Property such as office buildings, industrial units, hotels, retail premises, public houses, and garages are becoming a primary sector of the commercial property auction market with sales under the hammer occurring more and more frequently. It doesn't matter whether they are vacant or tenanted, leasehold or freehold, there are an increasingly high number of potential investors attending nationwide commercial property auctions who will consider all types of commercial investment.

Whether you are looking to sell your property or are beginning your search for commercial property for sale at auction, it is recommended that you contact a property investment sales specialist who should have a thorough understanding of capital markets and commercial properties. Bearing in mind there are many different types of commercial property, it is important to know that the solicitor you choose has experience with the type of premises you are dealing with. An experienced commercial property specialist will generally save you time and legal costs due to streamlining.

Commercial property has been one of the best performing types of asset in recent years despite uncertainty generally in the property market, and more and more people are looking at buying UK commercial property at auction, either for their own business premises, or as an investment to be leased.

There is a wide range of property available for any type of business imaginable – some specifically purpose built or with the potential to convert for business use. Planning permission from the local authority would not be needed to change the use of an existing business premises within the same class of business e.g. retail, agricultural, manufacturing, etc, and there are instances where the premises may be altered to another class of business without permission. However, if there is any doubt, it is always a good idea to fully investigate the possibilities for use of a building before making any financial commitment to buy it, by talking to a chartered surveyor or to the local planning authority.

When tracking down the ideal commercial property for your business, you'll need to do some initial research. Try reading property industry journals such as Estates Gazette which publishes regular surveys of different areas and industry sectors, or contact local businesses and organisations, such as Chambers of Commerce or Business Link to ask advice on where to buy.

Buying UK commercial property at auction can be a good investment as it provides a business with stability, and the property itself becomes a significant asset. But, buying is a major step to take and should therefore be given careful consideration before any commitment is made.

Commercial Property Finance

Unless you have a large amount of spare cash, you are likely to need commercial property finance i.e. a commercial mortgage, which is quite simply a mortgage that is lent to an individual or company to buy a business property and this can be for you own use or that of a third party.  Commercial mortgages are available to purchase a huge range of different types of premises for sale at a commercial property auction.

These include:

• Commercial buy to let property
• Land for development
• Public Houses
• Hotels & Guest Houses
• Restaurants
• Farms and other agricultural land
• Leisure Industry
• Warehouses and Factory Units
• Office accommodation

There is no real limit to what can be borrowed, but the loan to value of a mortgage varies quite significantly between different types of property.  To find out more, contact a commercial mortgage experts to discuss your commercial property auction finance requirements.