Why Commercial Surveys Matter in London
Whether you're buying a shop in Camden, leasing an office in Hackney, or investing in a warehouse in Lewisham, commercial property carries significant financial and legal responsibilities.
And yet, many buyers and tenants skip the survey — assuming that visible inspections or agent reports are enough.
In reality, London’s commercial stock is often older, poorly maintained, or repurposed multiple times. A professional Commercial Building Survey is the only way to uncover the true condition of the premises before you sign anything.
What Is a Commercial Building Survey?
A Commercial Building Survey is a detailed inspection of the physical condition of a non-residential property. It covers everything from structure and damp, to compliance and ongoing liabilities.
Our surveys include:
Structural condition of the building and roof
Condition of external walls, doors, windows, and cladding
Internal finishes and flooring
Plumbing, drainage, and visible services
Fire safety provisions and access concerns
Evidence of damp, leaks, or water ingress
Identification of materials such as asbestos (where relevant)
Repair liabilities and future maintenance issues
Health and safety risks under regulations like the Building Safety Act
The final report equips you with the insight to negotiate price, budget for repairs, or withdraw from a risky deal.
Common Issues in London’s Commercial Properties
Across boroughs like Southwark, Hackney, Camden, and Tower Hamlets, we regularly survey high street shops, offices, restaurants, and light industrial units. The most common problems include:
Long-term damp issues, especially in basements or rear extensions
Roof leaks, parapet failures, or blocked gutters
Outdated or non-compliant fire safety systems
Structural cracking or movement
Poor insulation and energy inefficiency
Asbestos-containing materials (particularly in 1960s–80s buildings)
Water penetration from neighbouring units
A commercial property might look usable — but without a full inspection, you could be taking on costly repairs or legal risks.
Pre-Lease and Pre-Acquisition Surveys: What’s the Difference?
Pre-Acquisition Survey
This is conducted before purchasing the property outright. It provides a full assessment of building condition, identifying hidden defects that may impact the value or usability of the premises.
Pre-Lease Survey
Ideal for tenants about to sign a commercial lease, this survey documents the exact condition of the property. This protects you from future repair disputes by setting a clear benchmark.
Many leaseholders are shocked to find they are contractually responsible for major repairs they didn’t spot — especially in full repairing and insuring (FRI) leases. A pre-lease survey helps avoid this.
Damp Surveys: Still Essential for Commercial Buildings
Commercial properties are not exempt from moisture problems. In fact, due to limited ventilation, infrequent occupancy, or poor external drainage, many older commercial units suffer from:
Rising damp
Penetrating damp from adjacent buildings
Condensation in cold rooms or storage areas
Leaking roofs or skylights
We often recommend adding a specialist damp survey to any commercial inspection. It includes diagnostic testing and a standalone report you can present to your legal or insurance team.
Who Should Get a Commercial Survey?
Buyers of retail units, cafes, pubs, and offices
Tenants taking on long leases (especially with full repairing obligations)
Investors preparing for refurbishment or resale
Landlords managing commercial portfolios
Developers converting commercial to residential
Whether you're a first-time commercial tenant or a seasoned investor, a survey helps reduce risk and strengthen your negotiating position.
Our Commercial Surveys Cover All of London
We offer independent, RICS-compliant commercial surveys across:
Camden
Hackney
Lewisham
Southwark
Tower Hamlets
Waltham Forest
And all Greater London boroughs
Our reports are detailed, easy to understand, and delivered quickly — with optional damp survey add-ons for complete coverage.
Book Your Commercial Survey Today
Don’t let a hidden defect turn your business decision into a costly mistake. Whether you're buying, leasing, or assessing a commercial property in London, a professional survey is the first step to peace of mind.
Book Your Commercial Property Survey Now Protect your investment before you sign.