Buyers FAQ

• Start by defining your goals, budget, and preferred industry or property type. Assess your skills, financial capacity, and long-term commitment. Understanding the risks of business ownership and commercial real estate investment is essential before moving forward.

• Work with a trusted business & commercial real estate brokerage like Central Commercial Realty. We provide access to exclusive off-market listings across Toronto and the GTA that you won’t find on public platforms.

• A broker gives you access to confidential listings, handles negotiations, ensures legal compliance, and protects your interests throughout the process — saving you time, money, and risk.

• Consider your liquid capital, financing options, and the total cost of acquisition including legal fees, due diligence costs, and working capital. We recommend consulting with a CPA before making any offer.

• Business valuation typically considers annual revenue, EBITDA, industry multiples, asset value, and growth potential. Commercial real estate is valued based on cap rate, NOI, and comparable sales in the GTA market.

1. • Options include conventional bank financing, SBA-equivalent BDC loans, seller financing, and private lenders. Your broker and accountant can help identify the best structure for your acquisition.

• Yes — beyond the purchase price, expect legal fees, due diligence costs, lease transfers, inventory adjustments, employee transition costs, and potential renovation expenses.

Due diligence is the process of independently verifying all financial, legal, and operational information about a business or property before closing. It protects you from hidden liabilities, inflated numbers, or undisclosed risks.

3 years of financial statements, tax returns, lease agreements, employee contracts, customer and supplier agreements, equipment lists, and any outstanding liabilities or legal disputes.

Typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on the complexity of the business or property. Your lawyer and accountant will guide the timeline.

The process typically takes 3 to 6 months from initial search to closing. Timelines vary depending on financing, negotiations, due diligence, and legal requirements.

Yes — always. A lawyer experienced in business acquisitions will review the purchase agreement, handle the transfer of assets or shares, and protect your legal interests throughout the transaction.

Both structures have different legal and tax implications. Asset purchases are more common for small businesses; share purchases may be preferred for larger acquisitions. Your lawyer and CPA should advise based on your specific situation.

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) protects the seller’s confidential information during the evaluation process. At Central Commercial, all buyers must sign an NDA before accessing any listing details, financials, or business identity.

We are engaged by and represent the seller. However, we are committed to honest dealing with all parties and will guide you professionally through every step of the process.

No — our commission is paid by the seller. There are no upfront fees or costs to buyers working with Central Commercial Realty.

Sign an NDA, complete your buyer profile, and one of our brokers will match you with businesses and commercial properties in Toronto and the GTA that fit your goals and budget.