Retail property doesn’t stand still. The expectations placed on commercial units have changed significantly over the last decade, from energy performance and accessibility to technology, power requirements and the overall experience a building provides for customers and employees.
For landlords with older retail units, that can present a challenge. Around 70% of the UK’s non-residential building stock was constructed before 2000, meaning a significant proportion of commercial property was designed before many of today’s energy, technology and operational requirements became commonplace.
An ageing unit can become more expensive to maintain, less efficient to operate and, ultimately, more difficult to let. But futureproofing doesn’t necessarily mean knocking everything down and starting again. With the right approach, targeted refurbishment and improvement works can extend the life of an existing building, improve its appeal to prospective occupiers and help protect its long-term commercial potential.
At Majestic Construction, we work with retailers, landlords and managing agents to deliver refurbishments, fit-outs and construction projects safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Here are five areas landlords should consider when planning for the future:
The first step should always be understanding what you already have.
Before deciding where to spend, carry out a thorough assessment of the condition and performance of the building. That means looking beyond the areas that customers can see and considering the fabric of the property as a whole. Roofing, cladding, doors and windows, heating and ventilation, lighting, electrical infrastructure, drainage and accessibility can all become less effective as a building ages.
The important thing is to separate immediate maintenance requirements from longer-term opportunities. A leaking roof clearly needs addressing. An outdated lighting system might still function, but replacing it with LED technology could form part of a wider strategy to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. By establishing priorities early, landlords can build a planned programme of works rather than repeatedly reacting to problems as they arise.
First impressions matter. For a prospective occupier viewing several properties, the external appearance of a unit can influence their perception before they have even walked through the door.
Entrances, signage areas, external lighting, landscaping, car parks and pedestrian routes should therefore form part of any refurbishment review. Small improvements can make an older property feel significantly more modern without requiring major structural change.
The same applies internally. Modern finishes, improved lighting, refreshed welfare facilities and a clean, well-presented space make it easier for a potential tenant to imagine their business operating from the building. The objective isn’t to refurbish for the sake of it. It’s to identify the improvements that make the biggest difference to how the property looks, feels and functions.
The occupier you attract today may have very different requirements from the occupier who uses the building in ten years’ time. Flexible layouts can make units suitable for a wider range of businesses, while improved storage, upgraded power supplies and better digital connectivity can help accommodate increasingly technology-led retail environments.
Energy performance should also be part of that conversation. LED lighting, improved insulation, modern heating and ventilation systems, solar generation and EV charging infrastructure can all be considered where appropriate to the property and its intended occupiers.
There is also a regulatory reason to plan ahead. Privately rented non-domestic properties in England and Wales are currently generally required to achieve at least EPC E, unless an exemption applies. In June 2026, the Government also confirmed its intention to introduce a higher EPC B standard from 2031 for rented buildings over 1,000m², where improvements are cost-effective. Thinking about efficiency as part of planned refurbishment rather than as a separate exercise can therefore help landlords prepare their assets for changing expectations.
Futureproofing isn’t just about appearance and efficiency. A property also needs to remain safe, accessible and suitable for the people using it. Fire safety, emergency access, accessibility and the condition of existing services should all be reviewed as part of the planning process, with our professional advice sought where required.
For occupied retail units, careful programming becomes even more important. Construction works may need to take place around customers, employees, deliveries and neighbouring businesses – which requires clear sequencing, communication and strong site management.
At Majestic Construction, we regularly work in live environments where disruption needs to be kept to an absolute minimum. Careful planning phased programmes and close coordination between contractors and stakeholders allow improvements to progress while helping businesses remain operational.
Perhaps the most important question is also the simplest: Who will want to occupy this property next?
Futureproofing should be guided by the target market rather than a checklist of upgrades. Retail parks, for example, continue to attract strong occupier demand, with CBRE reporting a vacancy rate of just 6% during 2025. But attracting the right occupier still depends on providing a property that supports how modern businesses operate.
Consider how the unit may need to accommodate changing layouts, new technology, different energy requirements, deliveries, click-and-collect services or increased electrical demand. Looking five or ten years ahead can help landlords prioritise investment in improvements that genuinely enhance the commercial potential of the property.
Futureproofing an ageing retail unit isn’t about making everything new. It’s about making informed decisions about where investment will have the greatest impact.
By understanding the condition of the building, improving its appearance, increasing flexibility and efficiency, addressing compliance requirements and considering the needs of future occupiers, landlords can extend the useful life of their assets while making them more attractive to the market. The right construction partner can help bring all those considerations together, balancing budget, programme, tenant requirements and the practical realities of delivering work on site.
At Majestic Construction, we support landlords, retailers and managing agents with refurbishment, fit-out and construction projects, managing every stage with clear communication, careful planning and a focus on minimising risk.
Planning improvements to an existing retail property? Get in touch with the Majestic Construction team to discuss how we can help you prepare your unit for its next chapter.
