Types of use and their requirements
Every commercial use places its own requirements on a space. We clarify these requirements with you at the outset and search or market accordingly.
- Office: space efficiency, divisibility, technical equipment, connection to public transport
- Practice: accessibility, ease of access, ceiling heights and installations, permissibility of use
- Retail: visibility, passing trade, shop-window frontage, delivery access
- Warehousing and logistics: hall height, floor load capacity, doors, manoeuvring areas, transport links
Determining space requirements correctly
Many companies underestimate or overestimate their space requirements. We therefore start from the way you work: how many workstations are needed today and in a few years, which meeting, storage and staff rooms are necessary, and how much customer traffic is to be expected. These details produce a requirements profile against which offers can be compared objectively.
Permissibility under building law
Not every space may be used for every purpose. Whether a practice in a former flat or a warehouse in a mixed-use area is permissible depends on the development plan and the building permit granted. A change of use may require a new permit. We review the available documents and, where matters are unclear, recommend an enquiry with the building authority or the involvement of an architect.
Sale and acquisition of commercial properties
When selling a let commercial property, the leases are the focus: term, indexation, service charge arrangements and the creditworthiness of the tenants largely determine the value. We prepare this information comprehensibly for prospective buyers.
For owner-occupiers who wish to acquire premises, we examine whether the floor plan, fittings and expansion options suit the business model. You arrange the financing in consultation with your bank.
Commercial leases
Commercial leases are far less regulated by statute than residential leases and are therefore more open to negotiation. This applies to the term, renewal options, allocation of service charges and maintenance obligations. We prepare the key terms; the detailed drafting of the contract belongs in the hands of a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 'client pays' principle (Bestellerprinzip) also apply to commercial premises?
No. The 'client pays' principle (Bestellerprinzip) under the Wohnungsvermittlungsgesetz (German Housing Brokerage Act) applies only to residential space. For commercial premises, the commission is freely agreed.
May I use a flat as a practice?
That depends on the development plan (Bebauungsplan), the building permit and, in the case of condominium ownership, the declaration of division (Teilungserklärung). A permit for change of use is frequently required.
Do you also broker smaller premises?
Yes, we broker commercial premises of various sizes, from a single office to a hall.