Thinking of Buying a Commercial Property? Here’s What You Need to Know

Commercial property can be a great long-term investment, but it comes with more moving parts than residential. From lease terms and tenant risk to zoning, yields, and GST—there’s a lot to consider.

At Grantham Buyers Agents, we help our clients navigate the process from start to finish, so you can buy with confidence. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

1. Location & Demand
We look at surrounding developments, tenant demand, and the property’s long-term appeal. The goal is to find a property that works today and holds its value into the future.

2. Inspecting the Property
It’s about more than just ticking boxes—we assess general condition, layout, access, parking, visibility, and any red flags that aren’t obvious on paper. We also look at how the space will work for tenants or your business long term. If we’re not happy with something, we tell you upfront.

3.Lease & Tenants
If the property’s tenanted, we’ll review the lease—how long’s left, rent increases, who’s paying the outgoings, and how reliable the tenant is. If it’s vacant, we’ll look at how easy it’ll be to lease and at what rate.

4. Net Yield
It’s not just about gross rent. We calculate the net yield after outgoings, look at how rental increases are structured (CPI or fixed), and flag any rent incentives that might make the numbers look better than they are.

5. Zoning & Use
We confirm the zoning allows for the current (and future) use—especially important if you’re planning to occupy it. We also check council overlays or restrictions that could affect your plans.

6. Building Condition
We organise building and compliance inspections so you know what you’re in for. Fire safety, access, and any big-ticket items (like roofing or aircon) get reviewed early.

7. Strata (If Applicable)
If the property’s in a strata complex, we dig into the minutes, sinking fund, and levies. We want to make sure there are no nasty surprises or major works coming up.

8. Finance & GST
Commercial lending and GST can get tricky. We help coordinate with your broker and accountant to make sure the numbers stack up and you’re structured correctly.

9. Exit Strategy
What’s your plan in 5–10 years? We’ll help you think through the exit, whether it’s resale, redevelopment, or long-term hold, so you’re not boxed in later.

How We Help at Grantham Buyers Agents
We take the stress and guesswork out of buying commercial property. Whether it’s on- or off-market, we manage the whole process—from search to settlement. That includes shortlisting, negotiation, inspections, legal checks, and post-sale support. If you’re thinking about buying a commercial property and want someone in your corner, we’d love to help.

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