When it comes to selling commercial real estate, first impressions count. Whether you’re offloading a warehouse, office complex or retail space, maximising your property’s value before hitting the market can significantly improve the impact of your sales campaign and ultimately increase your return. Here’s how you can boost your property’s appeal – and your bottom line – before embarking on the commercial property sale process.

Get a professional property valuation

First things first – start with a clear understanding of your commercial property value on the current market. This sets the foundation for your pricing, marketing and negotiation strategy, and can significantly influence your success at sale. Engage a certified valuer who understands local market dynamics and council regulations. Your initial property valuation is useful early insight into any areas for improvement before you kick off the commercial property sale – you can identify targeted upgrades that will boost your value.

Make strategic upgrades

Not all renovations are treated equally, so choose your pre-sale upgrades wisely. For strong return-on-investment you should focus on improvements that appeal to not only prospective buyers but also future tenants. As a starting point, we recommend these high-impact and relatively low-cost upgrades to improve your commercial property value ahead of a sale:

• Modernise interiors – Updated lighting and flooring, and a fresh coat of paint, can make older spaces feel newer than they really are. Opt for white or light walls for the illusion of more space, and flooring types that are popular for a variety of different commercial purposes, such as vinyl or laminate.
• Upgrade utilities – An efficient HVAC system as well as any necessary roofing repairs or electrical and plumbing maintenance appeals to buyers who value properties that are ready to occupy or lease.
• Enhance sustainability and efficiency – Sustainable features like LED lighting, solar panels and water-saving plumbing fixtures are increasingly important to investors and tenants.

Secure strong tenancy agreements

Experience shows that properties with secure, long-term tenants will typically achieve greater value – in fact, this can be one of the most valuable assets you can present to potential buyers. You can strengthen tenancy before your commercial property sale by renewing or extending existing leases, securing rent increases, and ensuring lease agreements are well-documented and transferable.

Highlight redevelopment or expansion potential

If your property is suitable for redevelopment, subdivision or expansion, make it known. By working with planners or architects to learn what’s possible, you can utilise supporting materials to enhance the commercial property value and sales campaign and draw in a wider range of prospective buyers.

Tidy up compliance and documentation

Buyers perform rigorous due diligence, so the more proactive and organised you are with property documentation the more confidence prospective buyers will have – and when it comes to negotiating price, this can really work in the seller’s favour. Get ahead in organising critical documentation like current building compliance certificates, recent maintenance and repair records, lease agreements and tenant information, and environmental reports and zoning documentation.

Engage a trusted expert in commercial property sales

Partnering with an experienced agent like Kelly & Co Property ensures your commercial property is marketed to the right audience, priced appropriately and sold efficiently. Selling a commercial property isn’t just about listing and waiting – it’s about positioning, targeting and maximising value. By engaging us for the sale of your commercial property you’ll get in-depth market knowledge, access to active buyers, strategic pricing and positioning, and more. Learn more about how we can help with the investment sale of your commercial property.