A commercial property decision begins with the intended business use. Layout, licensing, parking, access, electrical load and fit-out permission may matter more than a property photograph.
Clarify the use case
An owner-occupied office, customer-facing showroom and investment unit have different requirements. Ask what the premises can legally be used for and whether alterations or signage are permitted. Obtain qualified advice on the applicable permissions for your business.
Inspect the operating reality
Check access at your actual operating hours, visitor parking, lift capacity, loading needs, fire and safety provisions, power availability and maintenance services. In mixed-use locations, clarify shared-area rules and building management arrangements.
Understand the money
Apart from the stated price or rent, identify deposits, fit-out expenses, charges, taxes and ongoing running costs. For investors, do not treat a projected rental yield as guaranteed. Request documents and perform independent diligence on occupancy and lease assumptions.
Document the deal
Confirm the parties authorised to enter the agreement, property description, permitted use, possession conditions, repair responsibilities and applicable approvals. Professional legal and tax advice should be obtained before committing.
Compare alternatives on your own criteria
A site visit that includes an operating checklist is more useful than a quick tour. Make the comparison reproducible so you can explain why one option fits better than another.