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Commercial
Commercial valuation surveyors assess the value of commercial properties such as shops, offices, and warehouses. The numerous purposes of commercial valuation can include loans, taxation, insurance, or charity act. This kind of valuation report can be based on several different methods. One of the most common is the investment method.
Retaining an independent surveyor to carry out a commercial property valuation when you are considering an investment in commercial real estate, or when you decide to sell it can have enormous benefits. It can help you make the right decision and secure a safe deal, meaning that you save time and money while procedures are smooth and easy. A commercial property – such as a shop, office or industrial unit are asset classes that are incoming producing primarily owned and asset managed by investors to provide a return based upon their risk appetite. The numerous purposes of a commercial real estate valuation can include loan security, sales, development, taxation, property insurance, or charity act.
Why Samson Chartered Surveyors?
At Samson Chartered Surveyors, we aim to be direct, open, and honest. As members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), we must abide by strict ethical standards. We benchmark ourselves against the client feedback we receive. We deal with complex matters but interpret all the jargon for you to give you a common-sense opinion.
Our surveyors are always more than happy to spend time discussing matters with you.
Our RICS Chartered Surveyors comply with stringent guidelines and use 60 years of combined experience to provide accurate commercial property valuations in London.
Contact our professional and RICS registered valuers to arrange the valuations that will save you time and money, and make the whole procedure smooth and easy.
A commercial property valuation helps owners, investors and lenders understand the true market value of a commercial asset such as a shop, office or industrial unit. Instructing an independent surveyor when buying, selling or refinancing commercial property can support better decision-making, reduce risk and ensure transactions run smoothly. Commercial properties are typically income-producing assets, and valuations are required for a range of purposes including sales, loan security, development, taxation, insurance and compliance with legislation such as the Charity Act.
There are three main methods used to value commercial property, and the surveyor will select the most appropriate approach depending on the asset and market conditions.
Cost Approach is most suitable for new or recently constructed buildings. It considers construction costs and land value, adjusted for depreciation, obsolescence and external factors such as location or environmental issues. This method is less effective for older properties.
Sales Comparison Approach values a property by comparing it with similar properties that have sold recently, adjusting for factors such as size, age, location and condition. This approach works best in active markets with strong transactional data and is less reliable where few comparable sales exist.
Income Approach is commonly used for investment properties and focuses on the income the property generates. This includes methods such as the gross rent multiplier, direct capitalisation (using net operating income and market yields), and discounted cash flow analysis, which projects future income and expenses over a longer period and discounts them back to present value.
Commercial property valuations are required in a wide range of situations. These include assessing a potential investment, securing finance where lenders require loan security, resolving lease-end disputes, calculating Stamp Duty on purchases, determining Capital Gains Tax when selling, and satisfying lender requirements when entering into loan agreements. A professional valuation ensures the property’s value is accurate, defensible and aligned with market conditions.
A commercial building survey is an important step when purchasing, leasing, selling or altering a commercial property. By identifying visible and hidden defects, a survey can help buyers and tenants avoid costly mistakes, negotiate better terms, or even withdraw from a poor investment. RICS commercial building surveys also provide legal protection in situations such as disputes with landlords or tenants, insurance claims, or lease negotiations.
The cost of a commercial building survey varies depending on the size and complexity of the property and the type of survey required. Larger or unusually shaped properties generally take longer to assess and therefore cost more. Pricing can also be affected by the level of detail required, the availability of existing information such as deeds or plans, the building’s condition and its location. More detailed surveys that address legal considerations such as rights of way or easements will typically cost more than basic inspections. A surveyor can advise on the most suitable survey and expected costs based on your specific property.
Commercial building surveys offer a wide range of benefits beyond identifying defects. Many issues, including damp, structural movement or foundation problems, may not be immediately visible. A professional survey can highlight these risks early, potentially saving thousands in repair costs. Surveys also help prevent legal disputes, support negotiations on price or lease terms, and ensure buildings are adequately insured. They can also provide clarity on future maintenance requirements and help owners budget for repairs.
During a commercial building survey, a chartered surveyor inspects all accessible and visible parts of the property, inside and out. The resulting report includes photographs, a summary of defects, and estimated costs for necessary repairs. Surveyors may also recommend specialist testing where required, such as electrical or gas inspections.
There are several types of commercial building surveys available. Pre-acquisition surveys are carried out before purchase or lease to assess condition and future liabilities. Schedules of condition record a property’s state before refurbishment or letting and help protect both landlords and tenants. Dilapidation surveys are used to assess repair obligations at the end of a lease, while maintenance and repair schedules help owners plan and prioritise future works.
Samson Consultants Chartered Surveyors provide commercial building surveys for shops, offices, warehouses and industrial units, acting for landlords, tenants or as an independent third party.
A commercial property surveyor is a RICS-registered professional who provides expert advice and support when buying, selling or leasing commercial property. Their role is to protect clients’ financial interests, offer peace of mind, and ensure that surveys, valuations, negotiations and related paperwork are handled accurately and efficiently.
Commercial property surveyors work with landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers across a wide range of property types, including offices, shops, warehouses and industrial units. Their responsibilities often include inspecting properties to assess condition, identifying defects and required repairs, preparing Schedules of Condition, advising on building maintenance, supporting dilapidations negotiations, and providing up-to-date guidance on UK building regulations and legislation. Many surveyors also specialise in specific areas such as property management, leasing, sales, purchases or development.
There are several key types of commercial property surveys. A building survey provides a detailed assessment of a property’s condition, construction materials, defects and potential hazards, helping buyers understand risks and negotiate price adjustments if necessary. A Schedule of Condition records the state of a property at a specific point in time, protecting both landlords and tenants by clarifying responsibility for damage at lease end. A Schedule of Dilapidations, typically prepared at the end of a lease, sets out repair obligations and supports negotiations or settlements between parties.
Using a commercial property surveyor offers significant benefits. They help clients understand lease terms and legal responsibilities, resolve disputes more effectively, and avoid unnecessary legal action. Their RICS registration ensures advice is reliable, current and compliant with professional standards. Surveyors also provide ongoing professional support for lease renewals, rent reviews, acquisitions and disposals, delivering a trusted service that safeguards business interests throughout the property lifecycle.
Landlords typically instruct a RICS Chartered Surveyor to prepare a Schedule of Condition before a lease begins, recording the property’s condition to protect against future disputes. At lease end, a dilapidation survey or Schedule of Dilapidations may be required to assess whether the tenant has met their obligations and to identify any remedial works or compensation due. Tenants can also commission a survey if they believe dilapidation claims are unfair.
A dilapidation survey involves a detailed, room-by-room inspection of all visible elements of the property, including walls, floors, ceilings, windows, services and fittings. The resulting report supports lease negotiations, clarifies maintenance responsibilities and provides evidence for any claims. Landlords may only claim for genuine financial losses or repair costs and must be transparent about future plans for the property.
Dilapidation surveys help minimise financial risk, prevent disputes and ensure lease obligations are clearly defined. For landlords, they protect the value of the property and support valid claims. For tenants, they provide reassurance, control over repair costs and protection from excessive or unjustified claims. RICS-compliant surveyors can also assist with dispute resolution, negotiation or expert witness services if required.
A commercial dilapidation survey helps landlords and tenants understand responsibility for damage, repairs and reinstatement works at the start or end of a commercial lease. Dilapidations refer to any breaches of lease obligations relating to the condition or maintenance of a property.