Buying commercial real estate in the Charleston area can be an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with real risk if the details are overlooked. Maybe you’re considering a retail space in Downtown Charleston, a warehouse near North Charleston, or a mixed-use property in Mount Pleasant or Summerville. Before you move forward with any deal, one question matters most:
Do you fully understand what you’re buying?
At Buxton & Collie, LLC, our Charleston real estate attorneys help buyers approach commercial real estate transactions with clarity and confidence. Due diligence is where smart deals start, and costly surprises are avoided.
Due diligence is the process of carefully reviewing the legal, financial, and physical aspects of a property before closing. It’s your opportunity to confirm that the property can be used as intended, that ownership is clear, and that no hidden issues will affect the property’s value or operations.
For example, a property on James Island might look ideal on paper, but flood exposure, zoning limits, or title issues could change the economics of the deal entirely. A thorough review helps you make decisions based on facts, not assumptions.
One of the first steps in any commercial purchase is confirming who owns the property and what claims exist against it. A title review looks for liens, easements, or other restrictions that could affect your rights as a buyer.
We help ensure that title is clear and marketable, so you’re not inheriting unresolved disputes or limitations that could interfere with financing or future resale.
Zoning issues are a common source of frustration for commercial buyers. A building that seems perfect for your business may not be legally approved for your intended use.
Whether you’re planning a hospitality venture near Kiawah Island, an office space in Downtown Charleston, or an industrial operation in Goose Creek, zoning and land-use rules must be reviewed carefully. We help confirm that current zoning supports your plans and flag any restrictions that could require special approvals or variances.
Environmental issues can carry serious financial consequences. As part of due diligence, many buyers conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to evaluate prior land use and potential contamination.
This step is especially important for properties with industrial histories or locations near waterways. Identifying issues early gives you leverage to renegotiate terms or walk away if the risk outweighs the reward.
Even well-maintained properties can hide expensive problems. Inspections help uncover issues with roofing, foundations, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure.
Whether you’re purchasing a commercial building in Moncks Corner or Summerville, understanding the condition of major systems allows you to budget realistically and avoid unexpected repair costs after closing.
For income-producing properties, due diligence includes reviewing leases, rent rolls, operating expenses, and existing service contracts. These documents tell the real story of how the property performs.
We help buyers understand what obligations will carry over after closing and whether the numbers support the purchase price being proposed.
Boundary issues can affect how a property is used or developed. A current survey helps confirm lot lines, access points, easements, and rights of way.
This review is especially important for properties with shared access, parking arrangements, or development potential. Knowing these details upfront prevents disputes later.
Charleston’s location brings unique considerations that should never be overlooked. Flood zones, insurance requirements, and historic preservation rules can all affect costs and future use.
A property near the coast or in a historic district may come with additional obligations that need to be evaluated during due diligence, not after closing.
Commercial real estate transactions involve many moving parts, and due diligence is where strong legal guidance matters most. At Buxton & Collie, LLC, our Charleston real estate attorneys help buyers identify risks, protect value, and move forward with confidence.
If you’re considering a commercial real estate purchase in Charleston or the surrounding Lowcountry, we’re here to help.
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