North Charleston Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in North Charleston, SC

Commercial Real Estate Law in South Carolina

Commercial real estate is any type of land or structure in North Charleston, South Carolina which is used for business purposes, primarily the sale of goods and/or services to the public.

The laws governing real estate in North Charleston, South Carolina apply differently when dealing with commercial, as opposed to residential, real estate.

Buyers and renters of residential property enjoy some pretty significant legal protections, because the law of most states presumes that shelter (being necessary to survive, for the most part) is more important than business. Therefore, many of these consumer protections don't apply to commercial real estate.

These include implied warranties of habitability, rent control, and covenants of use and quiet enjoyment, among several others. Of course, the most basic protections, such as prohibiting the seller from actively concealing defects, apply to both.

Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in North Charleston, South Carolina

Financing: Most small business owners in North Charleston, South Carolina don't have the money to buy real estate with the cash on hand. However, there is a solution to this problem, allowing people without massive sums of money (but with a steady income) to buy real estate: the mortgage. A mortgage is a loan used to buy real estate, and the real estate being purchased is used as collateral for the loan.

Duty to Disclose Defects: It is of the utmost importance that sellers and lessors of commercial real estate be up front about any defects that might be present in the property. Failing to disclose them can be bad, and actively concealing them can be much worse. In general, if a defect is serious enough that it would influence a reasonable person's decision to buy a piece of property, and the seller knows about it, the seller should disclose it. Failure to disclose can have serious consequences. If the buyer later discovers the defect, they can sue for the cost of repairing it, or for any reduction in the property's value caused by it. And, of course, if it causes any injuries, the buyer can sue the seller for those, as well.

Duty to Inspect: While buyers of real estate have some significant protections with respect to defects, they also have some obligations. Before finalizing a purchase, buyers are expected to undertake a reasonable inspection of the property, usually by using a licensed building inspector. If the buyer fails to conduct an inspection, they usually won't be able to successfully sue, if defects are discovered after the purchase.

Encumbrances: These are defects to title, rather than physical defects. They are legal issues which might make it difficult or impossible for a landowner to make full use of their land. In North Charleston, South Carolina, these might include easements. An easement is a right to use property held by a party other than the owner. This use is often very particular in scope, such as allowing the holder of the easement to cross the property to access a public road, or something similar. Such rights usually have to be recognized and honored by new owners, so if they buy property not knowing about them, they might be seriously inconvenienced.

Can a North Charleston, South Carolina Attorney Help?

Because of the complexity and importance of many of the issues concerning commercial real estate, it is almost always essential to consult with a North Charleston, South Carolina attorney before buying or selling commercial real estate.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in North Charleston

North Charleston offers residents a wonderful quality of life! It has affordable living, great dining and entertainment, charming attractions, and no parking meters!

Some popular sites include the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center, The Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, the North Charleston Coliseum, the Christmas Lighting Festival and Parade, the annual Arts Festival, weekly Farmers Markets, and the Golf Club at Wescott Plantation.

North Charleston is seen as South Carolina's "retail leader" attracting many small businesses and boutiques. To serve these businesses, the city is home to many attorneys that practice law in various areas. These attorneys ensure excellent personalized legal services to protect both local businesses and residents.

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