Search & Acquisition

Search & Acquisition

Acquiring the right property is the culmination of a process in which we learn about your organisation, understand precisely what you want and need to achieve from a move, and develop a detailed plan to make sure it works for everyone.

A new premises is not a case of simply finding a property and moving into it. In our experience, organisations may not truly know what they want from a new building - or even if moving is the right decision. Before we start our search, we get to know your business, your people and your practical and commercial reasons for seeking a property. We will gather your ideas, thoughts and ambitions, ask questions, challenge assumptions, make suggestions and help you clarify exactly what you want and need.

We then develop a detailed search plan based on those needs and your budget; once we find the right business premises, we will recommend specialists to handle decommissioning or disposal of old equipment, space planning, IT installation, fit out and the move itself. Then after you are in, we can continue to advise on making your new space somewhere that everyone can be safe, comfortable and productive.

  • Requirements & Brief

    Once we have been instructed by you to search for a property according to your needs, we work closely with you to prepare and receive stakeholder agreement to a clear and concise property brief. The planning of this brief is probably the most important part of any search and acquisition.

  • Property Search

    Using our knowledge of and connections in the market, we prepare a shortlist of potential properties to present for review. This will include talking directly with local agents and landlords, using commercial search engines and databases as well as email canvassing.

  • Shortlist & Viewings

    We will shortlist properties that fit the search criteria and brief and present for your review. We understand that you are busy people running your own business and any potential properties we present will be valid. We will accompany you and other staff members on all building tours and inspections.

  • Negotiations & Completion

    Once you have agreed to pursue a particular property, we will work closely with landlords or their representatives, to agree favourable Heads of Terms. After Heads of Terms have been agreed, we work with all parties, including legal representation, property managers and agents to complete the lease in a timely manner. We will communicate with you throughout. 

  • Property Compliance

    Leased or licensed commercial properties are subject to stringent compliance certification, be that fire, gas, electricity, asbestos, amongst others. We work with landlords and tenants of newly acquired properties to ensure all compliance requirements have been met and the relevant certificates obtained.

    With any transaction we undertake full anti-money laundering identification checks on both parties.

  • Fees & Billing

    We charge a Sole Agency fixed fee of 6% of the agreed new average yearly rental with an incentive fee of 20% of any negotiated reduction in rent or other concessions from the initial quote. Our minimum fee for our acquisition service is £3,000.

    An interim fee is due once Heads of Terms have been formally agreed and the balance is due upon formal completion of the lease or licence to occupy.

    All fees are subject to VAT.