The Commercial Property Podcast

Episode 76: Upward Only Rent Reviews Have Been Banned – So Where is the Opportunity?!


In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down one of the biggest proposed changes to commercial property leasing in decades — the Government's move to ban Upward Only Rent Reviews in certain commercial leases.
For many investors, this has triggered concern around valuations, lending, lease structures, and future income security. But as Suzi explains in this episode, periods of uncertainty and market change often create some of the greatest opportunities for knowledgeable commercial property investors.
Suzi explores what the legislation actually says, why the market is reacting so strongly, and the important distinction between existing leases and future lease renewals that may potentially fall within the new rules. She also discusses the secondary legislation still being developed behind the scenes and why, in her view, investors should avoid panicking whilst the detail continues to evolve.
The episode also looks at how the commercial property market may adapt over the coming years, including the likely rise of more flexible lease structures such as CPI-linked reviews, stepped rents, turnover rents, and hybrid lease models.
Importantly, Suzi explains why this shift could actually widen the gap between average investors and highly skilled commercial investors — creating significant opportunities for those who truly understand lease structures, tenant demand, asset management, and value creation.
She also discusses why periods of uncertainty often lead to softer pricing, more motivated vendors, and greater opportunities for strategic investors who know how to navigate changing market conditions.
As always, the focus is not just on the risks — but on where the opportunities may emerge next.
 Key Topics Covered:
What the Upward Only Rent Review legislation actually means
Why the market is reacting so strongly
The potential impact on valuations, lending, and investor confidence
Existing leases versus future lease renewals
Secondary legislation and ongoing uncertainty
How lease structures may evolve going forward
CPI-linked reviews, stepped rents, turnover rents, and hybrid leases
Why expertise and asset management skills may become even more valuable
How uncertainty can create buying opportunities and softer pricing
The importance of tenant quality, sector selection, and lease strategy
 Key Learning Outcomes
Understanding how Upward Only Rent Reviews work
The potential implications of the new legislation
How lease structures influence commercial property value
Why sophisticated investors may benefit from market uncertainty
The likely evolution of commercial leasing structures
Strategies for navigating changing market conditions
Why knowledge and expertise create competitive advantage in commercial property
Listen and Learn More
If you'd like to learn more about commercial property investing — and how to build income and long-term wealth through smarter strategies — you can find training, resources, and events at: Suzi Carter

Episode 75: Lease Renewals Explained – The Process, the Pitfalls and the Profit Opportunity
In this week's episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter dives into one of the most important — and often overlooked — areas of commercial property investing: lease renewals.
Many investors focus heavily on finding deals and buying assets, but what happens after purchase can be where serious value is protected, created, or lost. Lease renewals are a perfect example of this. Handled well, they can strengthen income, improve valuation, reduce risk, and make a property far more attractive to lenders and future buyers.
Suzi explains how lease renewals work in practice, including the key principles of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and why understanding the legal framework matters if you own or are buying commercial property in the UK.
She also explores how lease length can directly affect value. A short lease or uncertain income stream may concern banks, valuers, and purchasers, whereas a well-structured longer lease with the right tenant can significantly improve an asset's position.
Throughout the episode, Suzi shares practical strategies for approaching renewals, negotiating stronger lease terms, extending income security, and handling discussions with tenants professionally and commercially.
If you want to become a smarter commercial property investor, understanding lease events such as renewals is essential. This is where proactive asset management can make a meaningful difference to returns.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Lease renewals and why they matter more than many investors realise.
How the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 can affect your strategy as a landlord or investor.
Why lease length has a major impact on value, risk, and lender appetite.
How to negotiate renewals from a stronger commercial position.
Ways to reduce void risk and improve long-term asset performance.
How better lease management can support refinancing or future sale plans.
Key Takeaways:
Commercial property is not just about buying well — it is also about managing well.
Lease renewals can unlock value, improve certainty, and reduce unnecessary risk.
Small strategic decisions around lease terms can have a big impact on valuation.
Investors who understand leases often outperform those who only focus on acquisition.
Listen and Learn More
If you'd like to learn more about commercial property investing — and how to build income and long-term wealth through smarter strategies — you can find training, resources, and events at www.suzicarter.com

Episode 74: Why Sentiment Governs Markets — And How You Can Use It to Your Advantage in Commercial Property Investing
In this week's episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I'm diving into something that most investors completely underestimate—but that quietly drives almost every decision made in the market: sentiment.
If you've ever wondered why markets feel irrational, why prices rise too far or fall too fast, or why the best opportunities often appear when everyone else is sitting on their hands, this episode will really help you join the dots. Because behind all the data, yields, and spreadsheets, it's human behaviour—and more specifically, emotion—that is shaping the market at any given time.
I talk through how sentiment moves in cycles, from confidence and optimism at the top of the market to fear and hesitation at the bottom. And more importantly, how those emotional swings create mispricing. This is where the real opportunity lies for commercial property investors who are prepared, informed, and able to think differently.
We also explore what this means in today's market. When sentiment is low, deals don't disappear—if anything, they become more attractive. Vendors become more motivated, competition reduces, and pricing often softens. But the key is knowing how to assess those opportunities properly, rather than being swept up in the same fear that's keeping others on the sidelines.
Throughout the episode, I bring it back to fundamentals. Understanding tenant demand, choosing the right sector, analysing lease terms, and carrying out proper due diligence are what allow you to invest with confidence—even when the wider market feels uncertain. This is where strategy matters, and where you can start to separate yourself from the average investor.
I also touch on the idea of thinking contrarian—because some of the best commercial property investments are made when it feels uncomfortable to act. That doesn't mean taking unnecessary risks, but it does mean being willing to move when others won't, provided the fundamentals stack up.
This episode is all about helping you see the market more clearly. Not through headlines or noise, but through a deeper understanding of what's really driving behaviour—and how you can use that to your advantage in your own investing journey.
If you're serious about building wealth through commercial property, and you want to understand how to spot opportunities others miss, this is a really important listen.
If you'd like to go deeper into how commercial property investing works—and how to apply these principles in practice—you can find more training, resources, and upcoming events at:
https://suzicarter.com/

Episode 73: The 7 Numbers Every Commercial Property Investor Must Know (and What They Actually Mean!)
In this week's episode, I'm breaking down what I believe are the seven key numbers every commercial property investor needs to understand if they want to assess deals properly and invest with confidence. Because the truth is, once you understand these numbers, commercial property becomes far more straightforward — and far less intimidating.
We go beyond just listing the metrics and really dig into what they actually mean in practice. From yield and how it reflects risk, through to passing rent versus ERV, and why that gap can signal opportunity (or a warning sign), this episode is all about helping you interpret what you're looking at — not just calculate it.
I also talk about lease length and break clauses, and how these can significantly impact value and security of income. We cover WALT (or WAULT, depending on who you ask!) and why it's such an important indicator for both lenders and investors. And, of course, we look at tenant covenant strength — because ultimately, your deal is only as strong as the business paying the rent.
We also touch on price per square foot as a useful benchmarking tool, and why no single number should ever be looked at in isolation. The real skill in commercial property is bringing all of these metrics together to form a clear, confident view on whether a deal stacks up.
By the end of this episode, you'll have a much clearer understanding of how to assess commercial property opportunities using these core numbers — and, more importantly, how to use them in a practical, real-world way.
If you'd like to learn more about how commercial property works — and how to get started — you can find more training, resources, and upcoming events at:
www.suzicarter.com

Episode 72.The Window Is Open — But Not for Everyone: Who Should (and Shouldn't) Be Buying Commercial Property Right Now


There's a lot of noise in the market right now.
Global uncertainty, shifting sentiment, and headlines that can make even experienced investors pause. But if you've been listening to me for a while, you'll know this is exactly the kind of environment where real opportunity starts to emerge.
The key is understanding that this isn't a market for everyone.
In this episode, I'm sharing a grounded and strategic view of the UK commercial property market right now. We look at what's really happening beneath the headlines, how market sentiment is influencing pricing and activity, and why this current window of opportunity is very real — but only for those who approach it in the right way.
I draw on lessons from previous downturns, including 2008, to highlight what tends to happen when markets soften, and where the smartest investors focus their attention. Because while uncertainty can create hesitation, it also creates motivated sellers, better pricing, and opportunities to structure deals in ways that simply aren't available in stronger markets.
We also talk about the importance of niching in commercial property, understanding tenant demand at a very granular level, and making sure your strategy is aligned with where the market is heading — not where it's been.
But just as importantly, I cover who should not be investing right now.
Because not every investor is in the right position to take advantage of this window. If you don't have clarity on your strategy, your numbers, or your risk tolerance, this market can catch you out. And being honest about that is what separates long-term success from expensive mistakes.
This episode will help you step back, sense-check your approach, and decide whether now is the right time for you to move — or whether your next best step is to get better prepared.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
In this episode, I walk you through what's really driving the commercial property market right now, including how global uncertainty and shifting sentiment are influencing pricing, yields, and investor behaviour. We look at how markets behaved during previous downturns, and what lessons you can take from those periods to apply today.
I also explain how to identify genuine opportunities in uncertain conditions, including how to spot motivated vendors, structure deals more creatively, and focus on sectors and locations with resilient tenant demand. Alongside this, we explore the importance of strategic niching, and why getting specific in your approach is more important than ever.
Crucially, we also cover the risks. You'll learn how to assess whether you're actually ready to invest in this market, what to look for when analysing tenant strength and lease terms, and how to protect yourself through careful due diligence and conservative assumptions.
Is This Market Right for You?
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that just because the window is open, it doesn't mean everyone should be climbing through it.
This is a market that rewards clarity, discipline, and strategy. It suits investors who understand their numbers, know their niche, and are willing to do proper due diligence. It is far less forgiving for those who are rushing in, following the crowd, or hoping for quick wins without fully understanding the risks.
If that resonates, this episode will give you a clear framework to think about your next move.
Learn More About Commercial Property Investing
If you'd like to learn more about how commercial property investing works — and how to do it in a strategic, structured way — you can find more training, resources, and upcoming events at:
www.suzicarter.com