The Commercial Property Podcast

Episode 90 – What Would I Do With £250,000 Today?
If I had £250,000 to invest in commercial property today, what would I actually do with it?
But actually, the number is almost irrelevant.
Whether you have £100,000, £250,000 or £1 million to invest, the thought process should be exactly the same. And my answer probably isn't what you might expect.
I wouldn't start by looking for a property.
In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I explain exactly how I approach investing in today's commercial property market, drawing on more than 30 years of experience in the sector.
Rather than simply telling you which type of property I would buy, I take you through the thinking and decision-making process I use before spending a single pound.
Because one of the biggest mistakes I see investors make is starting with the deal. They see a property, like the yield or the price and then try to make it fit their strategy.
I believe it should be the other way around.
We look at how I would decide what I actually want the £250,000 to achieve, how that would influence the type of commercial property I target and whether I would use borrowing to increase my purchasing power.
I also discuss the niches I would be looking at, the importance of understanding occupier demand and why I would be particularly interested in opportunities where I can create value rather than simply wait for the market to create it for me.
That could mean improving the lease, increasing the rent, strengthening the tenant covenant, changing the use, splitting the property or identifying another asset management opportunity that other investors have missed.
We also look at something I believe is hugely important in the current market: having more than one way out of a deal.
Markets change. Interest rates change. Tenant demand changes. Your own circumstances can change. Building flexibility into an investment from the outset can make an enormous difference to both risk and return.
And, importantly, I explain why a high yield would not necessarily persuade me to buy.
A 10% or 12% yield can look incredibly attractive on paper, but if the tenant is unlikely to remain, the rent isn't sustainable or there is little occupier demand for the building, that yield can disappear very quickly.
The question isn't simply:
"What return am I getting?"
It is:
"Why am I getting that return – and what risk am I taking to get it?"
In This Episode
I cover how I would:
Decide what I wanted my £250,000 to achieve before looking at properties.

Choose a commercial property niche based on my strategy and the underlying market.

Assess occupier demand rather than relying purely on investment comparables.

Decide whether, and how much, debt I would use.

Look for opportunities where active asset management could create additional value.

Assess whether today's market creates an attractive buying opportunity.

Build multiple exit strategies into a deal from the outset.

Balance income, capital growth and risk.

Avoid being seduced by apparently attractive high yields.

Decide whether a property is genuinely a good investment rather than simply a property that happens to be for sale.

If you are a residential property investor considering moving into commercial property, a business owner looking to invest surplus capital or an existing commercial investor wondering where you should deploy your money, this episode will help you think about the decision differently.
Because successful commercial property investing isn't simply about finding a property.
It is about knowing what you are trying to achieve, understanding what creates value and then finding the right property to deliver it.
Learn More
If you want to learn how to find, analyse and add value to commercial property investments, visit www.suzicarter.comfor commercial property training, resources, live events and information about working with Suzi.
Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you don't miss future episodes.
And if you found this episode useful, please leave a review and share it with another property investor or business owner who might be wondering what they should do with their next £250,000.

Episode 89 - New EPC Rules Explained: What Every Commercial Property Investor Needs to Know (with Jonathan Murton)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations are changing, and they could have a significant impact on commercial property investors, landlords, developers and business owners over the coming years.
In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter is joined by EPC expert Jonathan Murton of Murton & Co to cut through the confusion surrounding the proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), EPC ratings and the latest government proposals.
Together they discuss what the draft regulations could mean for commercial property owners, how the rules differ between commercial and residential property, and why understanding EPCs has become an essential part of making informed investment decisions.
Jonathan explains how EPC assessments are carried out, the common misconceptions surrounding energy ratings, the exemptions investors need to understand, and the practical steps landlords can take now to future-proof their portfolios.
If you're buying, refinancing, asset managing or simply reviewing your commercial property portfolio, this episode will help you understand the potential risks, identify opportunities and avoid costly mistakes as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.
In This Episode We Cover
The latest proposed changes to commercial EPC and MEES regulations.
What the Government's consultation could mean for commercial property investors.
How commercial EPC assessments differ from residential EPCs.
The relationship between EPC ratings, property values and commercial lending.
Which commercial properties may qualify for exemptions.
Practical ways to improve EPC ratings without unnecessary expenditure.
How EPC regulations can influence investment strategy and asset management decisions.
The importance of planning ahead before purchasing your next commercial property.
The future direction of energy efficiency legislation and what investors should be watching.
Why This Episode Matters
Many investors still view EPCs as little more than a compliance exercise.
In reality, EPC ratings are becoming an increasingly important factor in commercial property investing. They can affect lettability, financing, future capital expenditure requirements and, ultimately, the value of an asset.
Understanding the proposed regulations now gives investors time to plan strategically rather than reacting when legislation changes.
As we always say at the Commercial Property Academy, successful commercial property investing isn't just about buying the right building. It's about understanding the wider market forces that will influence its future performance.
About Jonathan Murton
Jonathan Murton is a Chartered Surveyor and qualified Energy Assessor with more than 20 years' experience advising the property industry. As a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), he specialises in commercial and residential EPC assessments, helping property owners understand energy performance requirements, regulatory compliance and practical improvement strategies.
His straightforward, commercial approach makes complex legislation far easier for investors and landlords to understand.
Connect with Jonathan Murton
 jonny@murtonandco.uk
 www.murtonandco.uk

You can complete Jonathan's simple 3-minute diagnostic with a personalised guide. It's designed for commercial property professionals to help them identify how effectively EPC and MEES are reflected in their property investment strategy, touching on topics beyond compliance such as valuation, market appeal, etc.
 
Here's the link: https://nondomesticmeescompliance.murtonandco.uk/
 
Learn More
If you'd like to build your knowledge of commercial property investing, deal analysis and asset management, visit www.suzicarter.com for training, resources, live events and information about working with Suzi.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you found this conversation valuable, please leave a review and share it with another property investor who would benefit from understanding these important EPC changes.

Episode 87 - Thinking of Buying Commercial Property Overseas? Listen To This First
Have you ever been tempted by the idea of buying commercial property overseas?
Perhaps you've spotted what looks like an incredible deal, been attracted by higher headline yields or are considering diversifying your portfolio internationally. Investing overseas can be an excellent way to spread risk and uncover new opportunities, but only if you understand that commercial property doesn't work the same way in every country.
In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explores the key differences between investing in commercial property in the UK and buying commercial property overseas. From lease structures and legal systems to taxation, financing, currency risk and tenant demand, she explains why applying UK investing principles abroad without understanding the local market can prove to be a costly mistake.
Drawing on more than 30 years' experience in commercial property, Suzi shares the questions every investor should ask before committing to an overseas investment. She explains why successful commercial property investing is never just about the building—it's about understanding the businesses that occupy it, the economy that supports it and the legislation that governs it.
Whether you're considering your first overseas commercial property investment or simply want to understand how international markets compare with the UK, this episode will help you assess opportunities more confidently and avoid some of the most common mistakes investors make.
In This Episode We Cover:
The key differences between UK commercial property and commercial property overseas

Why commercial lease structures vary dramatically from country to country

The legal and tax issues every overseas investor should understand

Understanding financing options when investing abroad

Managing currency risk and protecting your investment returns

Why tenant demand and local business trends matter just as much as the property itself

Building a trusted team of local surveyors, solicitors, accountants and property professionals

The importance of thorough due diligence before investing overseas

Political, economic and regulatory risks that can affect commercial property investments

How to evaluate overseas opportunities with the same commercial mindset you would apply in the UK

The biggest mistakes UK investors make when buying commercial property abroad

Key Takeaway
Investing in commercial property overseas can be an excellent way to diversify your portfolio and create long-term wealth, but only if you understand the market you're investing in. Every country has its own legal framework, tax system, lease structures and business culture. The investors who succeed internationally are those who take the time to understand those differences, build the right team around them and carry out rigorous due diligence before committing their capital.
Ready to Take Your Commercial Property Investing to the Next Level?
If you're serious about building a successful commercial property portfolio, the right knowledge will always be your greatest investment.
Visit www.suzicarter.com to access practical training, resources, podcasts and events designed to help you become a more confident and commercially minded investor.
And if you're thinking about your next investment, make sure you download my Private Investor Briefing – Before You Buy Your Next Property… Read This First. It's a 15-minute read packed with the insights every investor should understand before making their next commercial property decision.

Episode 86 – Why Some Investors Spot Commercial Property Opportunities That Everyone Else Misses

In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explains why the biggest advantage in commercial property investing isn't finding secret deals—it's learning to see opportunities that other investors simply overlook.
The most successful commercial property investors don't rely on luck or exclusive access to off-market properties. They understand the market. They understand businesses. They know how to interpret what's happening in the wider economy, identify changing supply and demand, and recognise the opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Drawing on over 30 years' experience in the commercial property sector, Suzi shares why investing successfully is about far more than analysing a building. It's about understanding the businesses that occupy those buildings, the people who use them, and the economic trends that will shape demand over the years ahead.
This episode also reflects one of the core principles behind Suzi's latest investor briefing, Before You Invest, Read This First. The investors who consistently outperform the market aren't simply better at finding deals. They're better at understanding what creates opportunity before everyone else sees it.
You'll discover why relationships remain one of the most valuable assets an investor can build, how to create multiple exit strategies to reduce risk, and why developing your knowledge will always outperform chasing the latest "off-market" opportunity.
Whether you're moving from residential into commercial property investing or looking to improve the quality of the opportunities you uncover, this episode will help you think differently about where the best deals really come from.
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In This Episode You'll Learn:
Why successful commercial property investing starts with understanding businesses, not just buildings.
The truth about off-market deals and why relationships create better opportunities than secret deal lists.
How experienced investors identify commercial property opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Why understanding supply and demand gives you a significant competitive advantage.
How economic trends, demographics and local business performance influence future property values.
The importance of building relationships with agents, vendors and your professional network.
Why education and market knowledge help you spot opportunities before other investors.
How multiple exit strategies can protect your downside while increasing potential returns.
The mindset and habits shared by investors who consistently find better commercial property investments.
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If you've ever wondered why some investors seem to spot opportunities long before everyone else, this episode will show you that the difference isn't access—it's perspective. The more you understand businesses, markets and changing demand, the more opportunities you'll begin to see.
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Listen and Learn More
If you're serious about becoming a better commercial property investor, this episode is the perfect place to start.
For more commercial property investment training, educational resources, live events and investor programmes, visit www.suzicarter.com.
And before you make your next investment decision, make sure you've read Suzi's latest investor briefing, Before You Invest, Read This First. It brings together many of the principles discussed in this episode and will help you assess commercial property opportunities with greater confidence and clarity. You can download this briefing using this link https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/private-investor-briefing

Episode 85 – What a Heatwave Can Teach You About Commercial Property Investing
What does a summer heatwave have to do with commercial property investing?
Quite a lot.
In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, commercial property expert Suzi Carter explains why successful commercial property investors need to think beyond buildings and understand the external forces that shape tenant demand, property values and long-term investment performance.
Using the recent UK heatwave as an example, Suzi explores how weather, climate change, consumer behaviour, economic conditions and demographic trends can all influence the commercial property market. She explains why understanding the businesses occupying your properties is just as important as analysing the bricks and mortar.
Whether you're new to commercial property investing or looking to build a more resilient commercial property portfolio, this episode will help you identify hidden risks, uncover opportunities and make better investment decisions through stronger commercial property due diligence.
In This Episode You'll Learn:
Why successful commercial property investing is about understanding businesses, not just buildings.
How weather and climate change can affect tenant performance and commercial property values.
The importance of analysing tenant demand before buying commercial property.
How demographic changes influence long-term commercial property investment opportunities.
Why consumer confidence and economic trends should shape your investment strategy.
The role sustainability, energy efficiency and ESG play in future-proofing commercial property.
How to identify resilient commercial property investments in changing markets.
The due diligence questions every commercial property investor should be asking before purchasing a property.
Who Should Listen?
This episode is ideal for:
Residential property investors moving into commercial property.
Commercial property investors looking to improve their due diligence.
Business owners considering buying commercial premises.
Anyone wanting to build long-term wealth through commercial property investing.
Listen and Learn More
If you're looking to build wealth through commercial property investing, visit www.suzicarter.com for commercial property training, educational resources, live events and opportunities to work with Suzi Carter.
Whether you're buying your first commercial property or growing an established portfolio, you'll find practical guidance to help you become a more confident and successful commercial property investor.