Short answer: start by understanding what your building is worth to the likely buyers, whether that's a business that will use it or an investor buying the income. Gather your documents early, fix what you can, and talk to your accountant and attorney about taxes and structure before you list.
I'm Carolyn Olivieri, a Doylestown-based industrial and flex specialist with KW Commercial. I have over ten years in distribution and still run a distribution business today. Here's how I'd prepare an industrial or flex building for sale.
Who's likely to buy
- Owner-users: businesses buying space to run their own operations. They care about layout, docks, clear height, power and location.
- Investors: buyers looking at the rent, the lease terms and the tenant. They care about income and risk. Knowing which buyer fits your building shapes how you price and market it.
How value is usually looked at
- Sales comparison: what similar buildings nearby sold for, often per square foot.
- Income: for leased buildings, what the net operating income supports.
- Condition and features: age, roof, clear height, docks, parking and zoning. A broker opinion of value or an appraisal can help. They aren't the same thing, so ask which one you're getting.
Market context
Newmark reported Bucks County industrial vacancy at 6.4% in the third quarter of 2026, with an average direct asking rent of $11.26 per square foot per year. (Source: Newmark, Greater Philadelphia Industrial Market Report, Q3 2026, https://nmrk.imgix.net/uploads/fields/pdf-market-reports/3Q26-Greater-Philadelphia-Pennslyvania-Industrial-Market-Report.pdf) Rent levels matter to investors and to owner-users comparing buying with leasing.
Documents to gather
- Deed, survey and any title issues you know of
- Leases, rent roll and NNN or CAM reconciliations, if the building is leased
- Real estate tax bills and recent operating costs
- Roof, HVAC and other repair history
- Zoning information and current U&O certificates
- Any environmental reports you already have
Before you list
Fix visible problems, clear out unused equipment, and make sure the building shows well. Find out what the township requires at sale, since some require a U&O or inspection when property changes hands.
Tax and legal questions should go to your accountant and attorney. Selling can have big tax effects, so talk to your accountant before you list.
Helpful reading: Should I Lease or Buy a Warehouse in Bucks County?, How Do Use and Occupancy (U&O) Certificates Work in Bucks County?, Are Older 40,000 to 100,000 SF Industrial Buildings a Good Fit? and How Does Zoning Work for Warehouse Use in Bucks County?.
FAQs
How do I find out what my industrial building is worth?
Look at recent sales of similar buildings, the income it produces if leased, and its condition. A broker opinion of value or an appraisal can help.
Who buys industrial buildings in Bucks County?
Usually owner-users who want space for their own business, or investors who want rental income.
What documents should I have ready to sell?
Your deed and survey, leases and rent roll if leased, tax bills, operating costs, repair history, zoning and U&O information and any environmental reports.
Do I need a U&O to sell an industrial building?
Some townships require a U&O or inspection when property changes hands. Check with the township where the building is.
Talk to a local industrial specialist
Questions about industrial or flex space in Bucks County? Email Carolyn Olivieri, a Doylestown-based industrial and flex specialist with KW Commercial, at c.olivieri@kwcommercial.com
Carolyn Olivieri, KW Commercial