Sell A Commercial Property

We are located at Suite 109, 204 – 218 Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne, VIC, 3051. Our office is conveniently situated near Melbourne’s CBD, allowing easy access to key commercial precincts. We manage a diverse portfolio of commercial, industrial and medical properties across Melbourne, with a strong focus on the inner and outer North, North West and Western regions. Our services include property management, leasing, sales and buyer representation.

It’s certainly an option, but you must ensure adequate representation for a seamless transaction. On many occasions, when a Landlord wishes to sell, the most likely and qualified purchaser is going to the occupant. We have facilitated many transactions between Tenants and Landlords, but it is essential to remember that whilst the Tenant/occupant is the most likely candidate/buyer, it does not imply that the transaction doesn’t carry an equal amount of risk, like any transaction in a public market, nor does it imply that the Tenant/occupant will pay a fair market rate for your asset. Ensuring you have the correct representation in these intimate transactions is essential, as you only sell your asset once! At CPN, you are never pressured to sell to your tenant, but if the opportunity arises, rest assured our expertise will ensure you are correctly and confidently looked after.

Tailoring your marketing strategy for commercial real estate sales depends on the unique characteristics and offerings of the property.

Working with a modest property or limited advertising budget? In such cases, consider a combination of a property board and digital advertising as the central strategy, encompassing:

• Specialised commercial real estate platforms
• Various social media platforms
• Inclusion in our newsletter and on our website

If the goal is selling a substantial commercial property, explore these options:

• Feature property boards for heightened visibility
• Premium listings on dedicated commercial real estate platforms
• Presence on various social media platforms
• Showcasing in our newsletter and on our website
• Engaging print advertising
• Strategic Google advertising
• Targeted social media advertising
• Creation of compelling printed marketing collateral

By customising your approach based on property attributes and considering the available budget, we can optimise the marketing strategy to enhance exposure and attract potential buyers or investors effectively. Learn more here

In short, yes, you can sell your commercial property discreetly, but it’s important to understand the trade-offs. Off-market sales can provide privacy and control over who views your property, but they may also limit buyer competition and impact the final sale price. The best approach depends on your goals, timing, and property type.

To help you decide whether a discreet or public campaign is right for you, read our detailed guide: Selling Melbourne Commercial Real Estate Off-Market – Is It the Right Choice?.

If you’re considering a private sale, speak with our team to explore your options and determine the most effective strategy for your property.

The best way to sell a commercial property depends on your objectives, timeline, and the nature of the asset. Broadly, there are two common methods: on-market and off-market sales.

On-market sales use public advertising, open inspections, and broad exposure to attract competition — often leading to stronger buyer interest and potentially higher sale prices. This approach suits properties with wide market appeal.

Off-market sales are more discreet and focused, targeting qualified buyers without public promotion. This is ideal if you prefer a private transaction or want to gauge buyer interest before launching a full campaign.

Every property is unique. A tailored sales strategy based on asset type, tenancy structure, and current market conditions is essential. A commercial real estate agency like CPN Commercial Group can help determine the best approach, guide your marketing strategy, and time the sale for maximum impact.

Valuing a commercial property involves several key factors:

• Rental income and lease terms – Properties with strong tenants and long-term leases generally achieve higher values.

• Capitalisation rate (cap rate) – This reflects the expected return on investment based on current market conditions. A lower cap rate usually indicates a higher property value.

• Location and demand – Proximity to transport, infrastructure, and commercial hubs can significantly influence value.

• Zoning and potential – Future development potential or zoning flexibility can enhance a property’s appeal.

• Comparable sales – Recent sales of similar properties in the area offer a benchmark for market value.

For a reliable and current assessment, a professional valuation or market appraisal is essential. CPN Commercial Group offers expert guidance on commercial property values, using local market insights and transaction data to help you understand where your asset sits in the market. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply exploring your options, our team can provide tailored advice based on your property’s unique characteristics.

It may be the right time to sell your commercial property if holding costs have become too high or if market conditions present an opportunity to achieve a strong return. Factors such as rising interest rates, shifting tenant demand, or increased buyer activity can also signal it’s a good time to sell. However, every situation is unique, so please contact us to discuss your property and the best strategy for your circumstances.

The best way to sell a commercial property depends on your
objectives, the type of asset, current market conditions, and whether the
property is vacant or tenanted.

A well-planned sales strategy should consider factors such
as pricing, buyer demand, marketing exposure, and the most appropriate sales
method, whether that’s an on-market campaign, expressions of interest, auction,
or an off-market sale.

It’s also important to present the property in its best
possible condition. Ensuring the property is well maintained, addressing any
outstanding repairs, and presenting it professionally can improve buyer
confidence and help maximise its market appeal.

Working with an experienced commercial real estate agency
can help ensure your property is positioned correctly, marketed to the right
buyers, and sold for the best possible outcome.

While it is possible to sell commercial property yourself, it can be a complex process that requires market knowledge, pricing expertise, legal documentation, buyer qualification, and strong negotiation skills. Before deciding to sell privately, ask yourself: How extensive is your network of qualified buyers? Are you familiar with the latest commercial real estate legislation and disclosure requirements? Do you have the time and experience to manage enquiries, inspections, negotiations and due diligence?

Selling privately may save on agent fees, but it can also reduce buyer exposure and increase the risk of underpricing the property or overlooking important legal and contractual obligations.

For most owners, engaging a commercial real estate specialist provides access to a broad network of qualified buyers, including off-market contacts, tailored marketing strategies, and experienced negotiation to help maximise your sale price and achieve the best possible outcome.

The three most common methods used to value commercial real estate are:

• Income Capitalisation Method – Based on the property’s rental income and market capitalisation rate.
• Comparable Sales Method – Compares the property with similar commercial properties that have recently sold.
• Cost Approach – Calculates the value based on the cost of replacing the improvements, less depreciation, plus the land value.

The most appropriate valuation method depends on the property type and how it is being used. An experienced commercial real estate agent will be familiar with each of these approaches and can provide a market appraisal based on current market conditions, recent comparable sales, and buyer demand.

If you require a formal valuation for legal, financial or taxation purposes, you’ll need to engage a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV), who is qualified to provide an independent sworn valuation that can be relied upon by banks, courts and government authorities.

In many cases, selling a commercial property may result in a capital gains tax (CGT) liability. The amount of tax payable depends on factors such as how the property has been used, how long it has been owned, your ownership structure, and whether any concessions apply.

There may also be GST implications when selling commercial property.

As tax outcomes vary between individuals and businesses, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax adviser. You can also find more information on the Australian Taxation Office website about selling commercial premises:

The Australian Government has announced proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax as part of its housing reform agenda. These proposed reforms are intended to apply to future property purchases and may affect the tax treatment of investment properties acquired after the commencement date.

As legislation may change and individual circumstances vary, property owners should refer to the Australian Taxation Office or speak with a qualified tax adviser for the latest information and advice. You can find further information on the ATO website about tax reform, negative gearing and capital gains tax.

The cost of selling a commercial property varies depending on the type of asset, the chosen sales method, and the level of marketing required.

Typical selling costs may include:

• Commercial agent’s commission
• Marketing and advertising expenses
• Legal and conveyancing fees
• Valuation costs (if required)
• Adjustments for rates, outgoings, or GST where applicable

If you’re considering selling your industrial or commercial property in Melbourne, speak with the team at CPN Commercial Group. We’ll provide a tailored sales proposal outlining the recommended sales strategy, marketing campaign, and all anticipated costs, giving you complete transparency and the information you need to make an informed decision before proceeding.