Before you buy a commercial property, there's one conversation too many investors skip — the conversation with the tenant.

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down why tenant conversations are one of the most powerful (and underused) due-diligence tools available to commercial investors.

Suzi shares practical, real-world guidance on how to approach tenants confidently, build rapport without overstepping boundaries, and ask the right questions to uncover insights you won't find in the legal pack. These conversations can reveal tenant intentions, lease risks, hidden opportunities — and sometimes even red flags that could save you from a costly mistake.

Whether you're new to commercial property or already investing, this episode will change how you think about on-site visits forever.

___________________________________________________

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why tenant conversations are essential in commercial property investing

• How to build rapport and trust quickly and professionally

• Practical strategies for approaching tenants with confidence

• The key questions that uncover tenant needs and lease dynamics

• How strong tenant relationships can enhance long-term investment performance
  

___________________________________________________

• Tenant conversations can directly influence purchase decisions

• Genuine curiosity gets better information than interrogation

• Tenant insights can give you a significant competitive edge

• Different questioning styles reveal different levels of insight

• The right questions can uncover future intentions and risks

• Ethical, friendly interactions build trust and credibility

___________________________________________________

Check out Suzi's website and, find out the ways you can work with her, at www.suzicarter.com.

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down how to sense check commercial property rents with confidence—one of the most critical skills for any investor moving into commercial.

Suzi explains why rent is never "just a number" and how it's driven by tenant demand, property size, configuration, location, and affordability. She walks listeners through how to assess rental values properly, avoid overpaying, and use comparables and PropTech tools to support evidence-based decisions.

The episode also explores real-world negotiation strategies, current market dynamics, and why strong relationships with commercial agents can give you an edge when assessing rental levels and deal structure.

Whether you're new to commercial property or refining your due diligence skills, this episode will help you build confidence and avoid costly mistakes when analysing rent.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand:

• How commercial property rents are really determined (and why asking rents can be misleading)

• The impact of size, layout, demand, and location on rental value

• How to analyse comparable evidence to support accurate rent assessments

• How PropTech tools can help you gather reliable, up-to-date rental data

• Key negotiation levers, including rent-free periods and incentives

• Why tenant affordability matters more than headline yield

• How building strong agent relationships improves deal insight and access

• Why attention to detail can make or break a commercial deal

• Commercial rent is dictated by what a tenant is willing and able to pay

• Property size and configuration significantly influence demand and rental value

• Tenant affordability is central to successful rent negotiations

• PropTech platforms strengthen rental evidence and due diligence

• Lease terms and incentives can materially affect investment performance

• Strong agent relationships provide better market intelligence

• Detailed rental analysis reduces risk and increases confidence

If regulation feels overwhelming—or you're unsure how to move forward confidently—join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day.

This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.

Your commercial property sourcing strategy
The skills to confidently analyse commercial property deals
A clear, step-by-step action plan for early 2026
The confidence to move forward decisively—even in a changing market

Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, commercial property expert Suzi Carter breaks down sale and leaseback transactions — a powerful but often misunderstood strategy in UK commercial property investing.

Sale and leasebacks can unlock capital for business owners without disrupting operations, while offering investors secure income, long leases, and reduced letting risk. But when executed poorly, they can quickly become an expensive mistake.

Suzi explains how sale and leaseback deals really work, why they appeal to SME investors and business owners, and the critical mistakes investors make when they focus on yield without fully understanding tenant covenant strength, lease structure, and exit risk.

This episode cuts through the noise to show when sale and leasebacks make sense — and when to walk away.

By the end of this episode, you'll clearly understand:

• What a sale and leaseback is in commercial property

• How sale and leaseback transactions are structured in the UK

• Why businesses use sale and leasebacks to release capital

• The benefits for commercial property investors

• The key risks, red flags, and covenant checks investors must not ignore

• How lease length, rent terms, and break clauses affect long-term returns

• Sale and leasebacks can offer guaranteed tenants and predictable income

• Strong tenant covenant checks are essential

• Long leases are only attractive if the fundamentals stack up

• Poor lease terms can limit flexibility and future value

• When structured correctly, sale and leasebacks can create true win-win deals

If regulation feels overwhelming — or you're unsure how to move forward confidently in commercial property — join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day on Thursday 19th February 2026.

This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.

You'll leave with:

A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
The ability to analyse deals with confidence
A clear, step-by-step action plan for early 2026
The confidence to move forward decisively — even in a changing market

Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com/

How do successful commercial property investors make better decisions, reduce risk, and build predictable income?
They don't start with the deal — they start with the end goal.

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, commercial property investor and mentor Suzi Carter explains why strategic planning is the missing link for many investors transitioning from residential to commercial property.

Suzi breaks down what it really means to invest strategically in commercial real estate, why clarity on your financial objectives matters more than chasing opportunities, and how the right investment structure can significantly impact cash flow, tax efficiency, and long-term returns.

This episode is essential listening for investors who want to stop reacting to deals and start building a deliberate, profitable commercial property portfolio.

• What strategic commercial property investment actually means in practice

• How to define clear financial goals and align them with the right property strategy

• The different commercial property investment structures — and why structure matters

• Why cash flow should come before development or capital growth

• How niching in commercial property can increase returns and reduce risk

• When and why to work with professional advisors to improve investment outcomes

• Start with the end in mind to avoid costly mistakes and unfocused investing

• Choosing the right ownership and investment structure can save significant time, tax, and money

• Strong, reliable cash flow should underpin every commercial property strategy

• Niching by sector or asset type creates expertise, confidence, and scalability

• Strategic investors regularly review their portfolios to ensure every asset is working hard

If regulation, uncertainty, or lack of direction is holding you back, join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day — a full-day online training designed to give you a clear roadmap for confident action.

You'll leave with:

A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
The skills to analyse commercial property deals with confidence
A step-by-step action plan to move forward in early 2026
Greater certainty, even in a changing commercial property market

Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com/

Break clauses play a critical role in commercial leases and can have a major impact on value, risk, and deal structure.

In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explains exactly what commercial property investors need to know about break clauses before buying, refinancing, or negotiating a lease.

Suzi explores how break clauses work in practice, why valuers take a cautious approach to them, and how a lack of understanding can lead investors to overpay for property or underestimate risk. She also explains the different types of break clauses and the specific conditions that must be met for a break to be valid — an area that often causes costly surprises.

This episode is essential listening if you want to invest with greater clarity, confidence, and control.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand:

• What break clauses are and why they matter in commercial leases

• How break clauses work in practice — not just in theory

• The differences between:

  • Tenant-only break clauses

  • Landlord break clauses

  • Mutual break clauses

• The conditions tenants or landlords must meet to successfully exercise a break

• How break clauses affect property valuation and lender decisions

• Why careful lease analysis is essential to managing investment risk

• Break clauses allow leases to end early under defined conditions

• Valuers usually assume tenants will exercise break clauses when assessing value

• Property valuation is often based on the lease term up to the next break date

• Reviewing lease terms thoroughly can prevent costly mistakes

• Talking to tenants can provide valuable insight into their business position

• Different break clause structures lead to very different investment outcomes

If regulation feels overwhelming — or you're unsure how to move forward confidently — join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day.

This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.

• A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy

• The skills to confidently analyse commercial property deals

• A step-by-step action plan for early 2026

• The confidence to move forward decisively — even in a changing market

Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com/

What happens when a commercial tenant falls into rent arrears—and how much control do landlords really have?

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down exactly how commercial rent arrearswork, why they're fundamentally different from residential property issues, and what landlords can do to protect their income and reduce risk.

You'll learn why commercial leases are contractual rather than emotional, how strong tenant relationships can prevent cash flow problems before they escalate, and what practical steps landlords can take when rent isn't paid on time.

This episode is essential listening for commercial property investors, residential landlords considering commercial, and business owners investing through property who want clarity, confidence, and control.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand:

• How commercial rent arrears impact landlords and cash flow

• Why tenant relationships matter more in commercial property than most investors realise

• The legal protections available to commercial landlords

• How effective lease drafting can significantly reduce risk

• Why commercial landlords often have more control than residential landlords

• Late rent in commercial property is contractual, not emotional

• Strong landlord–tenant relationships can ease payment challenges

• Clear communication is critical when tenants experience cash flow issues

• Commercial landlords typically have greater legal control than residential landlords

• Regular check-ins with tenants help prevent misunderstandings

• Investing in a good commercial property solicitor is vital for robust lease drafting

If regulation feels overwhelming—or you're unsure how to move forward confidently—join Suzi Carter for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day.

This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.

You'll walk away with:

A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
The skills to confidently analyse commercial property deals
A step-by-step action plan for early 2026
The confidence to move forward decisively—even in a changing market

Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertytv1685
Podcast: https://commercialpropertypodcast.libsyn.com

Legislation rarely arrives with a bang — it creeps in quietly, then suddenly starts eroding returns, flexibility, and deal viability.

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down the most important legislative and regulatory changes every commercial property investor and landlord needs on their radar before they start to bite.

From leasehold reform and landlord & tenant legislation to EPC requirements, rent review structures, and business rates, this is a practical, jargon-free look at what's changing — and how smart investors are adapting without panic.

If you want to protect income, avoid nasty surprises, and invest with confidence in 2025 and beyond, this episode is essential listening.

Suzi explores:

• Why staying ahead of legislation is now a core investor skill

• How reforms are affecting lease structures, valuations, and exit strategies

• Where the real risks are — and where the headlines are overblown

• How experienced landlords are adjusting without abandoning sound fundamentals

This episode isn't about fear — it's about being informed, prepared, and commercially smart.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand:

• The current and upcoming legislative changes impacting commercial property investors

• The implications of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, especially for mixed-use and complex ownership structures

• How environmental sustainability and ESG pressures are reshaping modern lease terms

• What the potential abolition of upward-only rent reviews could mean for income security and valuations

• Why consultations around contracting out of the Landlord and Tenant Act matter — and how they may influence future leasing strategies

• Legislative change is accelerating — informed investors stay profitable

• Intra-group transfers and lease assignments are under increasing scrutiny

• EPC legislation is likely to tighten significantly by 2026

• Sustainability is no longer optional — it's becoming lease-critical

• Changes to rent review mechanisms could alter the global appeal of UK commercial property

If you're feeling overwhelmed by regulation — or unsure how to move forward confidently — join Suzi for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day.

This full-day online training gives you a clear, structured roadmap so you can take action without second-guessing.

A personalised commercial property sourcing strategy
The skills to confidently analyse commercial deals
A step-by-step action plan for early 2026
The confidence to move forward decisively — even in a changing market

Start the new year with intention — and the right plan.

Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter breaks down exactly how you can go from feeling overwhelmed to taking confident, strategic action — all within the next 90 days.

With the commercial market offering some of the best opportunities we've seen in years, now is the time to get focused, get educated, and get moving. Suzi walks through a practical 90-day roadmap designed to help aspiring investors build momentum fast, strengthen their decision-making skills, and take consistent steps toward securing their first (or next) deal in 2026.

By the end of this episode, you'll discover:

• Why January is the perfect launchpad for commercial property success

• How to build confidence through competence — and what to prioritise first

• The real stories behind real investors who've made rapid progress

• Your action plan for 2026 — what to do daily, weekly, and monthly to stay on track

• January is one of the strongest times to begin your commercial investing journey.

• Confidence comes from doing — analysing deals, viewing properties, and speaking to agents.

• The most successful investors choose a clear niche and stick to it.

• Building relationships with agents can unlock early access to better opportunities.

• Mistakes are inevitable — but they're also how you learn, refine, and accelerate your progress.

If you want clarity, confidence, and a practical roadmap for Q1, join me for The Commercial Property Blueprint Day— a full-day online training that gives you the exact steps to move forward with certainty.

You'll walk away with:

• A personalised sourcing strategy

• The skills to confidently analyse commercial deals

• A clear, step-by-step action plan for early 2026

• The confidence to take action without second-guessing

Start the new year with intention — and the right plan.

Secure your place here:
https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint-order-page