The sale, letting or purchase of commercial properties or businesses requires a degree of technical knowledge and access to specialised marketing. The success or failure of a business could depend on the choice of the right property in the best location. It is important to find estate agents with the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure a successful transaction. One of the larger commercial property listings sites can be found at www.egpropertylink.com

You may also wish to engage a specialist commercial property lawyer:

If you are selling commercial property the property lawyer will prepare the sale contract. Answer any questions raised by the buyer's lawyer; negotiate and reach a binding agreement; complete and secure your money as quickly as possible.

If you are buying commercial property the property lawyer will make sure the seller has a good title to pass onto you. They will negotiate and obtain the best contractual terms available; carry out searches to check if there are any problems with the property; satisfying your bankers or other funders and complete your purchase as quickly as possible.

If you are renting a commercial property the property lawyer will check the terms of the commercial property lease (generally a 30+ page document - predominantly in favour of the landlord!); negotiate to minimise the risks and potential cost to you as tenant and get you into the building as quickly as possible.

If you are investing in commercial property the property lawyer will check the terms of the commercial property leases you are taking over from a landlord's perspective; liaise with your bankers or other funders regarding your loan or mortgage and complete your purchase to suit your timetable.

If you are a commercial property developer the property lawyer will help you assemble the site; advise on planning issues; deal with the legal requirements of your bankers or other funders; prepare contracts conditional on planning consent, or options to buy land; joint venture agreements; prepare letting agreements to pre-let to prospective tenants; 'forward sale agreements' with institutional funders; and other sophisticated development agreements.

Choosing a business premise is one of the most important decisions that a business will make. If you require rented premises for your business you will need to agree a commercial lease, referred to sometimes as a business tenancy. A commercial lease, however, is a significant and complex undertaking. Before entering into any such agreement be sure to read "A Code of Practice for Commercial Leases in England and Wales.'