In the year leading up to June 2015, global commercial property investment increased by 16 per cent overall, and now stands at its highest level since 2008, and is now only 13 per cent below the pre-crisis peak. The data comes from the new annual survey report from Cushman & Wakefield, and shows that the top 25 gateway cities saw...

Active real estate investors are currently considering Spain as the top investment target for next year, due to the fact values still considered below peak. This is considered by many people to be a sign of recovery in the Spanish market, with Germany following close behind, according to new information from commercial property firm Knight Frank. Humphrey White, head of...

If you're renting or buying commercial property you may need to know about Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).  For our comprehensive guide, click here.  For the current 2015 thresholds - which we assume you're here for! - read on. SDLT Residential Thresholds The residential thresholds change on 4th December 2014.  If you exchanged contracts on or before the 3rd, and...

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is well worth knowing about if you're investing in property.  (For more information, check out our complete guide here). If you've found this, page, the chances are you're looking for the list of exemptions.  Without further adieu, here they are! You don't have to pay SDLT or file a return if: No money or payment...

The recent rise in interest rates has raised some concerns within the UK property market, but it's believed that the market is currently strong enough to comfortable deal with a base rate increase, according to a new report. Knight Frank's recent market outlook report showed that the all property capital growth index increased by 0.7 per cent in July, down...

One of the biggest issues that people run into when renting their first commercial property is trying to understand the many technical terms used. In order to help you combat this, we're going to document some the major, less-commonly heard terms used in the property market.  If you're struggling to make your way through the paperwork, this jargon buster should...

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for any leased premises, making it a necessary consideration for both landlords and tenants. Buildings are currently responsible for around 40 per cent of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions, and EPCs promote improvement in their energy performance. What does the EPC cover? The EPC shows the energy efficiency rating...

You're considered ready to exchange contracts with your commercial property landlord once the following matters have been concluded: Your surveyor or solicitor has made all of the necessary checks and has carried out a satisfactory inspection of the building you're leasing. Both the tenant and the landlord are completely happy with the contracts planned out and the searches. Any additional...

Any proposed transaction begins with the drafting of a document that clearly states the primary terms that both parties have agreed to: this document is referred to as 'Heads of Terms' (HOTS) and is commonplace in the commercial property market. A HOTS isn't compulsory to produce, but it still recognised as the draft of the main contract.  As a result...

A schedule of condition report details the exact conditions of a property when it is handed over, and usually contains a photographic record of the conditions.  The schedule will then be agreed to by both parties and attached with the lease, so that in the event of any disputes it can be demonstrated whether the building is still in the...