Buying an office - best source of expert advice?

[Bealers]

Hi,

I have the opportunity to buy a property that would be suitable to sub divide to make into a prominent high st location office for myself as well as 2 flats.

There are so many things to consider from the simple process of getting a commercial mortgage, change of use (it is residential but on the high st and was once an Inn) as well as I would consider leasing the rest of the building to myself to live. Finally it is grade II listed which obviously concerns me.

My business has enough reserves for a 25% deposit at asking price

Where do I start? My accountant is no expert in commercial property so I'm wondering where I should turn to get advice from raising the money as well as the most efficient way of purchasing it?

Basically, who do I Google!

Thanks

 

[tony84]

A commercial Mortgage broker.
I think 25% is probably the bare minimum you can get away with on commercial premises, but you would probably need a bridging loan to purchase it with whilst you get change of use granted and any alterations done.

 

[Mark T Jones]

As @tony84 says, speak to a dedicated commercial mortgage broker (not a generic ‘we do anything’ broker. Preferably one who can demonstrate experience in change of use scenarios

@Gordon - Commercial Finance May have experience in this field

When you say you have 25% to put in, is that in addition to funds to cover legal, planning, development etc etc?