What should I review before buying a leased commercial building?

Start with the actual leases, collected income, operating expenses, building condition and the cost of major future repairs or replacements. The asking price alone cannot establish the quality of an investment.

Zach Walker · Sable Commercial Realty resources
Published October 4, 2026

Work through the decision

Distinguish contractual rent from collected rent and current performance from projections. Organize lease dates, renewal rights and landlord obligations, then test vacancy and repair scenarios. Match claims in the marketing material to supporting records.

Questions to bring to the conversation

• Reconcile leases, income and expense records.
• Identify upcoming lease expirations and capital work.
• Use qualified advisers to review the documents and condition.

General planning information. Verify costs, conditions and requirements for the specific property and proposed transaction.