Commercial property definition
Property can be defined as something that a person or business has legal title over. Having legal title over property provides the owner with certain enforceable rights. Property may be categorised as tangible (‘real’) or intangible. In the built environment, tangible property refers to real estate or land, whereas ‘personal property’, or chattel, is all that which is not ‘real property’.
The word ‘commercial’ relates to things that are concerned with or engaged in commerce, that is, activities that are intended to make a profit. In its broadest sense therefore, commercial property (or commercial buildings or commercial premises) typically refers to property or buildings that accommodates activities intended to make a profit. This might include shops for example.
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order categorises uses of land and buildings. Developments may not be used for purposes that are not within the use class for which they received planning permission. However, there is no single use class that might be considered to encompass all commercial property, but rather there are a range of classes, including: A1. shops, A3. food and drink, B1. business and so on.
Changing the use of a development from one class to another may require planning permission, although changes of use may be permitted without the need for a planning application for certain allowable uses (for example, changing a restaurant into a shop).
This becomes more complex however, as there are a number of types of building that whilst they do seem to encompass 'commercial' activities, they are generally not described as commercial. For example, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) differentiates between commercial and industrial buildings.
In its methodology, ONS suggests that ‘private commercial’ includes:
- Schools.
- Universities.
- Health.
- Offices.
- Entertainment.
- Garages.
- Shops.
- Agriculture.
- Miscellaneous.
Whereas ‘private industrial’ includes:
- Factories.
- Warehouses.
- Oil.
- Steel.
- Coal
However, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) suggests that commercial property:
'...covers all types of real estate used for business purposes. The principal sectors within commercial property are retail, office, industrial and leisure. Commercial property serves a vast array of purposes supporting public and private sector business and services, such as government, service industries, education, healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications and other civil infrastructure. The exception is real estate related to agricultural or residential use.' |
Rather confusingly, Uniclass 2015, (a voluntary classification system for the construction industry that can be used to organise information) defines commercial entities as:
- Auction buildings.
- Department stores.
- Financial and professional services buildings.
- Markets.
- Mixed use buildings.
- Motor vehicle sales entities.
- Shop units.
- Supermarkets.
- Wholesale buildings.
For more information see: Uniclass.
Given the variety of conflicting definitions available, it would be wise to make clear which is being used when referring to commercial property.
See also: Shops and commercial premises definition.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments