Renting out a commercial property involves more than putting a photograph and telephone number online. A prospective occupier needs enough information to judge whether the premises might work, while the owner needs a clear process for enquiries, viewings, negotiations and professional advice.
This guide explains the practical starting points for an owner in England. It is not legal, tax, surveying or valuation advice. Those parts should be handled by appropriately qualified advisers.
Decide what you are offering
Begin with the property itself and the terms you are prepared to discuss. Record the address, property type, approximate floor area, accommodation, access, parking or loading arrangements and current condition.
Then note the proposed rent, whether VAT applies, the preferred lease length and any flexibility you may consider. If you do not yet know the appropriate rent or lease structure, obtain professional advice before presenting an unconfirmed figure as fact.
Our commercial property information checklist sets out the documents and details worth gathering.
Check your authority to advertise
The person instructing the advertising must be the owner or properly authorised to act for the owner. If the property is held by a company, partnership, trust or other structure, confirm who can approve the advert and agree terms.
Do not publish confidential documents or personal tenant information as part of an advert. Provide only the property information needed for marketing, then deal with due diligence through the proper professional process.
Gather accurate property information
A useful commercial property advert normally needs more than a residential-style room description. Prospective occupiers may need to understand:
- how the premises are arranged;
- the approximate floor area and basis of measurement;
- access for customers, staff, deliveries or vehicles;
- parking, loading, yard or shared-service areas;
- utilities and welfare facilities;
- current planning use or the need for further checks;
- business rates information;
- service charges, estate charges or other occupational costs;
- energy information and any documents that will be available later;
- the proposed rent and lease terms.
Where a point has not been verified, identify it as something to confirm. An honest gap is safer and more useful than a confident guess.
Take current photographs
Photographs should show how the premises look now. Start with a clear exterior, then photograph the main space, entrance, ancillary rooms, access, yard and parking. Remove avoidable clutter and take the pictures in daylight where possible.
Phone photographs are welcome for our service. They do not need to look like a glossy architectural shoot, but they should be sharp, level and representative. Follow our commercial property phone-photo shot list.
Write for a business decision
Open with the details that help a prospective occupier decide whether to keep reading: property type, location, approximate size, main accommodation and a genuine practical strength.
Organise the rest of the advert so that someone can find the facts quickly. Avoid unsupported superlatives and statements that could apply to almost any unit. “Full-height roller shutter and fenced service yard” is more useful than “fantastic opportunity”.
Our commercial property advert-writing guide shows how to structure the description.
Choose where to advertise
Commercial property portals can place the premises in front of people actively searching by location, type and size. A dedicated listing page also gives you a link to share with local contacts and professional networks.
Let My Commercial includes a Standard Rightmove Commercial listing in the £149 + VAT package, or a Premium Listing in the £199 + VAT package. Both cover one property for one agreed month and include preparation of the advert from the information supplied.
Read where to advertise commercial property for rent for a fuller comparison of channels.
Approve every fact before publication
Read the complete advert, not just the headline. Check the address, rent, measurements, property features, photograph order and contact route. Make sure any caveats are clear and that old information has not been carried forward accidentally.
With our service, nothing is submitted until the owner or authorised representative approves the advert.
Prepare to handle enquiries
Decide who will answer the telephone and email, how quickly they can respond and what information they can provide. Ask enough questions to understand the proposed use and practical requirements before arranging a viewing.
Keep a dated record of enquiries and follow-up. Do not make assumptions about a prospective occupier based on incomplete information. Our enquiry and viewing toolkit provides a consistent starting process.
Conduct useful viewings
Make the premises safe and accessible before a viewing. Have the key facts available, but do not improvise answers about matters that need legal, planning, building or valuation advice.
Afterwards, record the feedback. Repeated questions or misunderstandings can show where the advert needs clarification.
Choose the tenant and agree terms
Advertising does not decide which occupier you should accept. The owner remains responsible for evaluating the proposal, negotiating terms and taking professional advice. Appropriate checks and documentation will depend on the property and transaction.
Let My Commercial does not choose a tenant, negotiate the lease or provide legal services. This separation keeps the advertising role clear.
Review the marketing if nothing happens
A lack of enquiries does not automatically mean the listing channel has failed. Review the factors you can control: opening wording, missing facts, photograph order and whether the contact route is working. Rent, condition, location and lease terms may also affect demand and can require professional input.
Our packages include a review after 14 consecutive live days without an enquiry and one agreed marketing refresh at no additional charge.
Start with a conversation
If you want help preparing and advertising the premises, call 0333 041 3336. You can also ask us to call you. There is no setup fee, letting commission or automatic renewal.
Not ready for the paid package? Send your existing advert or property notes for a free commercial property advert check.