What to Know Before Purchasing Commercial Real Estate for a Startup Business?

Commercial real estate is an excellent investment for startup businesses. It offers stability and the potential for long-term growth. However, there are a few things to consider before purchasing commercial property. This article will outline the most important factors business owners need to consider when making this decision. By understanding what’s involved in a commercial real estate transaction, you can make an informed choice that’s right for your business.

Benefits of Owning Commercial Real Estate for Your Business

Commercial real estate can offer many benefits to startup businesses. Here are some advantages to consider when deciding if you want to purchase commercial property.

Fixed Mortgage Payments Cost Less than Rising Rent Prices

One of the most significant advantages of owning commercial real estate is that your mortgage payment will be fixed. It means you won’t have to worry about rising rent prices eating into your profits. In addition, with a fixed mortgage, you’ll know exactly how much your payments will be for the length of the loan. It can provide peace of mind and help you budget more effectively.

Potential for Appreciation

While there’s always some risk involved in any real estate investment, commercial real estate has the potential to appreciate over time. This means the value of your property could go up, providing you with an excellent return on your investment. Of course, it’s important to remember that the value of any property can go up or down, so there’s no guarantee that your property will appreciate. However, commercial real estate has proven to be a solid investment over the long term.

Tax Benefits

Another advantage of owning commercial real estate is the potential for tax benefits. When you own your property, you may be able to deduct certain expenses, such as mortgage interest and property taxes, on your income tax return. It can save you a significant amount of money over time.

Disadvantages to Consider

Of course, you must be aware of some disadvantages to owning commercial real estate before making a purchase. These include:

Initial Costs

The most significant disadvantage of commercial real estate is the initial cost. The purchase price of commercial property is typically much higher than residential property. It means you’ll need substantial money to make a down payment. In addition, you’ll also need to be prepared to pay closing costs and other fees associated with the purchase.

Maintenance Costs

Another disadvantage of commercial real estate is the maintenance costs. As the property owner, you’ll be responsible for paying for any necessary repairs and upkeep. It can be a significant expense, especially if the property is large or requires major repairs.

What to Look for in a Commercial Space

The first step is to identify your specific needs. What type of business do you have? How much space do you need? What kind of amenities are required? Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start the search for the perfect commercial space.

Location

Location is one of the most important factors when choosing a commercial space. The location of your business can have a significant impact on its success. You’ll want to select a location that’s convenient and accessible for both your customers and employees. In addition, you’ll also want to ensure that the property is zoned correctly for your business.

Price

Of course, price is another important consideration when choosing a commercial space. You’ll need to find a property that fits within your budget. However, it’s important to remember that the purchase price is just one aspect of the overall cost of owning commercial real estate. You’ll also need to factor in closing costs, repairs, furnishings, and other expenses.

Size

Another critical factor to consider is the size of the commercial space. You’ll need to ensure the property is large enough to accommodate your business. In addition, you’ll also want to make sure that there’s enough room for future growth. No one wants to purchase a building for a business only to outgrow it after just a few years.

Property Condition 

Another important consideration is the condition of the property. You’ll want to ensure the building is well-maintained and up to code. While you might get a reasonable price on a property with deferred maintenance, everything will need to be fixed before any business can take place, which costs time and money.

Other Considerations Before Purchasing a Commercial Property

There are a few other things to consider before purchasing commercial real estate for startup, including: 

How Are You Purchasing the Property?

Before looking at available properties, you must know how to finance the purchase. Will you use cash, a mortgage, or another type of financing? There are multiple commercial real estate loan options, including:

• Conventional mortgage
• Bridge loan
• SBA 504 loan
• Hard money loan

You will also need to have a down payment saved up. The amount you’ll need for a down payment depends on the type of loan you’re using. Unlike loans for residential property, commercial loans typically require a minimum of 20% down, while others may require 25–30%. Private lenders may have different requirements, sometimes going down to just 10% or 15%.

What Are the Zoning Laws in the Area?

Before purchasing commercial real estate for a startup, you need to research the zoning laws in the area. The zoning of property dictates how it can be used. There are several different types of zoning, including:

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Mixed-use
• Manufacturing
• Research and development

Each type of zoning has its restrictions. For example, residential zoning typically doesn’t allow businesses, while commercial zoning may allow enterprises but not manufacturing. Knowing the zoning of a property will help you determine if it’s suitable for your needs.

Is the Property in a Flood Zone?

If the property you’re considering is in a flood zone, you’ll need to factor in the cost of flood insurance. Lenders require flood insurance if the property is in a high-risk flood zone. The cost of insurance will be based on the property’s location as well as its elevation.

What Are the Taxes Like in the Area?

Another important consideration is the tax rate in the area. Commercial properties are subject to different taxes than residential properties. You’ll need to factor in the cost of property taxes and any other taxes that may apply, such as sales or income tax.

Making the Final Decision

Purchasing commercial real estate is a big decision. There are many factors to consider before making a purchase. However, if you do your homework and choose carefully, commercial real estate can be an excellent investment for your business. With the right property, you can enjoy years of success and growth.