Commercial
Retail Property Dilapidations in Flint, North Wales
See how our landlord-focused dilapidations service secured a £40,000 settlement in just 8 weeks helping avoid a void period and support ESG-led refurbishment.
About the Project
Fourth Wall was appointed to act on behalf of a commercial landlord following the end of a retail tenancy in Flint, North Wales. The tenant had vacated a 7,760 sq ft secondary retail unit in a poor state, with significant disrepair and unauthorised alterations.
With the local retail market in decline, minimising downtime and recovering costs efficiently was critical. The landlord needed a clear, strategic approach to managing the dilapidations claim under the terms of the commercial lease.
Key Objectives at Instruction:
- Prepare a robust Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations and Quantified Demand;
- Maximise financial recovery under lease covenants
- Reach a swift settlement to avoid a prolonged void period;
- Align the outcome with ESG-focused asset improvement plans.
Our Approach
At Fourth Wall, we take a proactive and commercially-minded approach to landlord dilapidations — prioritising clarity, speed, and strategic outcomes over process-heavy delays.
As soon as we were instructed, our team carried out a detailed inspection of the retail unit, identifying the full extent of disrepair, unauthorised alterations, and reinstatement liabilities. We then prepared a robust Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations and Quantified Demand, backed by accurate, market-aligned costings to support the landlord’s position.
Unlike a generic or overly cautious approach, our process is designed to move quickly and confidently. We don’t just identify issues we quantify loss and present a clear, evidence-led case from the outset, giving the landlord a strong platform for negotiation.
Critically, we considered the wider context: the declining local market, the potential for a prolonged void period, and the landlord’s plans for ESG-led refurbishment. This allowed us to shape a strategy that focused not just on technical entitlement, but on maximising recovery and minimising downtime aligning the dilapidations claim with the asset’s future performance.
By engaging early, communicating clearly, and negotiating assertively, we were able to secure a strong settlement in just 8 weeks, above the national average in value per sq ft., and ensure funds were swiftly reallocated to support the landlord’s next move.
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The Result
- £40,000 settlement achieved — representing 65% of the landlord’s original claim;
- Settlement equating to £8.90 per sq ft, around £1.63 per sq ft above the national average;
- Claim resolved in just 8 weeks, avoiding a costly 3-month void period;
- Funds redirected into targeted refurbishment and ESG improvements.
This project is a strong example of how Fourth Wall’s building consultancy services deliver real commercial value by aligning dilapidations advice with asset strategy and market context.
