Commercial Property Attorneys and Conveyancers
Precise legal support for business property transactions.
We assist businesses, investors, owners and developers with commercial property acquisitions, disposals, due diligence, finance coordination and registration — with attention to transaction structure, risk allocation and accurate execution.
Overview
The Legal Transaction Must Support the Commercial Objective
Commercial property transactions combine title, contracts, occupation, finance, tax, planning, leases, physical condition, entity authority and registration — the correct scope depends on whether you are buying, selling, financing, developing or restructuring an interest.
We handle registration, while broader due diligence and transaction advice may require corporate, tax, planning, environmental, technical and financial specialists. Early legal input before signature is always preferable to review after the fact.
This page is general information and is not an investment, valuation, tax, planning or transaction-specific legal opinion.
Property Types
Property Types We May Assist With
Not every property type receives identical due diligence — scope is agreed for each transaction.
Buyers & Sellers
Support for Buyers and Sellers
For Buyers
Transaction structure, offer and agreement review, conditions, due diligence, finance, approvals, occupation, risk transfer and registration.
For Sellers
Title and authority preparation, disclosure, leases, bonds, clearances, warranties, conditions and transfer coordination.
Transaction Structure
Asset Sale, Entity Transaction
or Another Structure?
Acquiring the property itself differs from acquiring shares or interests in a property-owning entity, and structure can affect liabilities, contracts, finance, tax, approvals and registration. We do not recommend a structure online or provide tax outcomes without specialist advice.
Due Diligence
Commercial Property Due Diligence
- Title deed, ownership and restrictions.
- Servitudes, rights of way and endorsements.
- Zoning, land use and approvals.
- Leases, tenants, deposits and arrears.
- Existing bonds, rates, levies and utilities.
- Litigation, notices and compliance issues.
A legal due-diligence report does not automatically verify physical condition, structural integrity, environmental contamination, valuation or planning approval — appropriate experts must be engaged.
Title, Zoning & Leases
Registered Rights, Permitted
Use and Existing Tenancies
Title conditions, servitudes and restrictive conditions can affect use, development, finance and value, and current occupation does not prove a registered right. Zoning, consent uses and municipal approvals may affect intended operation, and current use does not necessarily prove lawful approval. Existing leases affect income, occupation, deposits, renewals and risk allocation — buyers should verify lease documents and actual tenant status, and sellers should disclose and prepare accurate records.
Tax & Finance
Tax Treatment and Finance Conditions
VAT, transfer duty, capital gains and going-concern treatment can materially affect the transaction's economics, and specialist tax advice is required — we do not confirm tax treatment online. Lender approval, valuation, security, guarantees and existing bond cancellation may also affect timing and structure.
Our Process
How a Commercial Property
Transaction May Progress
Sequence and timing vary by transaction structure.
Structure & Initial Review
We clarify parties, asset or entity, intended use, funding and key risks.
Agreement & Conditions
The appropriate agreement is negotiated with finance and due-diligence conditions.
Due Diligence
Agreed legal and specialist reviews are completed and findings addressed.
Transfer & Finance Documents
Authority, FICA, tax, rates, bonds and guarantees are coordinated and signed.
Lodgement & Registration
Linked matters are lodged at the relevant deeds registry.
Completion
Registration, accounting, occupation and agreed post-closing items are addressed.
Costs & Timing
Commercial Property Costs and
Timing Depend on Structure
Professional fees, tax, deeds charges, rates, levies, finance, due diligence, specialists and transaction structure all influence cost and timing. Generic residential calculators may not capture commercial complexity — a written scope and fee proposal is essential.
Transaction Security
Protect High-Value
Commercial Transactions
- Independently verify all banking-detail changes.
- Confirm signatory and entity authority before proceeding.
- Use secure document and data-room processes.
- Control access to financial, tenant and ownership information.
- Report suspicious payment or instruction changes immediately.
Why Sarah Alison Attorneys
Commercial Property Advice
from Agreement to Registration
Commercial & Conveyancing Perspective
Practical understanding of both the deal and the registration process.
Defined Due-Diligence Scope
Clear scope-setting and coordination with specialists where needed.
Transaction & Finance Coordination
Real coordination across linked bond, tax and transfer matters.
Durban & Johannesburg Reach
Genuine office access across both regions.
Local Support
Commercial Property Support in
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
FAQ
Commercial Property Transaction Questions
When should an attorney review a commercial property deal?
As early as possible, ideally before signature or firm commitment.
What does commercial property due diligence cover?
An agreed legal scope — specialist technical, environmental or financial review sits outside it.
Should I buy the property or the property-owning company?
This depends on liabilities, tax, finance and objectives, and is not a decision we make online.
How do existing leases affect the purchase?
We review lease documents and tenant status as part of due diligence where instructed.
How do I confirm zoning and permitted use?
Through official records and, where needed, specialist planning review.
Is VAT or transfer duty payable?
Transaction-specific tax advice is required to confirm this.
Can Sarah Alison Attorneys arrange commercial finance?
No, we do not arrange finance; we coordinate the legal and registration process around it.
How long does a commercial property transfer take?
Timing depends on conditions, due diligence, finance and registry dependencies, so we avoid a guarantee.
How much does the transaction cost?
Costs depend on scope, tax and specialist involvement — a written estimate will confirm this.
Does an enquiry mean the firm is appointed?
No. Conflicts, scope and documentation must be confirmed before acting.
Get in Touch
Discuss Your Commercial Property Transaction
Tell us the property type and location, your role, proposed structure, finance status and timeline. We must confirm conflicts, scope, documents, specialist needs and fee assumptions before acting.