Commercial Property FAQ.

How long does it take to sell a commercial property in Ontario or Alberta?

A well-priced, well-documented commercial asset in a strong market typically produces a firm offer in 45–90 days via a public process, or 30–60 days via a targeted confidential process. Assets priced above market or with documentation gaps take significantly longer regardless of process type.

Should I price high and negotiate down, or price at market from the start?

Commercial buyers track comparables and identify mispriced assets immediately. Overpricing extends time on market, reduces buyer quality, and consistently produces a lower final price than a realistic initial ask. Lucero recommends pricing at the defensible top of the market range, not above it.

When does a confidential off-market sale make more sense than a public listing?

Off-market works best when staff awareness could be disruptive, tenants have confidentiality requirements, corporate or family sensitivity exists, or where the seller has a strong preference for a private process. It requires a credible buyer list to be effective — without one, it simply limits exposure without delivering a better outcome.

Do I need a formal appraisal before selling?

A formal AACI appraisal is not required to begin a sale process. Lucero provides a broker opinion of value — a direct, experience-based assessment of current market value, buyer pool and achievable pricing — as part of the mandate intake. This gives owners a frank view before any commitment is made.

How do I access off-market commercial properties in Ontario and Alberta?

Off-market properties are shared exclusively with registered, qualified buyers. Submit your acquisition criteria through our buyer registry — asset type, markets, budget, size, use and timing. Lucero matches relevant opportunities as they become available. Principals only; no intermediaries.

What should I look for before buying an industrial building?

Key factors include: clear height and column spacing vs your operational requirements, loading configuration (dock vs grade), power supply, environmental status (Phase I/II), structural condition, HVAC age, yard size and security, and lease status if tenanted. We coordinate due diligence and advises on what to prioritise for each asset type.

Is it better to own or lease industrial space for my business?

Owning eliminates rent uncertainty, builds equity, and provides long-term operational stability that leasing cannot. The business case for ownership is strongest when the operator has a long-term commitment to the location and the capacity to deploy capital into a fixed asset. We advise owner-users on this decision and sources appropriate opportunities.

What does "net rent" mean and how is it different from gross rent?

Net rent is the base rent paid to the landlord, excluding operating costs (property tax, building insurance, maintenance). Gross rent bundles all costs into one payment. Most industrial and retail leases in Ontario and Alberta are structured as net or semi-gross leases. The total occupancy cost (net rent + additional rent) is what tenants and landlords should compare across options.

How do I reduce vacancy time for my commercial property?

Price correctly from day one, target the right tenant profile, and actively outreach to qualifying users rather than relying on passive listing exposure. A correctly priced vacancy with active tenant targeting consistently outperforms an overpriced one with maximum listing exposure. We advise landlords on all three elements.

What is a typical lease term for industrial or retail space in Ontario and Alberta?

Industrial leases typically range from 3 to 10 years, with 5 years being common for owner-users and 7–10 years for institutional investment assets. Retail leases for anchor tenants often exceed 10 years; inline tenants typically sign 5-year terms with options. Office leases range from 3 to 7 years. Term length significantly affects asset value for investment buyers.