Buying a commercial property: price, costs and how to find listings

When buying a commercial property, you should pay attention to the zoning in the environmental plan, the condition and energy label, the lease agreements for a let property and the total buyer's costs: 10.4% transfer tax plus notary, valuation and financing costs. Financing usually requires a 30 to 40% equity contribution. Many properties change owners before they are listed online.

What are the costs of buying a commercial property besides the purchase price?

On top of the purchase price, count on approximately 12 to 14%: 10.4% transfer tax (non-residential rate 2026), plus notary, land registry, valuation, potentially a buying agent, and financing costs.

Cost item	Indication for purchase price €600,000
Property Transfer Tax 10.4%	€ 62.400
Notary and land registry (deed + mortgage deed)	€ 2.500 – € 5.000
Valuation report (validated)	€ 2.000 – € 4.000
Structural / technical inspection	€ 1.000 – € 3.000
Buying agent (optional, 1 – 2%)	€6,000 – €12,000 + VAT
Financing arrangement fee	0.5 – 1% of the loan

These are indications; rates vary per notary, valuer and bank. If you buy a new or recently renovated property, VAT may apply instead of transfer tax. Always have this assessed by a tax specialist or the notary.

Checklist: what to look for with a business property?

Check the zoning, the structural condition, the energy label, the lease agreements, any ground lease and soil contamination before your offer.

Environment plan: is your intended use (office, production, storage, retail) permitted at this address?
Energy label: an office without label C or better may no longer be used as an office.
Structural condition: roof, facade, installations, asbestos (especially for construction years before 1994).
Soil: request the 'bodemloket' (soil desk) or historical research in case of former industrial activities.
Ground lease or right of superficies: ground rent, duration and review moments also determine the value.
Lease agreements: term, indexation, rental regime (230a or 290) and any rent discounts.
VvE: for a business unit in a complex, the reserve fund and the long-term maintenance plan.

How do you finance a commercial property?

Banks generally finance a commercial property up to 60 to 70% of the market value. You provide the remainder as equity, possibly supplemented with a subordinated loan or investor.

For own use, the bank looks at your company's cash flow; for an investment property, it looks at rental income and interest coverage. A recent valuation report and complete lease documents speed up the assessment.

How do you find a commercial property that is not listed online?

A large part of commercial real estate is sold off-market: directly between owner and buyer, through networks of investors and fixed buyers. Those on these lists see properties sooner.

Pandverkoop.nl works with a network of more than 1,000 searching buyers and investors. Owners who offer to us receive bids from that network. Are you an owner and considering selling? Then you will receive a free and non-binding offer via the form on this page.

Frequently asked questions

How much transfer tax do I pay on a commercial property?

For non-residential properties, a rate of 10.4% on the purchase price applies in 2026. For new builds or a property that has been in use for less than two years, VAT may apply instead of transfer tax.

How much of my own money do I need for a commercial property?

Count on 30 to 40% of the purchase price plus buyer's costs. Banks usually finance commercial real estate up to 60 to 70% of the market value.

What is a good yield on a commercial property?

That depends on location, type and tenant. Offices and industrial halls in strong regions are often traded at around 6 to 9% gross initial yield; higher risk means a higher required yield.

Can I buy a commercial property without an estate agent?

Yes. A buying agent is not mandatory but can help with valuation and negotiation. In any case, have a valuation and a building inspection carried out.

Compiled by the Pandverkoop.nl editorial team. Pandverkoop.nl may be the buyer; our offer is not an independent valuation. Our approach and sources policy. Last updated: 2026-10-12.