Commercial property can serve different purposes: premises for your own business, an income-producing investment or an opportunity to reposition a building over time. Be clear about the role the property needs to play before comparing individual listings.
RWC Christchurch markets commercial and industrial property for sale, including office, retail, investment and land opportunities. Explore our current commercial properties for sale and speak with the listing agent about the documents, inspections and sale process.
An investor needs to understand how income is earned, which costs remain with the owner and what could interrupt that income. An owner-occupier also needs to test whether the building supports the business and whether buying leaves sufficient flexibility and working capital.
Vacant premises may offer occupation or re-leasing potential, but there is no existing tenant income to assume. A tenanted property may provide income from settlement, subject to the actual lease and sale arrangements, while limiting when you could occupy it yourself. Your advisers can help you compare those choices against your circumstances.
A headline rental figure is only the beginning. Ask for the tenancy schedule and the supporting leases, variations and relevant review notices. Understand the current term, expiry dates, possible renewals, rent-review mechanisms and any arrears, incentives or other arrangements affecting income.
Look at concentration as well as the total: one tenant and several tenants create different exposures, and several leases expiring together can still concentrate risk. Renewal rights are possibilities under the documents, rather than proof the tenant will stay to the final possible expiry.
Separate recoverable outgoings from owner costs and future works. An advertised yield is not a guaranteed return or a substitute for investigating vacancy, finance, maintenance and capital expenditure. Ask how any advertised calculation has been prepared and which costs it excludes.
The title, building condition, planning position, access, parking and services all influence how a property can be used and maintained. In Christchurch, ask for available seismic assessments and information about earthquake repairs or strengthening. A percentage in a listing is a starting point for understanding the underlying report, not a complete assessment of the building.
For unit-title property, ask about the body corporate, budgets, levies, insurance, maintenance planning and relevant decisions. Your lawyer and technical advisers should investigate the documents and explain what matters for the proposed purchase.
Confirm the method of sale, key dates, information-pack access and inspection arrangements with the listing agent. Arrange finance and legal advice early enough to consider conditions, GST treatment, existing tenancies and settlement requirements before making a commitment.
The selling agent acts for the vendor. Our role is to explain the marketed opportunity and sale process and provide available information for your enquiries; independent advice should come from advisers acting for you.
Use our commercial buying checklist to organise the documents and questions for your advisers.
Tell us the property type, location, approximate budget and whether you want an investment or premises to occupy. Contact Paula Raine, Adrian Raine or the named listing agent, or use the form below. Our recent transactions offer examples of properties handled by the office.
For wider preparation, see the Real Estate Authority’s commercial property information and Business.govt.nz’s premises guidance. This page is general information; the right purchase depends on the property documents and advice specific to you.