Purchasing commercial property in the UK is a powerful strategy for foreign businesses seeking operational stability, long-term investment value, and a physical presence in a globally competitive market. Whether you’re acquiring an office, retail unit, warehouse, or mixed-use asset, owning your premises offers control, flexibility, and potential capital appreciation.
However, acquiring UK commercial property involves a regulated transaction process with legal, financial, and tax considerations—particularly for overseas buyers.
At Fraser Bond, we provide end-to-end advisory and transaction support to help international businesses buy commercial real estate in the UK confidently and compliantly.
Owning your space creates a solid base for expansion, local hiring, and customer engagement—especially important for firms seeking a UK headquarters or showroom.
The UK offers one of the world’s most transparent and investor-friendly real estate systems, supported by strong title protections and clear legal frameworks.
Depending on the asset type and location, commercial properties in the UK can offer strong long-term returns through capital appreciation or rental income.
Property ownership can be integrated into broader tax-efficient structures, including Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), group holding companies, or leaseback arrangements.
Office Space – From standalone buildings to strata units in business parks or central locations (e.g. London, Manchester, Birmingham)
Retail Units – High street shops, shopping centre units, or standalone stores
Industrial and Warehousing – Logistics hubs, light industrial estates, or last-mile delivery depots
Mixed-Use Properties – Buildings with commercial space on the ground floor and residential units above
Land for Commercial Development – For companies planning bespoke construction (subject to planning permission)
Fraser Bond helps identify and acquire commercial assets aligned with your business operations and investment goals.
Consider factors such as:
Location and proximity to customers or suppliers
Size, layout, zoning (Use Class), and parking availability
Budget for acquisition, refurbishment, and stamp duty
We help prepare an investment brief and shortlist relevant properties.
You’ll need:
A UK company or SPV to purchase the property (optional but beneficial)
An EIN and UK bank account for transactions and mortgage payments
Legal representation for due diligence, title verification, and contract negotiation
Fraser Bond works with top UK solicitors, tax advisors, and structuring experts to optimise your setup.
This includes:
Reviewing the title deed and Land Registry records
Checking for planning permissions, restrictions, or charges
Surveying the property’s physical condition
Reviewing tenancy agreements, if applicable
We coordinate all aspects of legal and technical due diligence to minimise risk.
Foreign buyers can access:
UK commercial mortgage lenders
Private banks or bridging finance
Asset-backed or leaseback funding structures
Fraser Bond assists with lender introductions and financing advisory.
Once contracts are signed and funds are transferred:
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is paid
The transaction is registered with HM Land Registry
You receive the keys and legal ownership
We manage the transaction timeline and coordinate stakeholders to ensure a smooth closing.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Applies to commercial property purchases based on price tiers
Corporation Tax: If buying through a UK company, profits are taxed at the corporate rate
Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Applies to non-residents on future resale profits
VAT: Some properties are VAT-registered; you may be able to reclaim this as a business
Fraser Bond provides access to qualified tax professionals to structure your purchase tax-efficiently.
We offer continued assistance with:
Property management and facilities setup
Office fit-out and commercial space planning
Lettings or lease management (if income-generating)
Business rate registration and compliance
Insurance, security, and IT infrastructure advisory
Buying commercial property in the UK is a strategic move that supports operational expansion, brand credibility, and long-term investment goals. But to maximise value and avoid costly missteps, international buyers need professional guidance at every step.
Fraser Bond provides comprehensive commercial property acquisition support—from sourcing and negotiation to compliance, tax structuring, and post-acquisition setup. Whether you're building your UK headquarters or securing income-generating real estate, we ensure your property investment is sound, strategic, and secure.
