you’re looking to sell a 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 property purchases and commercial contract agreements
Understanding Freehold Commercial Property Sale
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.
Selling a commercial freehold property involves a detailed legal process. 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 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. We also offer legal advice on commercial property purchases.
What is a CPSE Form and Why Does it Matter?
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:
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Legal ownership and title matters
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Leases, licences or occupational arrangements
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Planning permissions and building regulations
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Environmental concerns such as asbestos or contamination
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Disputes, enforcement notices, or historic litigation
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Services, utilities and maintenance responsibilities
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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
How long will it take?
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.
What Happens After Completion?
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.
You can also count on us for future advice, whether you’re 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.
Money Matters
This service is for taking instructions, then acting on the sale of a Commercial Property, including the production of the requisite standard information forms for client completion, drafting the contract, dealing with enquiries, approving the completion documents, and dealing with completion.
The price depends on Sale Value within certain bounds (see below).
It does not include negotiating the terms of the transaction, nor the production of any other related agreements / Heads of Terms, nor any associated property registration work.
Sale of Commercial property priced £200,000 or less (£2,175)
Our basic service charge is at its lowest price point for commercial properties sold for £200,000 or less. This fee is tailored to reflect property price.
Note that this service fee is quoted excluding VAT.
Sale of Commercial property priced £200,001-£500,000 (£2,875)
Commercial propery sale for properties within this price range incur the stated service fee. This fee is tailored to reflect property price.
Note that this service fee is quoted excluding VAT.
Sale of Commercial property priced £500,001-£750,000 (£3,600)
A flat base service fee applies to all commercial property transactions falling within this bracket. This fee is tailored to reflect property price.
Note that this service fee is quoted excluding VAT.
Sale of Commercial property priced £750,000-£1m (£3,900)
Selling a commercial property within this bracket incurs the stated base service fee. This fee is tailored to reflect property price.
Note that this service fee is quoted excluding VAT.
Sale of Commercial property priced over £1m (Price on Request)
For the sale of commercial properties valued at over £1 million, bespoke pricing is provided on request to account for the unique requirements of high-value transactions. This fee is tailored to reflect property price.Note that this service fee is quoted excluding VAT.Lease Supplement (£475)
There is a supplement fee for each lease to which the property is subject (if any).
Note that this supplement is quoted excluding VAT.
Mortgage Supplement (£720)
There is a supplemental fee to pay if a standard mortgage is taken out on a purchase.
Note that this supplement is quoted excluding VAT.
Your supplier is SRA-regulated Mounteney Solicitors, that charges VAT some customers may be able to reclaim.
There is more info about our fees 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.
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.
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.
Contact our Sale of Commercial Freehold Solicitors
If you’re looking to sell or purchase 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.
Other Services
Lease Agreements
Commercial property agreement
Property Option Agreement
