For commercial buyers, occupiers and owners
Commercial Property Inspection Checklist for a Site Visit
Assess how the premises would work for the intended activity, then separate the physical fit from permissions and commercial terms.
A shop, office and industrial building can have similar advertised area but very different practical requirements. Start with the activity the premises must support, expected access needs and the facilities you require. Then inspect the exact unit being offered rather than relying on a building-wide description.
This checklist organises site observations and questions. Confirm the current permissions, approvals and agreement terms with the responsible authorities and appropriate advisers. The fact that a property is advertised for a commercial purpose does not establish that every proposed activity is permitted.
Quick checklist
- Define the intended use and the exact unit being discussed.
- Record usable area, layout and the measurement basis.
- Inspect customer, staff, vehicle and loading access as relevant.
- Ask about power, water, connectivity and shared services.
- Separate fit-out work from the asking price or rent.
- Confirm occupancy costs, responsibilities and applicable permissions.
1. Describe the intended activity before shortlisting
Write down what must happen at the premises: customer visits, desk work, storage, deliveries, machinery or another use. Explain those needs to the advertiser. Ask whether the advertised area is for a particular floor, cabin, shop or entire building and which shared areas are included in the description.
- Distinguish the usable premises from parking or common areas.
- Confirm the entrance and unit reference before a visit.
- List essential features separately from optional improvements.
2. Match the inspection to the property type
Inspect the layout and access needed by the proposed activity. Ask the advertiser to demonstrate relevant services and explain limitations. Bring a suitable professional when building condition, services or equipment need a technical assessment.
| Premises | Questions to take to the visit |
|---|---|
| Shop or showroom | Frontage, customer entrance, visibility, storage and deliveries |
| Office | Usable work area, access, connectivity and shared facilities |
| Coworking space | Desk or cabin allocation, access hours and included services |
| Industrial building | Loading access, clear height, utilities and the specific intended activity |
3. Ask how access and services operate
Confirm access hours, visitor arrangements, parking and the practical movement of goods where relevant. Ask which utilities are separately metered and what capacity or service level is actually supplied. Do not infer available power, connectivity or permissions from a photograph.
- Ask who maintains shared services and how interruptions are reported.
- Record access or operating conditions that affect your intended use.
- Ask which safety and building records need review for the particular premises and activity.
4. Separate fit-out work from occupancy costs
Discuss the present condition of the premises and any work needed before occupation. Ask who would arrange that work, who would own installed items and how the condition at handover will be recorded. Resolve those questions in the applicable written terms.
For a rental proposal, request separate figures for rent, deposit, maintenance, parking, utilities and services. For a purchase, separate the asking price from proposed extra charges and future upkeep. Obtain current quotations instead of treating an advertisement as a final cost statement.
5. Keep permissions and documentary checks distinct
Ask the responsible parties which approvals and records apply to the exact premises and intended activity. Requirements can differ by location, property and use. An on-site inspection cannot establish ownership, valid permissions or the suitability of a contract.
Record documents received, the question each document is intended to answer and any independent review still needed. For applicable real estate projects, use the relevant regulator's information rather than relying only on a promotional claim.
6. Compare proposals using one brief
Use the same activity, space, access and cost brief for every proposal. Mark essential features that remain unconfirmed and agree a follow-up date. A clear requirement can help an advertiser understand the premises you need without collecting unnecessary personal documents.
References and preparation
This is an AI-assisted HomeHNI checklist, prepared from the listing workflow and the references above. It helps organise questions and observations. It does not certify ownership, approvals, property condition or a person's identity. Check current location-specific requirements and obtain suitable advice for a transaction decision.