While commercial leasing is an exciting prospect for some, for others, it comes with a degree of uncertainty.
Whether you’re new to leasing commercial properties or just want a recap, here’s our guide to commercial leasing in Perth.
Commercial leasing is similar to the rental agreement for a house in that it’s an agreement between a landowner and a tenant. For commercial leases however, the property is usually an office, warehouse, or industrial space, and is to be used for business activities.
A commercial lease is held together by a contract which should include the following details:
If you’ve decided commercial leasing is the next step for your business, there is much to consider before you sign on the dotted line.
Unlike residential agreements, commercial leasing is usually a long-term commitment. If your business is starting out, you may negotiate a shorter lease and then options to renew. However, most commercial leasing agreements are between 3 and 10 years, though sometimes separated with renewal options.
A longer lease is better for established businesses as it offers more security.
You should know your business better than anyone – use this to your advantage. When looking for a commercial property to lease, it’s crucial to consider its location. The location should benefit your business operations, so determine:
In a recent article we identified two of the best commercial areas for buying or leasing an office in Perth.
Much like the location of the commercial lease, you should consider the current and future needs of your business. The perfect property will meet your needs and wants in the short and long-term – though the perfect property is hard to come by, and you may need to target just your core business needs.
Some core business needs that may align with your company:
It’s wise to create a checklist or graph to ensure all needs are met when exploring the options available.
Having a clear plan on the financial side of the lease is undeniably the most important step before signing a commercial lease. Ensure your business is stable and capable of paying the rent as well as the various outgoings required.
In most cases you’ll need to provide the landlord with proof of financial security too. For example, a proven bank guarantee or a negotiated and paid security bond – with the proviso that it’s repaid in part or full as required at the ending of the lease.
It pays to have a financial advisor or reliable commercial real estate agent to help get your financials in order.
For more advice on ways to save money while leasing commercially in Perth see this article.
A commercial lease often includes a vast number of clauses unique to the property in question. It’s pivotal that you understand and agree to all underlying clauses before you sign off on the contract. Other common components included in a commercial leasing agreement are:
After agreeing on any terms and conditions, it’s important to keep the records on hand to ensure a smooth lease post signing.
At Ross Scarfone Real Estate, we can assist you with negotiating a commercial lease in Perth – see our properties for lease.
So, you’ve signed a new commercial lease, congratulations!
Here’s a few points to remember.
Before making any changes to the property, always seek the approval of the landlord. Depending on the changes, your landlord may be required to pay for them – but you’ll need to check the commercial leasing agreement.
However, you should consider any ‘make good’ clause in the leasing agreement. Depending on the work done on the property, you may have to return it to its original state.
If your business utilises valuable equipment, make sure to ensure the property is well secured. The security details should’ve been outlined in the lease, but if a previous tenant still has access, you should update these systems.
Enquire about changing the locks and/or changing the access codes used on the premises.
Keep track of the rent review clauses in the lease to ensure any rent reviews are in line with what was agreed. If no clause exists, consult a professional before agreeing to any changes in the rent amount.
If the property you’ve acquired has empty rooms, consider any clauses surrounding subletting or reassignment. These options can benefit your business if you’re some time away from filling out the property.
Many business owners are on the fence about commercial leasing or buying, so which is best for you?
If you’re after an office or similar commercial property, see our comparison between buying and leasing.
Either way, Ross Scarfone Real Estate is here to help! We’re the commercial and industrial real estate agents for Perth’s south-east, specialising in property sales and commercial leasing agreements. If you’re after a commercial property for lease, see our listings.
Or contact us for any other commercial real estate enquiries.
The sale of each commercial property is a unique transaction and will often attract GST. Planning to factor in the GST (goods and services tax) into your budget is a wise move on your property investment journey.
Perth Commercial Property Report for 2021 There’s no doubt that the uncertainty of 2020 left its mark on the commercial property market across the country. We were lucky here in Perth, where the health effects of the pandemic were barely a blip and hard borders kept our state’s economy ticking over.
Commercial property in Perth continues to provide an attractive investment opportunity for those across the country. Our commercial property outlook takes industry data and advice to share predictions for 2024.
