December may not seem like the ideal month to think about commercial property, but for many business owners, it’s one of the smartest times to secure a new lease. With landlords reviewing portfolios before the New Year and businesses planning their Q1 strategies, December offers unique opportunities you won’t see in busier months.
At REMAX Estate Agents, we’ve seen vigorous commercial activity every December, especially across Barry, Penarth, and the Vale of Glamorgan. Here’s why it could benefit you, too.
🎯 1. Landlords Are More Open to Negotiation
Toward the end of the year, many landlords:
- Want to avoid long void periods
- Review income targets
- Wish to start January with confirmed tenants
- Are motivated to agree on terms before the holidays
This can mean:
- Better rent deals
- Flexible lease terms
- Reduced deposits
- Incentives such as rent-free periods
December is often the month when serious negotiators get the best outcomes.
📊 2. Lower Competition From Other Businesses
Many businesses choose to wait until January to search for premises. As a result, demand temporarily drops, reducing competition.
This gives you:
- More choice
- Less pressure to rush your decision
- Increased negotiation leverage
- A higher chance of securing prime units
High-street shops, offices, light-industrial units, and salon spaces are excellent opportunities in December.
🚀 3. Perfect Timing for a New Year Launch If your plan is to open a new shop, move your existing business, launch a second location, or start a service-based enterprise, securing a unit in December can give you confidence and optimism to prepare for a successful start in January.If your plan is to:
- Open a new shop
- Move your existing business
- Launch a second location
- Start a service-based enterprise
…securing a unit in December allows you to:
- Fit out the property over Christmas
- Prepare stock and signage
- Complete compliance checks
- Market your opening ahead of January footfall
January is statistically one of the strongest trading months for new businesses, especially in retail, beauty, fitness, and services.
🏬 4. Landlords Are Reviewing Portfolios and Vacant Units
Most commercial landlords use December to assess their portfolios, which can make tenants feel recognised and appreciated, as landlords review vacant and underperforming units and consider rent adjustments and renewals for Q1.
Most commercial landlords use December to assess:
- Which units are vacant
- Which units are underperforming
- Whether rents should be adjusted
- Upcoming renewals for Q1
This creates a perfect moment for proactive tenants to secure availability before units are formally relaunched in January.
💷 5. Potential for End-of-Year Rent Incentives
Some landlords and managing agents offer:
- “December rent holiday”
- Reduced first-month rent
- Lower deposit schemes
- Staggered payment plans
- Contribution to fit-out costs
These incentives are far less common during the spring and summer.
📍 6. Strong Demand Areas Still Benefit from December Deals
Even in high-demand locations across Barry and surrounding areas, December remains a month when landlords are open to offers, as the market temporarily quiets while businesses focus on the Christmas period.
If you need visibility, footfall, or a strategic location, December could be your chance to secure it.
🎄 7. Less Administrative Pressure During the Festive Period With fewer businesses searching, commercial agents and solicitors often have more capacity, which can make tenants feel reassured and less stressed about paperwork and delays, helping your deal progress smoothly.With fewer businesses searching, commercial agents and solicitors often have:
- More capacity
- Faster response times
- Quicker paperwork turnaround
This helps your deal progress efficiently, allowing you to focus on preparing your business for January.
✨ Thinking of Securing a Commercial Lease?
Acting in December can give you strong negotiation power, reduced competition, and better incentives, making it the ideal time for a January launch. Contact REMAX Estate Agents now to take advantage of these benefits. If you’re considering opening a new business or relocating, December offers:
- Strong negotiation power
- Reduced competition
- Better incentives
- Ideal timing for a January launch
REMAX Estate Agents can help you find the right commercial space, negotiate favourable terms, and support you throughout the leasing process.
