Direct answer
The short answer
Prepare a complete property brief before comparing finance: record business use, price and timetable, inspect building and legal position, model whole project cost and test how premises would work in the business plan. This does not establish that a property, mortgage or other finance will be available.
Key points
- Define business use, location, condition, price, occupancy plan and timetable.
- Check planning, business-rates, energy-performance and flood-risk information for the exact property.
- Separate purchase price, professional costs, works, tax, moving costs and working-capital effects.
- Keep property, legal, valuation and finance questions separate until competent review.
Build the property brief before comparing finance
Set out business use, location, size, condition, access, occupation model, timing and maximum project scope. A property advert or early conversation is not a completed plan.
Check the property and legal position
Arrange suitable checks on title, tenure, rights, restrictions, condition, services and access. A checklist cannot replace legal or surveying advice.
Check planning and permitted use
Check local planning records for the exact property and intended use, alteration, signage or operational change. Do not assume previous use or marketing description settles the position.
Check rates, energy performance and flood information
Review official business-rates, commercial EPC and long-term flood-risk information for the exact address. These checks do not predict full cost, insurability or suitability.
Model the complete project cost and timing
List price, tax, professional fees, survey, valuation, legal work, repairs, fit-out, equipment, moving, insurance, utilities and working capital. Record due dates and test a slower or more expensive scenario.
Prepare evidence for later discussions
Keep the property brief, heads of terms where relevant, quotations, plans, financial information and cash-flow assumptions organised. An independent organisation may request different evidence and makes its own assessment.
Keep the next decision proportionate
Decide which questions need a solicitor, surveyor, planner, accountant, insurer or other competent professional. Bene does not give property, legal, tax or mortgage advice, compare mortgages or make lending decisions.
Common questions
Questions about this guide
Does a checklist show what a business can borrow?
No. It organises evidence and costs; it does not calculate affordability, establish eligibility, quote a rate or show finance is available.
Should planning be checked before agreeing to buy?
Check local planning authority information for the exact property and intended use, then obtain advice where material or unclear.
Can Bene recommend a commercial mortgage?
No. Bene is an introduction service, not a broker, lender or adviser. It does not compare or recommend mortgages, give advice or make lending decisions.
Primary sources
Sources reviewed for this guide
- How to finance a commercial property purchaseBritish Business Bank
- Planning permissionGOV.UK
- Find a business rates valuationGOV.UK
- Energy Performance Certificates for commercial propertyGOV.UK
- Check long term flood riskGOV.UK
External sources provide general context and do not endorse Bene Finance or establish that a funding option is available.
This guide provides general information only and is not financial advice or a guarantee that finance will be available.