Selling business space: from valuation to notary

You sell business space based on the rental value per square metre and the yield that buyers demand for that location; for vacant, owner-occupied space, the price per m² of comparable transactions carries more weight. The rental regime (7:230a or 7:290 BW), the zoning and the energy label together determine how broad the buyer group is.

What are my business premises worth?

For let business premises, you divide the annual rent by the gross initial yield. For vacant business premises, you work with a price per square metre, corrected for clear height, floor loading, office share, loading docks and outdoor space.

Calculation example: an industrial unit of 900 m² with 120 m² of office space, let for €63,000 per year. If the market calculates with a gross initial yield of 8%, the indicative value is €63,000 / 0.08 = approx. €787,500. If the same unit is vacant and the transaction price on a business park in the region is around €750 per m², you arrive at the same order of magnitude via the m² approach – putting those two outcomes side by side is the fastest reality check.

Feature	Why buyers look for it
Clear height and floor loading	Determining which users and logistics functions fit
Ratio hall/office	Too much office space depresses the rental value per m²
Outdoor area and manoeuvring space	Often decisive for transport and construction companies
Zoning and environmental category	Determines which business activity is permitted
Energy label and roof construction	Sustainability and solar panels are a selling point

230a or 290: which rental regime applies?

Business space within the meaning of Article 7:290 BW (shops, hospitality, craft businesses with a public function) has strong rent protection with 5+5-year terms. Other business space – warehouses, stores, offices, showrooms – falls under Article 7:230a with only eviction protection.

That difference is not a legal detail but a price factor. A buyer who wants to use the property themselves looks at how quickly they can get it vacant. An investor looks specifically at the security of the rental stream and values long-term protection positively. Therefore, always explicitly state the legal regime and contract terms in your sales information.

7:290 BW: retail, hospitality, takeaway or craft business with public space – terms of 5+5 years.
7:230a BW: warehouse, magazine, workshop, office or showroom – eviction protection of maximum three years.
Mixed properties: the predominant use in principle determines the regime.
Check whether the ROZ model has been used and which version – this avoids discussion during the transfer.

Sell your business premises in six steps

Collecting the file: title deed, cadastral map, lease agreements, measurement report (NEN 2580), energy label and soil information.
Determining value via both the rental stream and the price per m² and comparing both outcomes.
Choosing a sales route: agent, private sale to the tenant or direct to a fixed buyer.
Approaching buyers; for business space, the serious buyer group is often regional and small.
Negotiating price, delivery level, resolutive conditions and transfer date.
Completion at the notary: settlement of rent, security deposit, and transfer tax.

How quickly can you sell commercial space?

Via a commercial estate agent on the open market, a sale takes an average of six to twelve months. With a direct sale to a fixed buyer without financing contingencies, the deed usually passes within two to six weeks.

Route	Lead time	Seller's costs	Strongest point
Directly to a regular buyer	2 – 6 weeks	No commission	Speed and certainty
Commercial estate agent, open market	6 – 12 months	1 – 2% commission + VAT	Maximum exposure
Private sale to the tenant	1 – 3 months	None to low	Known party
Auction	6 – 10 weeks	Auction costs	Certain date, lower price

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between business premises and a commercial building?

In daily use, they mean the same thing: a building or part thereof for business use. Legally, the law distinguishes Section 7:290 business space (shops and hospitality) from other business space under Section 7:230a, such as sheds, warehouses, and offices.

Do I have to charge VAT on the sale of commercial space?

The sale of an existing building is in principle exempt from VAT and subject to transfer tax. In the case of new construction or a joint request for VAT-taxed delivery, this may be different, and a previous VAT deduction can have consequences within the revision period. Have this verified by your accountant.

Can I sell commercial premises with a sitting tenant?

Yes. 'Sale does not terminate lease': the lease agreement transfers to the buyer. For investors, a rented commercial space with a solid tenant is often more attractive than a vacant property.

What are the costs of selling commercial space?

Via an agent, you usually pay 1% to 2% commission plus VAT, possibly start-up and marketing costs, plus costs for a measurement report, energy label, and valuation. In a direct sale to us, you pay no commission.

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: 2026-09-21.