It’s worth carrying out your own informal checks first. Take a look at the property to get an idea of its condition and check that it matches all your requirements. Have a look around the neighbourhood for any potential problems, such as noisy or disruptive neighbours.
You need to confirm that the premises have the right category of planning permission to allow them to be used for your kind of business. Your solicitor will check this as part of the routine searches involved in buying or leasing commercial property.
If you will be responsible for repairs — on either a leasehold property or business premises that you buy outright — get a professional survey carried out by a qualified surveyor.