Trouble getting the agent to let me view a retail premises

[Heron]

Hello. This is my first time post so I hope i get it right!!

First can I say thanks to all those that post such good advice. I have managed to gain a lot without asking any questions!

Now my problem. I have been trying to view a shop for a couple of months now via a London based agent. I did a lot of research on it when it first closed. I found out who the landlord is etc and that he owned the whole parade which another unit was being advertised by the same agent. I approached the agent before they even had instructions. It is now being advertised by them but I STILL cannot seem to get myself in to view it. I have sent them my business plan, I have funds in place and am at a loss what to do.

My intention is to rent out space to fellow crafters. I know this is not a new initiative but its one that isn't operating in the area. This is a secondary location but near a large college and so has a lot of footfall from the students who may want to display their creations. The area is having a lot of investment in it to create a family friendly area, which would also enhance the business.

I have also approached fellow crafters about displaying in the shop and all are keen but without having premises its hard to market!

Thank you.

 

[deniser]

So what do they say when you ask for an appointment to view it?

 

[Heron]

Well it has been a variety of things. The most recent is that they are having trouble locating the keys after someone else went to view it! Previously (on another unit on the same parade) they told me to go into the shop next door - they had the keys. They were obviously not happy doing the agents job.

They have also mentioned that the freehold may be being sold but I can only think that renting out the shop would be an advantage.

 

[deniser]

It sounds like they do not want to let it to you, either because they don't think your business is viable or because they really do have a potential sale of the freehold and the freeholder either does not think you are a safe enough tenant or because they want it vacant for their own use.

I don't think it was a good idea to give them so much information at the outset as it looks as though they have already made their minds up. Always better to get a foot in the door first before you disclose too much from your side.

 

[Heron]

Oh. Ok. You are probably right. But they were quite insistent on the plan.

I have been in touch with the Council and they have advised that the offices above that parade are being turned into flats so I think they are selling/being sold as, on more research today I notice that another company (not the landlord) has applied for planning permission for this. Although the retail units underneath will remain.

Ho hum. Will have to look elsewhere then.

Thanks very much for replying I am grateful.

 

[Deleted member 138423]

Oh. Ok. You are probably right. But they were quite insistent on the plan.

I have been in touch with the Council and they have advised that the offices above that parade are being turned into flats so I think they are selling/being sold as, on more research today I notice that another company (not the landlord) has applied for planning permission for this. Although the retail units underneath will remain.

Ho hum. Will have to look elsewhere then.

Thanks very much for replying I am grateful.

You gave them what they wanted and yet they are still acting like the unprofessional twits that they obviously are! Yes, a shame maybe, but walk away for if you have problems with them at the start of a potential relationship, then who knows what could happen along the line......

 

[Heron]

Hi. Yes you are right.

Trouble is I am not even sure that the landlord knows about my interest. Anyway, I will check the office copies in a couple of weeks so if the freehold has been sold I may contact the new landlord direct.

In the meantime I will look elsewhere. But I do not intend to give up too easily!!

 

[deniser]

If extensive works are going to be carried out upstairs then this may be a blessing in disguise for you because of the potential disruption to your business caused by noise, dirt, scaffolding and general building works.

They may be keeping their options open in any case pending the outcome of the planning because they may actually need to get the commercial units vacant or be in breach of the covenants for quiet enjoyment to do the works to the flats.

I would definitely look elsewhere.

 

[Stuart Bailey]

normally agents are evasive for the following reasons:

1. they have another potential (better) tenant interested
2. your use does not comply with planning legislation
3. they believe your business plan is not up to scratch
4. the landlord is selling the freehold so does not want to agree to "minor" tenants
5. your permitted use means other tenants occupying the property which causes the landlord legal problems
6. finally the agent could be busy and slow at dealing with enquiries