How to Sell Your Shop Unit Faster: A Guide for High Street Property Owners

Posted by Whozoo on 30th June 2025 -

How to Sell Your Shop Unit Faster: A Guide for High Street Property Owners
If you're the owner of a high street shop unit and you’re thinking about selling, time is of the essence. In the fast-moving SME commercial property market, delays can cost you serious money—not just in lost rental income, but in missed opportunities. 
This guide will walk you through practical steps to help you sell your commercial property fast, with a focus on small-to-mid-value units typical of town centres across the UK. Whether you own a retail space in Luton, Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, Slough, or Southend-on-Sea, these tips apply across the board. 
 
1. Know Your Market 
Before anything else, understand what similar properties are selling for in your area. A proper commercial property valuation will help you set a realistic asking price that won’t scare away serious buyers. 
Look at: 

• Recent sales data in your high street or town centre 
• Whether your property is freehold or leasehold 
• Yield potential if it's being sold with a tenant in place 

A commercial estate agent will provide invaluable insight here, especially one experienced in your local high street market. 
 
2. Presentation Matters (Even for Shops!) 
Buyers want to visualise potential—so take the time to present your shop unit properly: 

• Remove any clutter or leftover stock 
• Clean windows, floors, and signage 
• Make basic repairs (peeling paint, broken lights) 
• Add neutral lighting to brighten the interior 

If your property’s tenanted, liaise with the occupier to schedule viewings and tidy up as needed. 
 
3. Invest in Quality Marketing 
To sell commercial property fast, great marketing is non-negotiable. That means: 

• Professional photos showing both interior and exterior 
• Floorplans and EPC certificates 
• A concise, benefit-led property description 
• Details about footfall, passing trade, and nearby anchor stores 

Your commercial estate agent should promote the listing through both traditional portals and digital channels. 
 
4. Use Multi-Channel Exposure 
Don’t rely solely on one property site. Make sure your shop unit is listed: 

• On the big commercial property portals (Zoopla, Rightmove, EG Propertylink) 
• On your agent’s website 
• Through social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) 
• In email newsletters to investor and occupier databases 

You can also list your shop unit on Whozoo's SME property portal to increase visibility directly to buyers in your bracket. 
 
5. Signage Still Works on the High Street 
Old-school marketing still plays a role on the high street. Make sure your commercial estate agent installs prominent “For Sale” boards with contact details, especially if there's good footfall or passing vehicle traffic. 
 

6. Prepare Legal Documents Early 
Delays often come from slow legal prep. Get ahead by having the following ready: 

• Title deeds 
• Lease agreements (if tenanted) 
• Service charge accounts (if in a parade or centre) 
• Planning permissions or use class details 

An experienced solicitor can help you assemble the pack and flag any issues early—saving weeks during conveyancing. 
 
7. Target the Right Buyers 
Different types of buyers may be interested in your shop unit: 

• Owner-occupiers (e.g. barbers, cafes, boutiques) 
• Investors (especially if it’s tenanted) 
• Developers (in areas with redevelopment potential) 

Work with a commercial estate agent who understands buyer profiles and tailors marketing accordingly. 
 
8. Be Ready to Negotiate 
Buyers might expect flexibility—especially in 2025’s evolving SME commercial property market. Be prepared to negotiate: 

• Slight reductions for cash buyers 
• Adjustments to timelines 
• Inclusion of fixtures/fittings if applicable 

Set a clear minimum price with your agent so they can handle offers without delay. 
 
9. Showcase Income Potential (If Tenanted) 
If the unit is currently rented, make sure the buyer understands the income stream. Provide: 

• Copy of the lease 
• Rent schedule 
• Any rent review or break clause details 

This information makes your shop more appealing to income-focused investors and helps justify the asking price. 
 
Final Thoughts:
Speed is Strategy
To sell your commercial property fast, every decision counts—from pricing and presentation to legal preparation and marketing exposure.
Partnering with the right commercial estate agent ensures you can navigate local market dynamics with confidence and attract serious buyers who won’t waste your time. 
Whether you're in Slough or Southend, Luton or Eastbourne, speed doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means being ready. 
 
Looking to sell your high street shop unit? 

• Visit our SME commercial property portal 
• Connect with expert commercial estate agents who get results
• Sell smarter, not slower, with Whozoo