Purchasing a commercial property is one of the biggest investments many organisations will make. Whether you’re acquiring an office building, industrial unit, retail premises, school, healthcare facility or mixed-use development, due diligence extends far beyond the structural condition of the property.
One question we often hear is:
“Should we commission an asbestos survey before we complete the purchase?”
Our answer is that while every transaction is different, understanding whether asbestos is present—and how it may affect your future plans—is often valuable information for any buyer.
After more than 22 years working with commercial property owners, developers and public sector organisations, we’ve found that the biggest problems rarely come from finding asbestos. They come from discovering it after budgets have been agreed and refurbishment plans are already underway.
What Does the Law Say?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places duties on those responsible for managing non-domestic premises.
If you become responsible for a commercial building, you may also become responsible for managing any asbestos risks within that property.
Understanding what is present before you take ownership can therefore form an important part of your overall due diligence process.
Why Buyers Should Consider an Asbestos Survey
An asbestos survey provides information rather than assumptions.
It can help buyers understand:
- Whether asbestos-containing materials are present
- Their location and condition
- Whether future refurbishment works may be affected
- Whether ongoing management may be required
- Potential implications for maintenance planning
For investors and occupiers alike, having reliable information supports better decision-making.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
Imagine purchasing a commercial building with plans to modernise offices, upgrade services or reconfigure internal layouts.
If asbestos is identified early:
- Works can be planned appropriately.
- Budgets can be reviewed.
- Contractors can prepare correctly.
- Programmes can be adjusted before work begins.
If asbestos is only discovered after acquisition and during refurbishment, projects can become more complex and expensive.
Common Mistakes We See
Assuming a building survey covers asbestos
A general building survey is not the same as a specialist asbestos survey.
Many purchasers assume asbestos risks have already been assessed when they have not.
Focusing only on the purchase price
The acquisition cost is only one part of the investment.
Future maintenance, refurbishment and compliance obligations should also be considered.
Waiting until refurbishment begins
One of the most common scenarios we encounter is a client contacting us after refurbishment plans are finalised because asbestos has unexpectedly become an issue.
Earlier investigation often provides greater flexibility.
Assuming modern-looking buildings contain no asbestos
Many buildings have been refurbished over time while still containing asbestos within hidden structural elements or service areas.
Appearance alone is not a reliable guide.
What We’ve Learned in 22 Years
One consistent lesson is that good information leads to better commercial decisions.
Some buyers worry that commissioning an asbestos survey may complicate a purchase. In reality, uncertainty is often a greater risk than knowledge.
The organisations that manage acquisitions most effectively are usually those that understand potential issues before completion rather than afterwards.
The Core Surveys Perspective
At Core Surveys, we see asbestos surveys as part of intelligent property management rather than simply a compliance requirement.
Our role is to provide clear, practical information that helps clients assess risk and plan confidently.
Because we undertake asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through our own experienced team, we can provide a coordinated service that supports property transactions, refurbishment projects and long-term estate management.
We’ve worked with everyone from independent businesses and landlords to NHS Trusts, universities, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence. Regardless of project size, the principle remains the same:
Reliable information at the beginning helps avoid uncertainty later.
Our Recommendations
Based on our experience, we recommend that commercial property buyers:
- Consider asbestos as part of their due diligence process.
- Understand their future plans for the building before selecting the type of survey required.
- Use UKAS accredited organisations for asbestos surveys and analysis.
- Factor asbestos management into long-term maintenance planning.
- Obtain advice early if refurbishment works are anticipated.
- Treat asbestos information as an asset for decision-making rather than simply a compliance document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an asbestos survey mandatory when buying a commercial property?
Not necessarily. The need for a survey depends on the circumstances and your intended use of the property. However, many buyers choose to obtain one as part of their due diligence.
Does finding asbestos mean I should not buy the property?
Not automatically. Many buildings contain asbestos that can be safely managed. The important factor is understanding what is present and how it may affect future plans.
Should I wait until refurbishment begins?
Our experience suggests that identifying asbestos during the planning or acquisition stage provides greater certainty and helps avoid unexpected delays later.
Can Core Surveys assist with commercial property portfolios?
Yes. We support everyone from individual investors and small businesses to large organisations managing multiple commercial sites across the UK.
Why Organisations Choose Core Surveys
- Over 22 years of asbestos industry experience
- UKAS accredited for asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring
- Surveys, testing and air monitoring delivered under one roof
- In-house laboratory facilities
- Dedicated project coordinators
- Offices in East Sussex and South Wales
- Nationwide capability
- Experience across commercial, industrial and public sector environments
Our objective is not simply to identify asbestos—it is to provide the information organisations need to make confident, informed property decisions.
Contact Core Surveys
If you’re purchasing a commercial property in Wales and would like advice on whether an asbestos survey would benefit your transaction or future plans, speak to the experienced team at Core Surveys. We’ll help you understand the options available and recommend the most appropriate approach based on your specific project.