The Commercial Property Podcast

Episode 63: Sale & Leaseback in Commercial Property – Smart Strategy or Costly Mistake?
In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, commercial property expert Suzi Carter breaks down sale and leaseback transactions — a powerful but often misunderstood strategy in UK commercial property investing.
Sale and leasebacks can unlock capital for business owners without disrupting operations, while offering investors secure income, long leases, and reduced letting risk. But when executed poorly, they can quickly become an expensive mistake.
Suzi explains how sale and leaseback deals really work, why they appeal to SME investors and business owners, and the critical mistakes investors make when they focus on yield without fully understanding tenant covenant strength, lease structure, and exit risk.
This episode cuts through the noise to show when sale and leasebacks make sense — and when to walk away.
 What You'll Learn in This Episode
By the end of this episode, you'll clearly understand:
What a sale and leaseback is in commercial property

How sale and leaseback transactions are structured in the UK

Why businesses use sale and leasebacks to release capital

The benefits for commercial property investors

The key risks, red flags, and covenant checks investors must not ignore

How lease length, rent terms, and break clauses affect long-term returns

 Essential Sale & Leaseback Insights for Investors
Sale and leasebacks can offer guaranteed tenants and predictable income

Strong tenant covenant checks are essential

Long leases are only attractive if the fundamentals stack up

Poor lease terms can limit flexibility and future value

When structured correctly, sale and leasebacks can create true win-win deals

 Want Clarity, Confidence & a Commercial Property Plan for 2026?
If regulation feels overwhelming — or you're unsure how to move forward confidently in commercial property — join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day on Thursday 19th February 2026.
This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.
You'll leave with:
 A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
 The ability to analyse deals with confidence
 A clear, step-by-step action plan for early 2026
 The confidence to move forward decisively — even in a changing market
 Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page
 Listen & Watch
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
 Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com/

Episode 62: Starting With the End in Mind – How to Invest in Commercial Property Strategically


How do successful commercial property investors make better decisions, reduce risk, and build predictable income?
They don't start with the deal — they start with the end goal.
In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, commercial property investor and mentor Suzi Carter explains why strategic planning is the missing link for many investors transitioning from residential to commercial property.
Suzi breaks down what it really means to invest strategically in commercial real estate, why clarity on your financial objectives matters more than chasing opportunities, and how the right investment structure can significantly impact cash flow, tax efficiency, and long-term returns.
This episode is essential listening for investors who want to stop reacting to deals and start building a deliberate, profitable commercial property portfolio.
 What You'll Learn in This Episode
What strategic commercial property investment actually means in practice

How to define clear financial goals and align them with the right property strategy

The different commercial property investment structures — and why structure matters

Why cash flow should come before development or capital growth

How niching in commercial property can increase returns and reduce risk

When and why to work with professional advisors to improve investment outcomes

 Key Commercial Property Investing Insights
Start with the end in mind to avoid costly mistakes and unfocused investing

Choosing the right ownership and investment structure can save significant time, tax, and money

Strong, reliable cash flow should underpin every commercial property strategy

Niching by sector or asset type creates expertise, confidence, and scalability

Strategic investors regularly review their portfolios to ensure every asset is working hard

 Want Clarity, Confidence & a Practical Commercial Property Plan for 2026?
If regulation, uncertainty, or lack of direction is holding you back, join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day — a full-day online training designed to give you a clear roadmap for confident action.
You'll leave with:
 A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
 The skills to analyse commercial property deals with confidence
 A step-by-step action plan to move forward in early 2026
 Greater certainty, even in a changing commercial property market
 Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page
 Listen, Watch & Subscribe
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
 Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com/

Episode 61: Commercial Property Break Clauses Explained – What Every Investor Must Know
Break clauses play a critical role in commercial leases and can have a major impact on value, risk, and deal structure.
In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explains exactly what commercial property investors need to know about break clauses before buying, refinancing, or negotiating a lease.
Suzi explores how break clauses work in practice, why valuers take a cautious approach to them, and how a lack of understanding can lead investors to overpay for property or underestimate risk. She also explains the different types of break clauses and the specific conditions that must be met for a break to be valid — an area that often causes costly surprises.
This episode is essential listening if you want to invest with greater clarity, confidence, and control.
 Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this episode, you'll understand:
What break clauses are and why they matter in commercial leases

How break clauses work in practice — not just in theory

The differences between:
Tenant-only break clauses

Landlord break clauses

Mutual break clauses


The conditions tenants or landlords must meet to successfully exercise a break

How break clauses affect property valuation and lender decisions

Why careful lease analysis is essential to managing investment risk

 Essential Commercial Property Insights
Break clauses allow leases to end early under defined conditions

Valuers usually assume tenants will exercise break clauses when assessing value

Property valuation is often based on the lease term up to the next break date

Reviewing lease terms thoroughly can prevent costly mistakes

Talking to tenants can provide valuable insight into their business position

Different break clause structures lead to very different investment outcomes

 Want Clarity, Confidence & a Practical Plan for Early 2026?
If regulation feels overwhelming — or you're unsure how to move forward confidently — join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day.
This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.
You'll walk away with:
 A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy

 The skills to confidently analyse commercial property deals

 A step-by-step action plan for early 2026

 The confidence to move forward decisively — even in a changing market

 Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page
 Listen & Watch More
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
 Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com/

Episode 60: What Happens When a Commercial Tenant Doesn't Pay Rent?
What happens when a commercial tenant falls into rent arrears—and how much control do landlords really have?
In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down exactly how commercial rent arrearswork, why they're fundamentally different from residential property issues, and what landlords can do to protect their income and reduce risk.
You'll learn why commercial leases are contractual rather than emotional, how strong tenant relationships can prevent cash flow problems before they escalate, and what practical steps landlords can take when rent isn't paid on time.
This episode is essential listening for commercial property investors, residential landlords considering commercial, and business owners investing through property who want clarity, confidence, and control.
 Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this episode, you'll understand:
How commercial rent arrears impact landlords and cash flow

Why tenant relationships matter more in commercial property than most investors realise

The legal protections available to commercial landlords

How effective lease drafting can significantly reduce risk

Why commercial landlords often have more control than residential landlords

 Essential Commercial Property Insights
Late rent in commercial property is contractual, not emotional

Strong landlord–tenant relationships can ease payment challenges

Clear communication is critical when tenants experience cash flow issues

Commercial landlords typically have greater legal control than residential landlords

Regular check-ins with tenants help prevent misunderstandings

Investing in a good commercial property solicitor is vital for robust lease drafting

 Want Clarity, Confidence & a Practical Plan for Early 2026?
If regulation feels overwhelming—or you're unsure how to move forward confidently—join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day.
This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.
You'll walk away with:
 A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
 The skills to confidently analyse commercial property deals
 A step-by-step action plan for early 2026
 The confidence to move forward decisively—even in a changing market
 Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page
 Listen & Watch More
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
 Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com

Episode 59: Legislation Before It Bites
What Commercial Property Investors Need to Know Now
Legislation rarely arrives with a bang — it creeps in quietly, then suddenly starts eroding returns, flexibility, and deal viability.
In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down the most important legislative and regulatory changes every commercial property investor and landlord needs on their radar before they start to bite.
From leasehold reform and landlord & tenant legislation to EPC requirements, rent review structures, and business rates, this is a practical, jargon-free look at what's changing — and how smart investors are adapting without panic.
If you want to protect income, avoid nasty surprises, and invest with confidence in 2025 and beyond, this episode is essential listening.
 What's Changing in Commercial Property Legislation?
Suzi explores:
Why staying ahead of legislation is now a core investor skill

How reforms are affecting lease structures, valuations, and exit strategies

Where the real risks are — and where the headlines are overblown

How experienced landlords are adjusting without abandoning sound fundamentals

This episode isn't about fear — it's about being informed, prepared, and commercially smart.
 Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this episode, you'll understand:
 The current and upcoming legislative changes impacting commercial property investors

 The implications of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, especially for mixed-use and complex ownership structures

 How environmental sustainability and ESG pressures are reshaping modern lease terms

 What the potential abolition of upward-only rent reviews could mean for income security and valuations

 Why consultations around contracting out of the Landlord and Tenant Act matter — and how they may influence future leasing strategies

 Essential Insights for Commercial Property Investors
 Legislative change is accelerating — informed investors stay profitable

 Intra-group transfers and lease assignments are under increasing scrutiny

 EPC legislation is likely to tighten significantly by 2026

 Sustainability is no longer optional — it's becoming lease-critical

 Changes to rent review mechanisms could alter the global appeal of UK commercial property

 Want Clarity, Confidence & a Practical Plan for Early 2026?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by regulation — or unsure how to move forward confidently — join Suzi for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day.
This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.
You'll walk away with:
 A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
 The skills to confidently analyse commercial deals
 A step-by-step action plan for early 2026
 The confidence to move forward decisively — even in a changing market
Start the new year with intention — and the right plan.
 Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page