Commercial Property Solicitor Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Commercial Property Solicitor job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Commercial Property Solicitor question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

Eight Commercial Property Solicitor interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Talk me through the stages of a commercial property purchase from instruction to registration.

Why they ask: The core process every commercial property solicitor must know.

2. What are the key terms you would look for when reviewing a commercial lease for a tenant?

Why they ask: A very common task, and it tests commercial judgement.

3. How does the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 operate, and what does contracting out mean?

Why they ask: Central statute in commercial leasing.

4. Your client is buying an office building and the title shows a right of way across the car park in favour of a neighbouring owner. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests due diligence judgement and client reporting.

5. How is Stamp Duty Land Tax calculated on non-residential property and on lease grants?

Why they ask: SDLT mistakes are costly, so firms expect accurate knowledge.

6. Your client wishes to exchange contracts today, but the search results have not arrived and the seller will not wait. How do you advise?

Why they ask: Balances commercial pressure against risk.

7. Tell me about a time you managed a complicated multi-property transaction.

Why they ask: Shows organisation and project management across several titles.

8. Why did you choose commercial property over other areas of law?

Why they ask: Checks real motivation and understanding of the work.

A sample answer to question 1

Talk me through the stages of a commercial property purchase from instruction to registration.

After client due diligence and AML checks, I take instructions on the deal, the funding and any lender requirements. I review the draft contract and title documents from the seller's solicitor, then raise pre-contract enquiries, usually the Commercial Property Standard Enquiries, and order searches such as local authority, drainage and water, environmental, and a Land Registry search. I report to the client on title, highlighting risks like restrictive covenants, third-party rights or unusual planning issues, and agree amendments. Next come contract negotiation, collecting the deposit and arranging exchange, ideally with a Law Society formula for synchronised exchange where there is a chain. Between exchange and completion, I prepare the transfer, complete the SDLT return, and an OS1 priority search. On completion, I release funds, obtain keys and documents, pay SDLT within 14 days, and register at HM Land Registry within the priority period, finally reporting to the client and lender.

Common mistake to avoid: Skipping AML and funding checks; missing the SDLT and registration deadlines

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Commercial Property Solicitor interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.