Advantages & Disadvantages of Leasing & Owning Commercial

 

Commercial leasing can be a great way to get started in your business without having to commit to a large purchase or loan. However, there are some key things you should understand before entering into a commercial lease agreement. In this blog post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of leasing vs owning commercial property. We'll also go over some key lease terms you should be aware of. Let's get started!

The Pros of Leasing Commercial Property

Purchasing commercial space can be expensive, especially if you're just starting out. It's good to know that there are companies like me that will help by providing you with affordable leasing options. I'm not saying renting is cheaper than purchasing because it isn't; however, it does give you an opportunity to build up your business before taking the next step (which would be owning). Leasing also lets you take advantage of today's modern technology without having to make long-term commitments. Some great examples are fiber optic connections or brand new phone systems that allow for remote access.

Benefits of Owning Commercial Space

Owning commercial space has its benefits as well, which include being able to design your building to fit your business. Another benefit is being able to personalize common areas without a fee that may apply in a commercial leasing agreement. Owning also allows you to have the freedom of creating long-term plans for your business without having to seek approval from a landlord.

Some Key Commercial Leasing Terms

Now it's important to understand some key commercial leasing terms when entering into an agreement:

·        The length of the lease term, which can be anywhere from 5 years, 10 years or even 15+ years depending on the space and how much you're willing to spend. Longer lease terms usually mean lower monthly rates but they do come with more risk because they require you to sign a contract for a longer period of time.

·        Amount of rent that you'll be responsible for each month, which will include your base rent plus taxes and other additional charges.

·        Deposit at the signing of the lease, which is usually one to two months' worth of rent. This deposit is applied towards your monthly rate so it's important to seek commercial leasing advice before entering into an agreement.

·        Common area maintenance fees, which are costs that cover common areas like elevators, restrooms, lobbies and hallways where multiple tenants might need access to. These costs can vary depending on how much space you're leasing (i.e., less space = higher cost).

·        Key money, which is a fee that you'll pay upon signing the lease. This money is used to compensate the landlord for any brokerage fees and/or commission costs he may have collected in order to find you a space.

·        Out-of-pocket expenses such as insurance and utilities. Make sure to ask about what these costs will be before signing on the dotted line because they can add up quickly!

Whether you decide to lease or purchase, make sure to do your research and seek commercial leasing advice from companies like me, Commercial Spaces. I help small businesses get started with affordable leasing options that will allow them to increase their business without having to break the bank. If you're interested in learning more or finding out how we can help you, feel free to call us.