Commercial Property for Sale in Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell lies just north of the City, around Clerkenwell Green, St John Street and Clerkenwell Road. It was once a district of clockmakers, printers and gin distillers, and their workshops and warehouses now house one of the largest concentrations of architects and design businesses in the country. Furniture and lighting showrooms line the main streets, and Clerkenwell Design Week brings the industry here every year. Exmouth Market and Smithfield provide the restaurants and bars.
Morgan Pryce advises businesses and investors who want to buy in Clerkenwell. We act only for the buyer. For leasing, read our guide to office space to rent in Clerkenwell. Buyers often look at Shoreditch and Holborn as alternatives.
Farringdon is the main station and one of the best connected in London. It has the Elizabeth line, Thameslink, and the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. Barbican and Chancery Lane are close by, and Angel, on the Northern line, serves the northern end.
Commercial Property for Sale in Clerkenwell: Warehouses and Workshops
Commercial property for sale in Clerkenwell is dominated by converted industrial buildings. Former warehouses, printworks and factories offer open floors, high ceilings, exposed brickwork and large windows. This is the type of space many creative and technology businesses want, and it is hard to find in the West End.
Unlike Mayfair or Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell is not controlled by one large estate. Ownership is spread among private owners, property companies and owner-occupiers. That makes freehold purchases more common, and it means commercial space for sale in Clerkenwell appears more regularly than in estate-dominated areas.
Buyers can expect to find:
- Converted warehouses on streets such as St John Street, Britton Street and Clerkenwell Close.
- Self-contained studio buildings in mews and courtyards.
- Showroom and office buildings with display space at street level.
- Modern office floors sold on long leases.
The arrival of the Elizabeth line at Farringdon has strengthened demand from occupiers and investors. Check your space needs with our office space calculator.
Key Checks Before Buying Commercial Property in Clerkenwell
Buying commercial property in Clerkenwell often means buying an older industrial building, so condition matters.
- Structure and services. Converted warehouses can have ageing roofs, windows and heating systems. Commission a full building survey.
- Planning policy. Most of Clerkenwell is in the London Borough of Islington, which has policies that protect business floorspace. This supports office values but limits conversion to residential use.
- Conservation areas. Clerkenwell Green and the surrounding streets are in conservation areas, and some buildings are listed.
- Energy performance. Large single-glazed windows and solid walls can mean a low EPC rating. Budget for improvements if you plan to let space.
- Tax. Stamp Duty Land Tax applies and VAT may be charged on the purchase price.
Clerkenwell suits design, architecture, media and technology businesses that want characterful space and fast links across London.
Buyer-Only Advice From a Commercial Property Agency in Clerkenwell
Because ownership is fragmented, opportunities come from many different sources. A buyer-side agent brings them together.
- Broad search. We monitor each commercial building for sale in Clerkenwell and contact owners directly about buildings that are not marketed.
- RICS-qualified appraisal. We assess price against comparable sales and estimate refurbishment and running costs.
- Street-level knowledge. Values differ between the Farringdon side and the streets nearer Angel. We explain why.
- Negotiation and completion. We negotiate terms and work with your solicitor and surveyor until the purchase completes.
Find out more on our commercial property purchase and advisory services page.
Looking for a Commercial Building for Sale in Clerkenwell?
Tell us the size, style and budget you have in mind. We will report on what is available now and approach owners of buildings that fit.
Call Morgan Pryce on 020 3987 6200 or book a free consultation. For a wider view, see our London commercial property page.
FAQ
Most commercial property for sale in Clerkenwell is converted industrial space, including former warehouses, printworks and workshops. Self-contained studio buildings, showroom buildings and modern office floors on long leases are also sold.
Yes. Clerkenwell is not dominated by a single estate, so freehold buildings are sold more often than in areas such as Mayfair or Bloomsbury. Ownership is spread among private owners, property companies and owner-occupiers.
Clerkenwell has one of the largest concentrations of architects and design businesses in the UK, along with many furniture and lighting showrooms. The converted warehouse buildings provide open, well-lit space, and Farringdon station offers the Elizabeth line and Thameslink.
It is difficult. Most of Clerkenwell is in the London Borough of Islington, which has planning policies that protect business floorspace. Take planning advice before buying a building with a change of use in mind.
Morgan Pryce acts only for buyers. We search marketed and off-market buildings, provide RICS-qualified advice on value and condition, negotiate the price and terms, and manage the purchase to completion.
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