Compare a commercial lease using total occupancy cost, permitted use, fit-out responsibilities and the route your team will actually travel.
Commercial premises require a scope-specific inspection; an attractive rent alone does not settle suitability.
Why it matters
Prepare a budget for deposit, rent, recurring service amounts, utilities, essential fit-out and reinstatement. Ask which charges change during the term. Check access, working hours, power arrangements, fire-safety documents and any restrictions relevant to your activity. A low headline rent may reflect a different usable area, condition or handover scope. Separate matters you observed from statements still awaiting documents.
Compare usable space and total occupancy cost
Prepare one comparison sheet for each shortlisted office. Include the deposit, rent, common-area charges, parking, utilities, fit-out expenditure, connectivity and the cost of moving. Record whether figures include applicable taxes and how escalation is calculated. A lower quoted rent can become a higher operating cost when essential work and recurring charges are added.
Measure the space that your team can actually use. Keep carpet or usable area separate from the landlord’s chargeable area. Map desks, meeting rooms, circulation, storage and accessible facilities before deciding whether the advertised capacity is realistic.
Agree the handover and exit conditions
List the condition in which the premises will be delivered, which work each party must complete, and when access for fit-out starts. Record power availability, backup arrangements, permitted operating hours and the approvals relevant to your proposed activity.
Review the lock-in, notice period, deposit return, reinstatement and early-exit terms with a suitable adviser. Keep an inventory and dated photographs at handover. These records help separate an agreed maintenance obligation from a later disagreement about damage or alterations.
Before you decide
Use the commercial inspection checklist and obtain advice on the actual lease and applicable approvals.
- Compare the same area basis and operating period.
- Visit during the actual employee commute and operating hours.
- Price essential fit-out before agreeing the rent.
- Obtain written handover, escalation and exit terms.