Finding the right commercial property for your business is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re looking for retail space in a bustling high street, warehouse facilities for distribution, or modern office premises, the path you choose to secure that property can significantly impact your experience as a tenant.
We’ve been in the property business for over three generations at Millfield Estates, and we’ve seen firsthand how the relationship between landlord and tenant shapes the success of commercial ventures. Today, I want to share our insights on the two main approaches you can take when searching for commercial property: working with property agents or dealing directly with landlords like us.
Understanding the Property Agent Route
Property agents serve as intermediaries in the commercial property market. They typically represent multiple properties from various landlords and act as the go-between during negotiations, viewings, and the initial stages of tenancy agreements.
When you work with agents, you gain access to a broad portfolio of properties across different locations and price points. They often have extensive databases and can quickly identify spaces that match your basic requirements. For businesses with flexible needs or those exploring multiple areas, agents can provide a comprehensive overview of available options.
However, this approach comes with limitations that we’ve observed affect our potential tenants. Agents may not have intimate knowledge of each property’s unique features, infrastructure capabilities, or the landlord’s approach to tenant relationships. They’re often working with multiple clients simultaneously, which can slow down response times when you need quick answers about maintenance policies, customisation possibilities, or lease terms.
The Direct Landlord Advantage
At Millfield Estates, we’ve built our reputation on direct relationships with our tenants. This approach offers several distinct advantages that we believe create better outcomes for businesses seeking commercial space.
Immediate Response and Clear Communication
When you contact us directly, you’re speaking with the decision-makers. We don’t need to relay messages through third parties or wait for approvals from distant property owners. Our hands-on management style means we can provide immediate answers about our properties, from technical specifications of our warehouse spaces to the foot traffic patterns in our retail locations.
Intimate Property Knowledge
We know every aspect of our properties because we’ve developed and maintained them ourselves. Whether you’re interested in our modern business parks or prime retail units, we can tell you about the infrastructure links, parking availability, neighbouring businesses, and future development plans that might affect your operations.
Flexible Customisation Options
Direct landlord relationships allow for more nuanced discussions about space modifications. We understand that businesses have unique requirements, and we’re often willing to work with tenants on customisation projects that benefit both parties. These conversations happen more naturally when there’s no intermediary involved.
Maintenance and Ongoing Support
One area where direct landlord relationships truly shine is in ongoing property maintenance and support. We’ve found that our tenants appreciate having a direct line to us when issues arise.
Rapid Response Times
When a heating system needs attention or a loading bay requires maintenance, our tenants contact us directly. We can assess the situation immediately and coordinate repairs without the delays that often occur when messages pass through property management companies or agents.
Proactive Maintenance Approach
Because we maintain long-term relationships with our tenants, we’re invested in keeping our properties in excellent condition. We regularly walk through our estates, speak with tenants about their experiences, and address potential issues before they become problems. This proactive approach has contributed to our strong tenant retention rates.
Building Long-Term Business Relationships
Our family-owned background means we think in terms of decades, not just lease terms. We’ve seen businesses grow from single units to multiple locations within our portfolio. These relationships develop naturally when there’s direct communication between landlord and tenant.
Understanding Your Business Needs
Over time, we learn about our tenants’ businesses, their seasonal requirements, their growth plans, and their operational challenges. This understanding allows us to offer solutions that agents might not consider, such as flexible space arrangements during peak periods or introductions to complementary businesses within our estates.
Transparent Lease Negotiations
Direct negotiations eliminate the confusion that can arise when multiple parties are involved in lease discussions. We can explain our reasoning behind lease terms, discuss your concerns openly, and find mutually beneficial solutions more efficiently.
Geographic Considerations
Our portfolio spans from Cramlington in the North to London’s West End, with significant holdings in Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool, St Albans, and Bristol. This geographic spread allows us to offer direct landlord relationships across diverse markets, each with its own characteristics and opportunities.
For businesses seeking multiple locations or considering expansion, working directly with a landlord who has properties in various regions can simplify the process significantly. We can coordinate viewings, align lease terms across locations, and provide consistent service standards regardless of which property you choose.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
The decision between working with property agents or directly with landlords depends on your specific situation and priorities. If you’re exploring a wide range of options across multiple regions and working with various landlords, an agent might provide the breadth you need initially.
However, if you value responsive communication, detailed property knowledge, flexible customisation options, and the opportunity to build a long-term business relationship, working directly with landlords offers clear advantages.
At Millfield Estates, we’ve built our business model around these direct relationships because we’ve seen how they benefit both our tenants and our own operations. The trust and communication that develop over time create better outcomes for everyone involved.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re currently searching for commercial property, consider reaching out directly to landlords whose properties interest you. Many of us are more accessible than you might expect, and we’re often eager to discuss how our spaces might serve your business needs.
We encourage you to visit our properties, meet our team, and experience the difference that direct landlord relationships can make. Whether you’re looking for warehouse space with excellent transport links, retail units in high-footfall areas, or modern office facilities, we’re here to provide the personal attention and expertise that comes from three generations in the property business.
The right property relationship can support your business for years to come. We believe that relationship should be built on direct communication, mutual trust, and shared success.
