Ireland Commercial Property: Retail, Offices and Mixed-Use Buildings

Irish commercial leases are often long with upward-only rent reviews, though legislation has changed in places. Ask for:

1. The lease and any side letters.
2. The rent review schedule and break options.
3. Tenant accounts or guarantees.
4. Service charge history in multi-unit buildings.
5. Planning use for the premises, including change-of-use history.

Building fire safety, accessibility and energy ratings (BER for non-domestic) are also relevant.

Dublin has most offices and retail; Swords and Naas have commuter-town retail and industrial space; Malahide and Blackrock feature suburban village shops. Wexford has high-street units at lower prices. Residential alternatives include houses and apartments.

Ask why the vendor is selling, how long the property has been on the market, whether the current tenant has any rent arrears, and what the previous rent was. Request the planning history, the fire safety certificate and any notices from the local authority. Clarify whether VAT is chargeable on the sale and on the rent, and whether the quoted price is subject to contract and survey. Good answers early save legal fees later.

Lenders typically want 30-40% equity for commercial loans. See financing in Ireland and the Ireland consultation page.