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Episode 96 – If I Had £100k and a Full-Time Job, Here's What I'd Do to Invest in Commercial Property You've got £100,000 to invest, a demanding full-time job and an interest in commercial property. What should you actually do first? Suzi understands that position from firsthand experience — because only 11 years ago, she was there herself. She had a demanding corporate career, a young family and very little spare time, but she knew she wanted to build something that would eventually give her more financial freedom, more control over her time and more choice over how she lived her life. But this episode isn't about what Suzi did back then. It's what she would do NOW if she were back in that position, knowing everything she's learned since and having built a property portfolio of her own. And here's a clue: she wouldn't start by scrolling through commercial property listings looking for somewhere to spend the £100k! Instead, she'd start by asking a much more important question: What do I actually want my money to do for me? Do you want to actively asset manage commercial property, solve problems, create value, refinance, recycle your capital and go again? Or have you already worked hard to create capital through your career and simply want to park some of it into good-quality commercial property that can produce sustainable income? Those two objectives could lead you towards very different investments. Suzi also explains why knowledge is the key that unlocks the commercial property world. Once you understand the fundamentals, something that initially feels overwhelming can start to feel surprisingly doable. And if time is your scarcest resource, you need leverage too. With the right systems, technology, AI, a VA and a strong professional team, you don't need to spend every evening trawling property portals. Leverage your time. Don't outsource your judgement. In This Episode, You'll Discover: What Suzi would do today with £100k, a full-time career and limited spare time How to decide between creating value and recycling capital or investing for more passive income What to look for in a commercial property if sustainable income and security are your priorities Why gaining the right commercial property knowledge should come before rushing to buy How choosing a niche can make finding opportunities far more manageable Why understanding occupational demand is fundamental to making better investment decisions How VAs, AI, systems and technology can help busy professionals leverage their time Why building the right professional power team matters How analysing lots of real deals develops the pattern recognition needed to spot opportunities Why having £100k available doesn't mean you should be in a hurry to spend it Ready to Take Your Next Step? If you're in a corporate role with capital to invest but commercial property still feels overwhelming, Suzi has been where you are. Visit www.suzicarter.com to explore Suzi's commercial property training and mentoring, including the Commercial Property Academy, and learn how to build the knowledge and confidence to make better-informed commercial property investment decisions.  Visit www.suzicarter.com And if you know somebody who's doing well in their career, has built up some capital and keeps saying "I'd love to invest in commercial property, but I just don't have the time", send them this episode. Eleven years ago, Suzi was sitting on their side of the conversation too.  Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode — and if you enjoyed this one, please leave a review and share it with someone who might find it useful.

Episode 95 – Business Rates and Empty Property: Problem or Opportunity? Would business rates put you off buying an empty commercial property? For many investors — particularly those moving from residential into commercial property — the thought of owning a vacant building with no rent coming in AND business rates to pay can be enough to make them walk away. But should it? Suzi Carter certainly isn't frightened of vacant commercial property. In fact, sometimes an empty property can be exactly where the opportunity lies. The key is understanding why the property is vacant, what it could cost you while you own it and, crucially, whether you have evidence that you can solve the problem. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi explains how business rates work on empty commercial properties in England, including Empty Property Relief, the longer relief period available to qualifying industrial properties, and some of the legitimate ways business rates may be mitigated. She also looks at the recent Court of Appeal decision on so-called "box-shifting" business rates mitigation schemes, what it could mean for owners of vacant commercial property and why changes to rates mitigation could potentially create opportunities for informed investors. Because if other buyers become nervous about empty properties — while existing owners face increasing holding costs — could that create less competition, more motivated sellers and better buying opportunities for investors who understand the numbers? In this episode, you'll discover: How business rates on empty commercial property actually work Why most empty commercial properties receive an initial period of Empty Property Relief Why qualifying industrial and warehouse properties can receive a longer rates-free period Why buying a vacant property doesn't necessarily restart the Empty Property Relief clock The importance of checking the current rateable value and business rates liability before you buy How the April 2026 business rates revaluation affects the figures investors should be using Legitimate circumstances where business rates may potentially be reduced or mitigated How substantial refurbishment can affect the rating position where a property genuinely becomes incapable of occupation What investors need to understand about charitable occupation and business rates relief How the controversial "box-shifting" rates mitigation strategy worked What the recent Court of Appeal decision could mean for business rates mitigation schemes Why you shouldn't rely on a clever rates mitigation strategy to make a fundamentally poor property investment stack up How to calculate the true cost of a commercial property void, including rates, finance, insurance, security, refurbishment and letting costs Why understanding occupational supply and demand before you buy is one of your best protections against a prolonged void How speaking to local commercial agents can help you establish whether genuine tenant demand exists Why you may even be able to pre-let a vacant commercial property before you complete the purchase How refurbishment, reconfiguration, subdivision and other asset-management strategies can turn vacancy into opportunity Why having multiple exit strategies matters when buying vacant commercial property How changes to business rates mitigation could potentially create motivated sellers and less competition for vacant properties Empty Property: Risk or Opportunity? Vacancy is a risk in commercial property — but that doesn't automatically make a vacant property a bad investment. Sometimes the vacancy is the opportunity. Perhaps the building needs refurbishing. Perhaps it's the wrong configuration for the local market. Perhaps it could be subdivided. Perhaps the previous landlord has been asking the wrong rent. Or perhaps there's plenty of occupational demand and the property simply hasn't been marketed effectively. The important thing is not to guess. Understand supply and demand, speak to local letting agents, investigate competing properties, establish realistic rents and void periods and, where possible, start looking for your tenant before you complete. Then put the true cost of the void — including business rates — into your appraisal. As Suzi says in this episode: "Don't be frightened by the problem. Price the problem — and work out whether you can solve it." Because if other investors see an empty building and a business rates bill and immediately walk away, while you've done the research and understand exactly how you're going to create value... their problem could potentially become your opportunity. Want to Learn How to Find and Analyse Commercial Property Opportunities? Finding a good commercial property isn't simply about finding a high yield or buying whatever happens to be on the market. It's about knowing what to look for, understanding the risks, analysing the occupational market and recognising problems you can profitably solve. If you'd like to build your commercial property knowledge and learn how Suzi approaches real investment opportunities — including niching, sourcing, tenants, leases, deal analysis, asset management and creating value — visit www.suzicarter.com. You'll find Suzi's commercial property training and mentoring, including the Commercial Property Academy, where investors can build their knowledge, analyse real deals and develop the confidence to make better-informed commercial property investment decisions.  Visit www.suzicarter.com to take your next step. And if you know a property investor who says "I'd never buy an empty commercial property", send them this episode. It might just change the way they look at the next vacant building they find!   Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Episode 94 – The High Street Is Dead. Offices Are Finished. Really? "The high street is dead." "Nobody wants offices anymore." "Why would anyone invest in retail?" Suzi heard comments very much like these while speaking about commercial property recently — and they got her thinking. Because there are certainly high streets she wouldn't touch with a bargepole, and there are offices she wouldn't buy at almost any price. But does that mean all high streets are dead? Or that all offices are finished? Absolutely not. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi challenges some of the sweeping assumptions investors make about different commercial property sectors and explains why commercial property isn't one market. A struggling secondary high street with lots of empty units is very different from an affluent market town with strong footfall, thriving independent businesses and hardly anything available to let. And an enormous, outdated office building with little occupier demand is very different from a smaller office in a location where so much stock has been converted to residential that good-quality office space has actually become scarce. The important question isn't whether retail, offices or any other commercial property sector is "good" or "bad". It's whether THIS property, in THIS location, at THIS price, with THIS occupational market, makes sense. And that's where niching, local knowledge and proper research become so important. In this episode, you'll discover: Why sweeping statements such as "the high street is dead" can cause investors to overlook opportunities Why Suzi believes there is no single "retail market" or "office market" How to identify commercial property niches where genuine demand and scarcity may exist Why occupier demand matters just as much as investor demand What properties currently available to let can tell you about a market Why local commercial agents can provide invaluable evidence about what is — and isn't — letting How changing consumer behaviour can create opportunities rather than simply destroy them Why the conversion of office stock to residential can sometimes create scarcity in the remaining office market The danger of buying into fashionable sectors simply because everybody else is doing it How to distinguish between a genuinely struggling market and a sector that investors may simply have written off Practical ways to research a niche before committing your money Perhaps most importantly, Suzi explains why good commercial property investing isn't about following headlines. It's about understanding your market, your niche, your occupier and your property. So, the next time somebody tells you the high street is dead, ask them: "Which high street?" And when somebody tells you offices are finished, ask: "Which offices, in which town, at what size and at what rent?" Because the opportunity may be hiding in the detail everybody else has ignored. Could Your Assumptions Be Causing You to Miss Opportunities? Finding good commercial property isn't simply about searching for what's currently fashionable. It's about knowing where to look, what to look for and how to test whether the opportunity you think you've spotted actually stacks up. If you'd like to learn how Suzi approaches commercial property investing — from identifying your niche and understanding occupational demand to analysing deals, tenants, leases, risks and opportunities to create value — visit www.suzicarter.com. You'll find details of Suzi's commercial property training, the Commercial Property Academy, and the different ways you can work with her to become a more knowledgeable and confident commercial property investor.  Visit www.suzicarter.com And if you know an investor who has ever told you "the high street is dead" or "nobody wants offices anymore", send them this episode. You might have a rather interesting conversation afterwards!   Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Episode 93 – Stop Waiting to Feel Ready: How Commercial Property Investors Actually Get Started! How long have you been thinking about investing in commercial property? A few months? A year? Maybe longer? If you keep telling yourself you need to learn a little more, understand the market better, wait for interest rates to change, find the perfect deal or simply feel more confident before you start… This episode is for you. Because after more than 30 years in property, Suzi Carter has learned something very important: You will probably never feel completely ready. And the investors who make progress aren't necessarily those who know the most. They're the ones who learn enough to take the next sensible action — and then keep going. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi gets very practical about what it actually takes to move from thinking about investing in commercial property to behaving like a commercial property investor. She explains why endlessly consuming information can sometimes become a very respectable form of procrastination, why confidence comes from looking at real deals rather than waiting until you know everything, and how small, consistent actions can compound into genuine opportunities. You'll also hear why looking at a deal that goes nowhere isn't necessarily wasted time, why a rejected offer can still move you forward, and how the agent who says "no" today could be the person who calls you with an off-market opportunity six months from now. In this episode, you'll discover: How to recognise when learning has turned into procrastination Why you don't need to know everything before you start How analysing real deals develops the pattern recognition experienced investors rely on Why there really is no such thing as the perfect commercial property The difference between taking action and simply buying something Why rejected offers, unsuitable deals and unsuccessful viewings aren't necessarily failures How to investigate real occupational demand, rather than simply browsing properties for sale Why relationships with commercial agents can become one of your biggest sources of opportunity Why Suzi believes real confidence comes from evidence, not motivation How small actions repeated consistently can compound into something much bigger The practical steps Suzi would take this week if she were starting again Suzi's Seven-Day Commercial Property Challenge Your Seven-Day Challenge Don't just listen to this episode and move on to the next one. For the next seven days, do one thing every day that moves you closer to owning a commercial property. Ring an agent. Research your niche. Look at competing properties to let. Drive an area. Analyse a deal. Speak to a broker. Arrange a viewing. Talk to an occupier. Make an offer. It doesn't need to take hours. But it does need to be action rather than more passive learning. At the end of the seven days, ask yourself: "Am I closer to owning a commercial property than I was last week?" That's how momentum starts. Ready to Stop Thinking About Commercial Property and Start Doing It? If this episode has struck a chord and you're ready to turn your interest in commercial property into action, Suzi can help you take the next step. Visit www.suzicarter.com to discover Suzi's commercial property training and mentoring, including the Commercial Property Academy, where investors learn how to assess opportunities, understand leases and tenants, analyse deals, create value and build the confidence to take action in the real commercial property market. Don't wait until you feel ready. Start becoming ready by doing.  Visit www.suzicarter.com and take your next step. And if you know someone who has been talking about investing in commercial property for months — but still hasn't quite started — send them this episode!  Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Episode 92 – Why Good Residential Investors Get Commercial Property Wrong! You've successfully invested in residential property for years. You understand property, finance, tenants and how to create value. So moving into commercial should be fairly straightforward… shouldn't it? Not necessarily. In fact, some of the instincts that make you a successful residential investor can lead you to make expensive mistakes in commercial property. Because commercial property isn't simply residential property with a business tenant. The rules are different. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter reveals the biggest mindset shifts residential investors need to make when moving into commercial — and the assumptions they need to leave behind. Why might an ugly industrial unit be a better investment than a beautiful shop? Why could two identical buildings next door to each other be worth completely different amounts? Why isn't a 9% yield necessarily better than a 6% yield? And why could changing a few words in a lease potentially create more value than spending thousands refurbishing a building? This episode is about learning to look at commercial property through a different pair of spectacles. _____________________________________ In this episode, you'll discover: Why occupier demand should come before investment demand Why commercial value is driven by much more than the bricks and mortar How the tenant, lease, covenant and rent can transform the value of an investment Why a high yield can sometimes be a warning rather than an opportunity The question Suzi asks: "If this tenant disappeared tomorrow, who would actually take this building?" Why residential-style refurbishment isn't always the best way to create value How commercial investors can create value on paper through rents, leases, regears, breaks, planning and title Why a £1 million property doesn't automatically mean a lender will give you a £750,000 mortgage The commercial due diligence issues residential investors may never have encountered Why a fully let property isn't automatically safe — and a vacant property isn't automatically risky Why your exit strategy should start before you buy _____________________________________ If you're a successful residential investor thinking about moving into commercial, the message isn't to forget everything residential property has taught you. It's this: Know which rules no longer apply. Because residential investing often rewards you for understanding property. Commercial investing requires you to understand property, leases, businesses, finance and the future demand for that asset. Get that shift right and commercial property opens up a completely different way of investing — including the ability to create significant value without necessarily laying a single brick. _____________________________________________ Ready to Take the Next Step? If this episode has made you realise there's more to commercial property than simply finding a building with a good yield, the next step is to learn how to assess a commercial opportunity properly before you put your money into it. Join Suzi for the Commercial Property Blueprint, a full-day online training where she'll take you through how she approaches commercial property, assesses deals, identifies risk and finds opportunities to create value. You'll learn the fundamentals you need to start looking at commercial property with an investor's eye — rather than applying residential rules to a completely different market. Find out more and book your place at https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/blueprint or find out more about the training Suzi offers at  www.suzicarter.com  And don't forget to subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you know a residential investor who's starting to look at commercial property, send them this episode before they buy anything!

Episode 91 – Would Anyone Buy This Property From Me in Five Years? You might have found a great commercial property. The numbers stack up, the tenant looks good and the yield is attractive. But there's another question you need to ask before you buy: Who is going to buy it from you when you want to get out? In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explains why some of the most important decisions about selling a commercial property should actually be made before you buy it. Because your exit isn't just about what happens to the property market. A 15-year lease today becomes a 10-year lease in five years. Wait longer and the remaining term gets shorter again. That can change how investors view the risk, how lenders view the property, the yield a future purchaser might require and, ultimately, the price they are prepared to pay. Suzi explains why understanding your future buyer is so important, how to think about the optimum time to sell and why good asset management can potentially make a property considerably more attractive when the time comes to exit. You'll also discover why the best exit strategy isn't necessarily simply to sell. It could be to regear a lease, remove a break, improve the rent, refinance, reposition the property or create several different exit options. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Suzi considers the exit before buying a commercial property The question every investor should ask: "Who is going to buy this from me?" Why the size of your future buyer pool matters How a shortening lease can affect yield, value and saleability Why selling in year five rather than year seven or ten could make a significant difference How relatively small movements in yield can create large movements in capital value Why your future buyer's lender matters almost as much as the buyer When a lease regear or extension could be more valuable than selling How asset management can widen your future buyer pool Why specialist properties and changing occupier demand need particularly careful thought How to spot potential obsolescence before you buy Why Suzi prefers properties with more than one potential exit How to reverse-engineer a commercial property investment from the eventual sale The key lesson is simple: Don't just ask whether you want to buy the property today. Ask whether someone else will want to buy it from you tomorrow — and what you can do during your ownership to make them want it even more. Because a successful commercial property investment isn't simply about buying well. It's about creating value, protecting value and ultimately being able to realise that value. Learn More Want to become better at analysing commercial property opportunities, understanding risk and spotting the asset management opportunities that other investors miss? Visit www.suzicarter.com for commercial property training, resources, live events and information about working with Suzi. And don't forget to subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode. If this episode makes you look differently at your next commercial property investment, please share it with another property investor who needs to hear it.

Episode 90 – What Would I Do With £250,000 Today? If I had £250,000 to invest in commercial property today, what would I actually do with it? But actually, the number is almost irrelevant. Whether you have £100,000, £250,000 or £1 million to invest, the thought process should be exactly the same. And my answer probably isn't what you might expect. I wouldn't start by looking for a property. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I explain exactly how I approach investing in today's commercial property market, drawing on more than 30 years of experience in the sector. Rather than simply telling you which type of property I would buy, I take you through the thinking and decision-making process I use before spending a single pound. Because one of the biggest mistakes I see investors make is starting with the deal. They see a property, like the yield or the price and then try to make it fit their strategy. I believe it should be the other way around. We look at how I would decide what I actually want the £250,000 to achieve, how that would influence the type of commercial property I target and whether I would use borrowing to increase my purchasing power. I also discuss the niches I would be looking at, the importance of understanding occupier demand and why I would be particularly interested in opportunities where I can create value rather than simply wait for the market to create it for me. That could mean improving the lease, increasing the rent, strengthening the tenant covenant, changing the use, splitting the property or identifying another asset management opportunity that other investors have missed. We also look at something I believe is hugely important in the current market: having more than one way out of a deal. Markets change. Interest rates change. Tenant demand changes. Your own circumstances can change. Building flexibility into an investment from the outset can make an enormous difference to both risk and return. And, importantly, I explain why a high yield would not necessarily persuade me to buy. A 10% or 12% yield can look incredibly attractive on paper, but if the tenant is unlikely to remain, the rent isn't sustainable or there is little occupier demand for the building, that yield can disappear very quickly. The question isn't simply: "What return am I getting?" It is: "Why am I getting that return – and what risk am I taking to get it?" In This Episode I cover how I would: Decide what I wanted my £250,000 to achieve before looking at properties. Choose a commercial property niche based on my strategy and the underlying market. Assess occupier demand rather than relying purely on investment comparables. Decide whether, and how much, debt I would use. Look for opportunities where active asset management could create additional value. Assess whether today's market creates an attractive buying opportunity. Build multiple exit strategies into a deal from the outset. Balance income, capital growth and risk. Avoid being seduced by apparently attractive high yields. Decide whether a property is genuinely a good investment rather than simply a property that happens to be for sale. If you are a residential property investor considering moving into commercial property, a business owner looking to invest surplus capital or an existing commercial investor wondering where you should deploy your money, this episode will help you think about the decision differently. Because successful commercial property investing isn't simply about finding a property. It is about knowing what you are trying to achieve, understanding what creates value and then finding the right property to deliver it. Learn More If you want to learn how to find, analyse and add value to commercial property investments, visit www.suzicarter.comfor commercial property training, resources, live events and information about working with Suzi. Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you don't miss future episodes. And if you found this episode useful, please leave a review and share it with another property investor or business owner who might be wondering what they should do with their next £250,000.

Episode 89 - New EPC Rules Explained: What Every Commercial Property Investor Needs to Know (with Jonathan Murton) Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations are changing, and they could have a significant impact on commercial property investors, landlords, developers and business owners over the coming years. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter is joined by EPC expert Jonathan Murton of Murton & Co to cut through the confusion surrounding the proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), EPC ratings and the latest government proposals. Together they discuss what the draft regulations could mean for commercial property owners, how the rules differ between commercial and residential property, and why understanding EPCs has become an essential part of making informed investment decisions. Jonathan explains how EPC assessments are carried out, the common misconceptions surrounding energy ratings, the exemptions investors need to understand, and the practical steps landlords can take now to future-proof their portfolios. If you're buying, refinancing, asset managing or simply reviewing your commercial property portfolio, this episode will help you understand the potential risks, identify opportunities and avoid costly mistakes as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. In This Episode We Cover The latest proposed changes to commercial EPC and MEES regulations. What the Government's consultation could mean for commercial property investors. How commercial EPC assessments differ from residential EPCs. The relationship between EPC ratings, property values and commercial lending. Which commercial properties may qualify for exemptions. Practical ways to improve EPC ratings without unnecessary expenditure. How EPC regulations can influence investment strategy and asset management decisions. The importance of planning ahead before purchasing your next commercial property. The future direction of energy efficiency legislation and what investors should be watching. Why This Episode Matters Many investors still view EPCs as little more than a compliance exercise. In reality, EPC ratings are becoming an increasingly important factor in commercial property investing. They can affect lettability, financing, future capital expenditure requirements and, ultimately, the value of an asset. Understanding the proposed regulations now gives investors time to plan strategically rather than reacting when legislation changes. As we always say at the Commercial Property Academy, successful commercial property investing isn't just about buying the right building. It's about understanding the wider market forces that will influence its future performance. About Jonathan Murton Jonathan Murton is a Chartered Surveyor and qualified Energy Assessor with more than 20 years' experience advising the property industry. As a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), he specialises in commercial and residential EPC assessments, helping property owners understand energy performance requirements, regulatory compliance and practical improvement strategies. His straightforward, commercial approach makes complex legislation far easier for investors and landlords to understand. Connect with Jonathan Murton  [email protected]  www.murtonandco.uk You can complete Jonathan's simple 3-minute diagnostic with a personalised guide. It's designed for commercial property professionals to help them identify how effectively EPC and MEES are reflected in their property investment strategy, touching on topics beyond compliance such as valuation, market appeal, etc.   Here's the link: https://nondomesticmeescompliance.murtonandco.uk/   Learn More If you'd like to build your knowledge of commercial property investing, deal analysis and asset management, visit www.suzicarter.com for training, resources, live events and information about working with Suzi. Don't forget to subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you found this conversation valuable, please leave a review and share it with another property investor who would benefit from understanding these important EPC changes.

Episode 88 – Before You Buy Your Next Property… Ask Yourself This First If you were starting your investment journey today, knowing everything you know now, would you build exactly the same portfolio? It's a simple question, but after more than 30 years in commercial property, Suzi Carter believes it's one that every investor should ask themselves. In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi explores why the biggest investment decisions you'll ever make aren't necessarily about choosing your next property. They're about deciding whether your current investment strategy is still the right one for the future you're trying to build. As markets change, opportunities evolve and personal goals shift, many investors continue buying more of the same without ever stopping to ask whether their portfolio is still aligned with the life they want in five, ten or twenty years' time. Suzi explains why successful investors don't simply buy more properties—they build better strategies. She shares why starting with the end in mind is so important, how changing market conditions create new opportunities and why commercial property could become the natural next step for investors looking for stronger cash flow, more freedom and greater choice. Whether you're just starting your investment journey or already have an established portfolio, this episode will encourage you to pause, think differently and make sure your next investment decision supports the future you're really trying to create. In this episode, you'll discover: Why every investor should regularly question their investment strategy. The one question that could completely change the way you invest. Why successful investors build better strategies, not just bigger portfolios. How changing market conditions are creating new opportunities. Why commercial property may be the natural next step for many experienced investors. The importance of starting with the end in mind before buying your next property. How to build a portfolio that creates more freedom, more choice and greater financial security. Why knowledge doesn't just give you confidence—it changes what you see. Key Takeaway The biggest investment decisions you'll ever make aren't about choosing your next property. They're about choosing the strategy that will shape the next decade of your life. The investors who build exceptional portfolios don't simply buy more properties—they build better strategies. Ready to Think Differently About Your Investing? If this episode has prompted you to stop and question whether your current investment strategy is still the right one for the future you're trying to build, I'd love you to download The Private Investor Briefing – Before You Buy Your Next Property... Read This First. [get the link from Pippa] It's a complimentary 15-minute briefing designed to help investors step back, think strategically and make better investment decisions before buying their next property. You can also visit www.suzicarter.com for practical training, resources, podcasts and events to help you become a more confident and commercially minded investor.

Episode 87 - Thinking of Buying Commercial Property Overseas? Listen To This First Have you ever been tempted by the idea of buying commercial property overseas? Perhaps you've spotted what looks like an incredible deal, been attracted by higher headline yields or are considering diversifying your portfolio internationally. Investing overseas can be an excellent way to spread risk and uncover new opportunities, but only if you understand that commercial property doesn't work the same way in every country. In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explores the key differences between investing in commercial property in the UK and buying commercial property overseas. From lease structures and legal systems to taxation, financing, currency risk and tenant demand, she explains why applying UK investing principles abroad without understanding the local market can prove to be a costly mistake. Drawing on more than 30 years' experience in commercial property, Suzi shares the questions every investor should ask before committing to an overseas investment. She explains why successful commercial property investing is never just about the building—it's about understanding the businesses that occupy it, the economy that supports it and the legislation that governs it. Whether you're considering your first overseas commercial property investment or simply want to understand how international markets compare with the UK, this episode will help you assess opportunities more confidently and avoid some of the most common mistakes investors make. In This Episode We Cover: The key differences between UK commercial property and commercial property overseas Why commercial lease structures vary dramatically from country to country The legal and tax issues every overseas investor should understand Understanding financing options when investing abroad Managing currency risk and protecting your investment returns Why tenant demand and local business trends matter just as much as the property itself Building a trusted team of local surveyors, solicitors, accountants and property professionals The importance of thorough due diligence before investing overseas Political, economic and regulatory risks that can affect commercial property investments How to evaluate overseas opportunities with the same commercial mindset you would apply in the UK The biggest mistakes UK investors make when buying commercial property abroad Key Takeaway Investing in commercial property overseas can be an excellent way to diversify your portfolio and create long-term wealth, but only if you understand the market you're investing in. Every country has its own legal framework, tax system, lease structures and business culture. The investors who succeed internationally are those who take the time to understand those differences, build the right team around them and carry out rigorous due diligence before committing their capital. Ready to Take Your Commercial Property Investing to the Next Level? If you're serious about building a successful commercial property portfolio, the right knowledge will always be your greatest investment. Visit www.suzicarter.com to access practical training, resources, podcasts and events designed to help you become a more confident and commercially minded investor. And if you're thinking about your next investment, make sure you download my Private Investor Briefing – Before You Buy Your Next Property… Read This First. It's a 15-minute read packed with the insights every investor should understand before making their next commercial property decision.

Episode 86 – Why Some Investors Spot Commercial Property Opportunities That Everyone Else Misses In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explains why the biggest advantage in commercial property investing isn't finding secret deals—it's learning to see opportunities that other investors simply overlook. The most successful commercial property investors don't rely on luck or exclusive access to off-market properties. They understand the market. They understand businesses. They know how to interpret what's happening in the wider economy, identify changing supply and demand, and recognise the opportunities hiding in plain sight. Drawing on over 30 years' experience in the commercial property sector, Suzi shares why investing successfully is about far more than analysing a building. It's about understanding the businesses that occupy those buildings, the people who use them, and the economic trends that will shape demand over the years ahead. This episode also reflects one of the core principles behind Suzi's latest investor briefing, Before You Invest, Read This First. The investors who consistently outperform the market aren't simply better at finding deals. They're better at understanding what creates opportunity before everyone else sees it. You'll discover why relationships remain one of the most valuable assets an investor can build, how to create multiple exit strategies to reduce risk, and why developing your knowledge will always outperform chasing the latest "off-market" opportunity. Whether you're moving from residential into commercial property investing or looking to improve the quality of the opportunities you uncover, this episode will help you think differently about where the best deals really come from. ____________________________________ In This Episode You'll Learn: Why successful commercial property investing starts with understanding businesses, not just buildings. The truth about off-market deals and why relationships create better opportunities than secret deal lists. How experienced investors identify commercial property opportunities hiding in plain sight. Why understanding supply and demand gives you a significant competitive advantage. How economic trends, demographics and local business performance influence future property values. The importance of building relationships with agents, vendors and your professional network. Why education and market knowledge help you spot opportunities before other investors. How multiple exit strategies can protect your downside while increasing potential returns. The mindset and habits shared by investors who consistently find better commercial property investments. ____________________________________ If you've ever wondered why some investors seem to spot opportunities long before everyone else, this episode will show you that the difference isn't access—it's perspective. The more you understand businesses, markets and changing demand, the more opportunities you'll begin to see. ____________________________________ Listen and Learn More If you're serious about becoming a better commercial property investor, this episode is the perfect place to start. For more commercial property investment training, educational resources, live events and investor programmes, visit www.suzicarter.com. And before you make your next investment decision, make sure you've read Suzi's latest investor briefing, Before You Invest, Read This First. It brings together many of the principles discussed in this episode and will help you assess commercial property opportunities with greater confidence and clarity. You can download this briefing using this link https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/private-investor-briefing

Episode 85 – What a Heatwave Can Teach You About Commercial Property Investing What does a summer heatwave have to do with commercial property investing? Quite a lot. In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, commercial property expert Suzi Carter explains why successful commercial property investors need to think beyond buildings and understand the external forces that shape tenant demand, property values and long-term investment performance. Using the recent UK heatwave as an example, Suzi explores how weather, climate change, consumer behaviour, economic conditions and demographic trends can all influence the commercial property market. She explains why understanding the businesses occupying your properties is just as important as analysing the bricks and mortar. Whether you're new to commercial property investing or looking to build a more resilient commercial property portfolio, this episode will help you identify hidden risks, uncover opportunities and make better investment decisions through stronger commercial property due diligence. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why successful commercial property investing is about understanding businesses, not just buildings. How weather and climate change can affect tenant performance and commercial property values. The importance of analysing tenant demand before buying commercial property. How demographic changes influence long-term commercial property investment opportunities. Why consumer confidence and economic trends should shape your investment strategy. The role sustainability, energy efficiency and ESG play in future-proofing commercial property. How to identify resilient commercial property investments in changing markets. The due diligence questions every commercial property investor should be asking before purchasing a property. Who Should Listen? This episode is ideal for: Residential property investors moving into commercial property. Commercial property investors looking to improve their due diligence. Business owners considering buying commercial premises. Anyone wanting to build long-term wealth through commercial property investing. Listen and Learn More If you're looking to build wealth through commercial property investing, visit www.suzicarter.com for commercial property training, educational resources, live events and opportunities to work with Suzi Carter. Whether you're buying your first commercial property or growing an established portfolio, you'll find practical guidance to help you become a more confident and successful commercial property investor.

Episode 84 – Sometimes the Best Investment Is the One You Don't Make! How many times have you worried about missing out on a deal? For many investors, the fear of missing an opportunity leads to rushed decisions, compromised due diligence and buying properties that simply don't fit their long-term strategy. In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter explains why some of the most profitable investment decisions you'll ever make are the properties you choose not to buy. Successful commercial property investing isn't about buying more buildings. It's about buying the right buildings. Suzi shares why having a clear investment strategy allows you to filter opportunities quickly, avoid costly distractions and stay focused on properties that genuinely move you towards your financial goals. She also discusses why reviewing the deals you've rejected can be one of the fastest ways to improve your judgement and become a better investor. The episode explores the power of niching, why experienced investors become increasingly selective, and how surrounding yourself with knowledgeable investors can dramatically shorten your learning curve. If you've ever questioned whether to walk away from a deal, this episode will give you the confidence to trust your process and remember that protecting your capital is just as important as growing it. ____________________________________________ In This Episode You'll Discover: • Why saying "no" is often one of the most profitable investment decisions you'll make. • How to create clear investment criteria that help you filter opportunities with confidence. • The hidden cost of chasing every deal that comes onto the market. • Why analysing the deals you reject can improve your future investment decisions. • How niching allows you to spot opportunities that others completely miss. • The value of learning from other investors' successes and mistakes. • Why the best commercial property portfolios are built through discipline rather than volume. • How focusing on exceptional opportunities leads to stronger long-term returns. ______________________________________________ Listen and Learn More If you're serious about becoming a more confident commercial property investor, visit www.suzicarter.com where you'll find training, resources, events and opportunities to work with Suzi. Whether you're buying your first commercial property or growing an established portfolio, you'll discover practical strategies to help you make better investment decisions and build long-term wealth through commercial property.

Episode 83. One Property, Multiple Opportunities: How Title Splitting Can Transform a Deal – with James Lynch In this episode of the Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter is joined by property investor, and her long time client, James Lynch to explore one of the most powerful ways investors can unlock value from a commercial or mixed-use property: title splitting. James shares how he went from getting started in property investing to scaling his portfolio rapidly, adding 55 units in just 16 months through a combination of creative thinking, strategic acquisitions, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious. The conversation focuses on how a single property can contain multiple opportunities. James explains how title splitting can create value, improve flexibility, and open up additional exit strategies for investors prepared to understand the legal and practical considerations involved. Along the way, Suzi and James discuss mixed-use investments, blocks of flats, financing strategies, asset management, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. They also share honest insights into the challenges of growing a portfolio and why having a supportive community and experienced mentors can significantly accelerate your progress. If you've ever looked at a property and wondered whether there was more value hidden beneath the surface, this episode will encourage you to think differently. ________________________________________________ In This Episode We Cover • How James scaled his portfolio by 55 units in just 16 months • What title splitting is and why it can dramatically increase value • How one property can create multiple investment opportunities • Strategies for buying mixed-use properties and blocks of flats • Legal considerations and deal structuring when title splitting • Financing growth and funding commercial acquisitions • Asset management techniques for long-term success • The importance of mentors, networks, and community support • Building a property business that creates freedom and flexibility _______________________________________________ Listen and Learn More If you'd like to learn more about commercial property investing, deal analysis, and building long-term wealth through commercial property, visit www.suzicarter.com for training, resources, events, and upcoming opportunities to work with Suzi ________________________________ Connect with James Lynch James is a full-time property investor who has scaled his portfolio by 55 units in just 16 months through creative acquisition strategies and a focus on unlocking hidden value within existing assets. His experience spans mixed-use properties, blocks of flats, commercial investments, and title splitting strategies that allow investors to create multiple opportunities from a single purchase. Website: www.thetitlesplitconsultant.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Episode 82: How Do I Know Whether It's a Good Deal? The Questions Every Commercial Property Investor Should Ask One of the most common questions I hear from both new and experienced investors is simple: "How do I know whether it's actually a good deal?" The truth is that successful commercial property investing isn't about finding the perfect property. It's about understanding how to assess opportunities against your own investment goals and making decisions based on facts rather than emotion. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I share the practical framework I use to evaluate commercial property opportunities and the key questions every investor should ask before committing to a purchase. We explore why having a clear investment strategy is critical and how every potential acquisition should be assessed against your desired outcomes, whether that's cash flow, capital growth, retirement planning, wealth creation, or building a long-term property portfolio. I also discuss the importance of understanding market demand, assessing location fundamentals, identifying tenant demand, and recognising the characteristics that make a commercial property more resilient during changing market conditions. Importantly, we look at how risk management should play a central role in every investment decision. Understanding your downside, protecting your capital, and planning your exit strategy before you buy can often be just as important as identifying the upside potential. Whether you're reviewing your very first commercial property deal or looking to refine your existing acquisition process, this episode will help you build a more structured approach to deal analysis and investment decision-making. __________________________ In This Episode We Cover: • How to align every property purchase with your overall investment strategy • The importance of understanding market demand before making an offer • What makes a location attractive from an occupier and investor perspective • How to assess tenant demand and long-term market resilience • Risk management strategies that can help protect your downside • Why exit planning should begin before you buy • The key questions every commercial property investor should ask when reviewing a deal • Creating a structured framework for analysing commercial property opportunities • How to make more confident and informed investment decisions ___________________________ Why This Matters Many investors spend too much time looking at properties and not enough time understanding whether those properties actually fit their objectives. A deal that is perfect for one investor may be completely wrong for another. The most successful commercial property investors don't simply buy buildings. They buy assets that fit a clearly defined strategy, serve a specific purpose within their portfolio, and have strong underlying demand from tenants and occupiers. By asking better questions, you can make better decisions. ___________________________ Listen and Learn More If you'd like to learn more about commercial property investing, deal analysis, and building long-term wealth through commercial property, visit www.suzicarter.com for training, resources, events, and upcoming opportunities to work with me.