Selling a commercial property has its own specifics compared to selling residential real estate, since buyers evaluate it primarily through the lens of business potential and return on investment. Hermes Nekretnine helps owners of commercial spaces in Zagreb sell to serious business buyers and investors at a realistic market price.
The price of a commercial space depends mainly on location and footfall, but also on the purpose the space is suited for, such as hospitality, retail, offices or storage. Ground-floor spaces with a shop window on a busy street typically achieve a significantly higher price per square metre than identical areas on an upper floor or in a courtyard, while ceiling height, the presence of a delivery ramp and the number of parking spaces also significantly affect the valuation.
Before listing a commercial space for sale, we check whether it was legally built and has a use permit for its current purpose, since this is one of the first questions serious buyers and investors ask. If the space is currently in poorer condition, we advise basic touch-ups such as a fresh coat of paint on the walls and cleaning the installations, which can significantly improve the first impression without a large investment.
After valuation and document verification, we prepare a presentation tailored to business buyers and investors, emphasising return on investment and the space's potential. This is followed by viewings, negotiation of price and terms, drafting a preliminary contract, and signing the sale contract with a notary, and we guide you through the entire process all the way to land registry entry and handover of the keys.
For investors, expected rental yield is especially important, so alongside a standard presentation of the space we prepare an estimate of expected rent for that location and property type, helping them calculate the return on investment. We also highlight proximity to public transport, parking, and other businesses that could attract customers or employees.
Commercial spaces attract different buyer profiles, from small business owners who need a space for their own operations to investors buying purely to rent it out. Depending on the size, location and purpose of the space, we tailor the marketing strategy and advertising channels to reach exactly the buyer group most drawn to that particular space.
If the space is already leased to an active tenant, the sale can proceed while retaining the existing lease agreement, which is often attractive to investors since they immediately receive income without needing to find a new tenant. In this case, we thoroughly check the terms of the existing lease and transparently present them to potential buyers before closing the deal.
Selling a commercial space may be subject to property transfer tax or VAT, depending on whether the seller is a legal entity or an individual and whether the space was previously used for business purposes with VAT deducted. Due to the complexity of this topic, we always recommend consulting an accountant or tax advisor before finalising the transaction, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Commercial spaces generally sell more slowly than residential properties, since the pool of potential buyers is narrower and involves a more detailed analysis of the location's business potential. Depending on location, price and condition, a sale can take anywhere from several months to a year, and we keep the owner informed of interest and negotiation progress through regular reporting.
Buyers most often ask about the amount of the communal fee and building maintenance costs, whether the space's purpose could change in the future, and whether there's room to extend or redesign the interior layout. They're also often interested in whether air conditioning and ventilation are already installed and how energy-efficient the space is, since this directly affects future operating costs.
An empty, clean space with good lighting always makes a better impression than a neglected or cluttered one with old equipment. Where possible, we recommend removing unnecessary items and, if feasible, temporarily refreshing the lighting before the first viewings, so buyers can more easily picture their own business in the space.
Whether you're selling a small unit, a large commercial complex, or a warehouse, our team is here to advise you on the best sales strategy, assess the realistic market price, and find serious buyers ready for a fast and secure transaction. Get in touch today for a free valuation of your commercial property and a detailed discussion of your options.