A commercial surveyor provides professional advice on commercial property. This can include commercial property valuations, rent reviews, lease renewals, commercial property management, lettings and sales, acquisitions, and photographic schedules of condition. We help clients understand their position, make informed decisions and move matters forward with clear, practical advice.

We advise on a range of commercial property including shops, offices, industrial units, warehouses, mixed-use buildings and other business premises. Whether you own or occupy property in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight, we can discuss the matter with you and advise whether the property falls within our scope.

Yes, we act for both landlords and tenants. We assist with lease advisory matters including rent reviews, lease renewals, lease surrenders, schedules of condition and related commercial property advice. We will always confirm at the outset who we are acting for and the scope of our instruction.

Yes, we provide commercial property valuations in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. This may be for SIPPS or SSAS, sale, purchase, probate, inheritance or capital gains tax, accounts, asset planning, lease matters or general decision-making. If you are unsure what type of valuation is required, we can guide you on the most suitable approach.

It is usually sensible to seek advice as early as possible. Early instruction allows time to understand the property, review the purpose of the valuation and provide the appropriate level of reporting. This can help avoid delay and ensure you have the information you need at the right stage.

The fee will depend on the type of property, location, complexity of the instruction and the purpose of the valuation. Once we have a little more information, we can provide a clear quotation so you know what is included before proceeding.

Yes, we advise landlords and tenants on commercial lease renewals and lease surrenders. A lease event is an important opportunity to review rent, lease terms and future flexibility. Taking advice in good time can help protect your position and avoid unfavourable terms.

A commercial rent review is the process by which the rent under a lease is reviewed in accordance with the lease terms, usually at a set date during the term. It is sensible to take advice before the review date so there is time to consider the lease, review market evidence and prepare a negotiating position.

A photographic schedule of condition is a record of the condition of a property, usually prepared at the start of a lease and attached to the lease documents. It records the state of repair at that point in time and can be helpful in reducing disputes later in the term or at lease end.

To provide a quotation, it is helpful to have the property address, brief details of the matter, any relevant dates, and copies of any available documents, such as a lease, plan or heads of terms. If you do not have everything to hand, please still get in touch and we can advise what is needed.

Valuations are typically completed within one to three weeks, depending on factors such as access to the property and the complexity of the instruction. 

Lease renewals and rent reviews, however, usually take longer, as the timescale largely depends on the progress and outcome of negotiations between the parties involved, it is not unusual for an agreement to be reached past the due dates, and can be more months, as well as over 12 months from the start.

In most cases, yes, it is advisable to instruct a surveyor for a commercial lease. A surveyor can negotiate lease terms on your behalf, assess whether the proposed rent reflects the current market, and help protect you from unfavourable clauses that could create financial or legal risk later. 

They can also advise on key provisions such as break options and rent-free periods to ensure the agreement supports your business objectives. This is particularly important for tenants entering into multi-year commitments, where the long-term implications of the lease can be significant. This is especially important for business tenants signing multi-year agreements.

Building surveyor – focuses on the physical condition of the building.

Commercial (general practice) surveyor – focuses on value, leases, rent, and commercial negotiations.  At Wheeler and Lai, we are commercial surveyors, but we can signpost you to relevant building surveyors if this arises.  We work alongside other property professionals to guide you.