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100 Episodes Later… It's My Turn in the Hot Seat! 30 Years of Commercial Property Unfiltered The Commercial Property Podcast | Episode 100 | Suzi Carter MRICS 100 episodes! Who'd have thought it?! Well, this one's a little different. After 99 episodes of asking the questions, I'm finally the one in the hot seat! And we're not holding back. We're talking about the deals, the mistakes, the lessons learnt the hard way, the highs and lows of investing, and what more than 30 years and three property cycles have taught me about commercial property. But we're also talking about something much more personal. Why did I start investing in the first place? What was I really trying to achieve? And how did a career in commercial property turn into a mission to help other people change their lives? Because here's the thing. I didn't start investing because I wanted to own lots of buildings. I wanted a different life. I had a successful corporate career, a young family and a pretty clear picture of what I wanted my future to look like. More freedom. More choices. More time to do the things that mattered to me. Commercial property became the vehicle to help me get there. It certainly wasn't all plain sailing! I've seen markets boom and bust, made investments I'm proud of, learnt some expensive lessons and discovered that some of the best opportunities are the ones other people overlook. And now, having worked with hundreds of investors through The Commercial Property Academy, I've seen just how much can change when someone moves from feeling uncertain about commercial property to knowing what they're looking for, spotting opportunities and having the confidence to act. That's the part of my work I love most. So for this special 100th episode, we're going behind the scenes of my own journey, exploring what I've learnt about investing, business and life — and why I believe commercial property can be such a powerful way to create a different future. Whether you're a residential investor considering commercial, a successful professional or business owner wanting more choice in life, or an existing commercial investor looking to build a better portfolio, I hope there's something in this conversation that makes you think. And perhaps encourages you to take that next step. What We Get Into Why I really started investing in property The story behind my move from corporate life to building my own commercial property portfolio, the dream board that helped me get clear on what I wanted, and why having a compelling reason to invest matters more than simply wanting to make money. 30 years, three property cycles and some expensive lessons What I've learnt from investing through changing markets, why experience changes the way you see risk and opportunity, and why the deals that look most attractive aren't always the ones worth buying. Finding the opportunities other investors miss Why I look for properties with problems I can solve, how relationships and off-market opportunities can make a difference, and why understanding the occupational market is often more valuable than chasing the next apparently cheap deal. Buying well, creating value and thinking about the exit Why the purchase price matters, how I assess opportunities to add value, and the question I always want answered before buying: Who is going to buy this property from me afterwards? Why capable people sometimes struggle to get started I've worked with successful business owners, professionals and experienced residential investors who are more than capable of investing in commercial property — but still find themselves stuck. We explore what's holding them back and how knowledge, a clear strategy and the right support can change that. The power of asking 'Who?' instead of 'How?' One of the most useful shifts in business and investing: recognising that you don't need to know how to do everything yourself. You need to know how to find the right people, ask better questions and build a team around you. Why I created The Commercial Property Academy How my own motivation evolved into a mission to change lives through commercial property investing — and why seeing other people grow in confidence, make their first investments and create more choices for themselves and their families means so much to me. How I see today's commercial property market What three property cycles have taught me about market sentiment, uncertainty and opportunity — and why I believe the key is finding structurally sound markets where there are problems we can solve, rather than relying on the market to rise. My Biggest Message After 30 Years If there's one thing I hope comes across in this episode, it's this: Commercial property is not the end goal. It's what commercial property can make possible. For some people, that's replacing their income. For others, it's building wealth, leaving a corporate career, spending more time with family, or simply having the freedom to make different choices. There's no single version of success. But there are better and worse ways of investing, and getting the right knowledge, strategy and support can make an enormous difference. That's what I've spent the last 30 years learning — and what I now love helping other people do. A Special Gift to Celebrate 100 Episodes To mark this milestone, I've created a free guide: My 10 Most Important Commercial Property Lessons These are ten of the most important lessons I've learnt from over 30 years in commercial property and three property cycles. Not just theory. Practical insights from buying, managing and creating value in commercial property — including lessons learnt when things didn't go quite to plan! Inside, I share some of the principles that have shaped how I invest, assess opportunities, manage risk and make decisions. Download your free guide here: https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/podcast Want to Build Your Own Commercial Property Portfolio? If this episode has got you thinking about what commercial property could make possible for you, I'd love to help. Perhaps you're already a successful residential investor and want to diversify. Perhaps you've built a successful career or business but want your money to start working harder for you. Or perhaps you're already investing in commercial property and want to become a more confident, knowledgeable investor. Whatever your starting point, the important thing is developing a strategy that fits your objectives, understanding what makes a good investment and knowing how to find and assess opportunities. That's exactly what we help people do through The Commercial Property Academy. You can explore the training, community and mentoring available at:  www.suzicarter.com And if you're not sure where to start, get in touch and tell us a little about what you're hoping to achieve. Finally, Thank You! 100 episodes is a milestone I'm enormously proud of, but it wouldn't mean nearly as much without you listening. Thank you for the messages, the questions, the feedback and for being part of this journey. Here's to the next 100 episodes, more great conversations and, most importantly, helping more people see what's possible through commercial property.  If you've enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it.

Episode 99 – Buy Some Commercial Property Problems. Run a Mile From Others! Some of the best commercial property investments have problems. But buy the wrong problem, and it could cost you a fortune. Perhaps you've spotted a commercial property that's been sitting on the market for months. The rent is low, the building needs work or the tenant situation looks complicated. Is that a fantastic investment opportunity that everyone else has overlooked? Or is there a very good reason nobody wants to buy it? Knowing the difference is one of the most important skills you can develop as a commercial property investor. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I explain why I actively look for properties with problems — but only the right sort of problems! An under-rented building, a short lease, poor management or an opportunity to subdivide might be something we can solve, creating value in the process. But what if the real problem isn't the building at all? What if there's simply no tenant demand, the local economy is declining or the property is becoming obsolete? You can often solve a problem with a building. But you probably can't solve a problem with the market in which it sits. Drawing on over 30 years in commercial property, I'll share how I distinguish opportunities from expensive mistakes, the questions I ask before investing and why a cheap property isn't necessarily a good deal. In This Episode, You'll Discover: The problems I love buying. How under-rented properties, short leases, vacant units and poor asset management can create opportunities to add value. The problems I'd run a mile from. Why declining occupational demand, structural oversupply and changing market fundamentals can be much harder to overcome. Why cheap doesn't mean good value. How to distinguish a motivated seller and an attractive price from a genuinely sound commercial property investment. Can you actually solve the problem? Why cost, timescale, control and the ability to deliver your strategy matter. Will the market reward you? How to research tenant demand, rental values and future saleability before spending money improving a building. The importance of having more than one exit. Why you should consider what happens if your original plan doesn't work. And I'll share three questions I think every investor should ask before buying a commercial property with problems: Can I actually solve this problem? Can I solve it at a sensible cost and within a sensible timeframe? Will the occupational and investment markets reward me for solving it? Because the best opportunities aren't necessarily the prettiest buildings or the cheapest properties. They're often properties with problems we can solve, in markets where the underlying demand is fundamentally sound. Want to Find Better Commercial Property Opportunities? Perhaps you're an experienced residential investor who understands property but isn't yet confident about what makes a good commercial deal. Maybe you're a successful professional or business owner with capital to invest, but you're worried about making an expensive mistake in a market you don't fully understand. Or perhaps you're already investing in commercial property and want to become better at recognising opportunities others miss. You don't need to buy more properties. You need to know how to buy the right ones. That's exactly what I help investors do through The Commercial Property Academy and my commercial property mentoring programmes. From understanding tenant demand and choosing your niche to analysing leases, identifying value-add opportunities and assessing risk, I help you develop the knowledge and judgement to make better investment decisions.  Visit www.suzicarter.com to discover how I can help you find and assess commercial property opportunities with greater confidence.  Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast, leave a review and share it with another investor who might be looking at a property with problems right now.

Episode 98 – Want to Park Your Money in Commercial Property? Here's What I'd Buy You've worked hard to build your wealth. But how do you make that money work for you without creating another full-time job? Perhaps you've built a successful business and have capital sitting in the bank. Maybe you're tired of the demands of residential property investing. Or perhaps you already own commercial property, but you're at a stage where you'd rather enjoy the income than take on another refurbishment or asset management project. You want your money to work harder. You want more choice over how you spend your time. But you also don't want to make an expensive mistake with capital you've spent years building. So, is commercial property a good place to park your money? And if it is, what would I actually buy? In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I explore how I approach buying commercial property for long-term rental income rather than actively creating value. Because there's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a relatively hands-off investment. But passive doesn't mean risk-free. A long lease, a well-known tenant and an attractive yield might look reassuring on paper. But what happens if the tenant leaves? Is the rent sustainable? Will another business want the building in 10 or 15 years? And what happens if commercial property values fall? Drawing on over 30 years in commercial property and my own investing experience, I'll explain what I'd look for, what would make me nervous and the questions I'd ask before committing my money. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Income or value creation? Why the right commercial property investment depends on what you actually want your money — and your life — to look like. What I'd buy for relatively passive income. The importance of good locations, strong tenants, sensible lease lengths and sustainable rents. Why a high yield doesn't automatically mean a good deal. How to assess the return against the risks you're taking. The tenant test. Why a strong covenant isn't enough if the building itself has limited future demand. Will anybody want your property in 15 years? How technology, AI, changing business needs and occupational demand could affect your investment. What happens if your tenant leaves tomorrow? The questions I'd ask about reletting, costs, market rents and alternative occupiers. Borrowing, diversification and exit strategies. How to protect your capital, manage risk and retain options if circumstances change. And I'll share one of my favourite tests for a long-term commercial property investment: If the lease expired, the tenant handed back the keys and you were left with an empty building, would you still want to own it? It's a question every commercial property investor should be able to answer. Want to Make Your Money Work Harder Through Commercial Property? You might have the capital to invest but feel uncertain about what to buy, where to look or how to judge whether a property is genuinely a good investment. And when it's your own hard-earned money at stake, getting it wrong isn't something you want to contemplate. That's where I can help. At www.suzicarter.com, you'll find my commercial property training and mentoring programmes, designed to help you develop the knowledge, confidence and judgement to make better investment decisions. Whether you're moving from residential into commercial property, investing alongside a demanding career or looking to improve an existing portfolio, the aim is the same: to build a property portfolio that supports the life you actually want to live.  Visit www.suzicarter.com to explore how I can help you become a more confident commercial property investor.  Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast, leave a review and share it with someone who's worked hard to build their wealth and now wants to make that money work harder for them

Episode 97 – What REALLY Drives Property Performance? With Max Scott What actually makes one property investment perform brilliantly over the long term while another struggles? It isn't simply about buying at the right price or finding the highest yield. In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter is joined by award-winning property investor Max Scott to explore the forces that really drive long-term property performance — and how understanding them can help investors make better decisions. Max has completed more than £120 million of property deals, investing across commercial property, mixed-use, residential, HMOs, blocks of flats and new-build developments in the South East of England and Dublin. Drawing on that experience, Max shares his framework for understanding the five forces that influence property performance, together with real-world examples of commercial property deals, different approaches to property finance and the lessons he's learned from building and reviewing investment portfolios. Suzi and Max also discuss the importance of looking beyond an individual deal and understanding the long-term trends shaping property markets. Because a property that looks good on a spreadsheet today still needs to perform tomorrow. The conversation also explores supported living property investment, portfolio strategy and why successful investors need to keep reviewing whether the properties they own are still delivering against their original objectives. In This Episode, We Explore: 📌 The Five Forces That Drive Property Performance The fundamental factors Max believes influence property values, demand and long-term investment performance. 📌 Real Commercial Property Deals Practical examples from Max's own commercial property investments and some of the lessons he's learned along the way. 📌 Commercial Property Finance and Funding Strategies Different ways property deals can be financed and why the funding structure can materially affect investment returns. 📌 Long-Term Property Trends How understanding wider economic, demographic and property-market trends can help investors make better-informed decisions. 📌 Supported Living as a Property Investment Strategy Max's experience of supported living, together with some of the opportunities and considerations investors need to understand. 📌 Why Your Portfolio Needs Reviewing Why buying a good property isn't the end of the investment decision — and why investors should regularly question whether an asset still deserves its place in their portfolio. 📌 Income, Returns and Building a Portfolio With Purpose Why your investment strategy should ultimately reflect what you want your property portfolio to achieve for you. What Really Drives Long-Term Property Investment Performance? One of the big themes running through this conversation is the importance of looking beyond the deal immediately in front of you. What's happening to demand? What are the longer-term trends? How are you financing the property? What could affect its future performance? And does the investment still fit the objectives you originally bought it to achieve? Whether you're considering your first commercial property investment, building a wider property portfolio or reviewing properties you already own, this episode will encourage you to step back from the individual deal and think about the bigger forces influencing your investment decisions. 🎧 Listen to Episode 97 of The Commercial Property Podcast: Why Some Properties Perform – And Others Don't: With Max Scott. Want to Build Your Own Commercial Property Portfolio? If this conversation has got you thinking about commercial property and you'd like help turning that interest into a clear investment strategy, Suzi can help. Whether you're an experienced residential investor considering commercial property, a busy professional with capital to invest, or a business owner looking to build wealth through commercial property, the starting point is understanding what to buy, where to buy it, how to analyse it and how to recognise opportunities to create value. At www.suzicarter.com, you'll find details of Suzi's commercial property training and mentoring, including the Commercial Property Academy, where investors learn how to understand occupational demand, choose their niche, source opportunities, analyse tenants and leases, assess deals, understand risk and identify opportunities to create value. 👉 Visit www.suzicarter.com to explore the different ways you can work with Suzi. And if you'd like to discuss your own commercial property ambitions with Suzi and her team, get in touch through www.suzicarter.com and tell us a little about where you are now and what you're hoping to achieve. 🎧 Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review and share it with another property investor who would find it useful. Connect With Max Scott Max Scott is an award-winning property investor who has completed more than £120 million of property deals. Primarily investing across the South East of England and Dublin, Max has acquired and invested in single lets, blocks of flats, HMOs, commercial property, mixed-use property and new-build developments. Max predominantly works with individuals and businesses with at least £500,000 available to invest, helping them build property portfolios designed to generate returns and passive income. 🌐 maxscottproperty.com ✉️ [email protected]

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