When is the right time to buy your own office?
As a business owner, you may consider this question many times throughout the life of your business. For a period of time, leasing a property may be the right decision for you and your company. Leasing provides many benefits including from flexibility to freeing up cash flow. When business is good, the economy is strong, and the stars align you may consider buying a commercial property.
The decision to buy vs lease should not be based on financial position alone. Some large corporate organisations have a combination of both leases and key properties. This is perfect for large companies as the decision to buy vs. lease is much less emotional than for smaller business owners.
SME business owners have some big emotional decisions to make when it comes to purchasing commercial property. Just falling in love with a space doesn't mean it is the right place for you to invest your hard earned cash. It's also worth knowing that most companies, without even trying, are in the real estate business.
A property provides the opportunity to produce goods and deliver services, and without it most business can't do either. So, when you are nagged by the thought of purchasing your own space, there are many internal and external factors that will and should affect your purchase outcome.
Leasing benefits:
• Low up front capital
• Lease time frame options in terms of length
• Better flexibility
• Some service & building issues are paid for & managed by the owner
• Minimal property expertise required to enter into a lease
Leasing Risks:
• Building ownership can change
• Potential to miss a lease extension or option causing you to have to move premises
• High exposure to market fluctuations relating to rents
• Dependency on 3rd party property management
Purchasing Benefits:
• Properties are an asset that attracts appreciation
• Through the purchase cycle, ownership becomes less expensive year on year
• Tax benefits (where available)
• Control of quality of property management and suppliers
Purchasing Risks:
• High upfront capital required
• High time investment on non-core business
• Ownership of your property should be separate to the core of your business
• Less flexibility
• Potential loss in asset value
• Exposure to economic fluctuations
At Hills Central Commercial we have specialist agents who know the local commercial markets exceptionally well.
The above circumstances and your decisions surrounding these will be impacted with the projected capital growth as well as the current levels of supply and demand.
Norwest Business Park is one local commercial precinct that has recently experienced a substantial reduction in strata office space available for sale along with major infrastructure projects underway, http://www.sydneymetro.info/northwest/project-overview
These factors mixed with record low interest rates have seen huge capital growth in offices with examples ranging between 20-50% over a period of only approximately two years.
We welcome your call or email anytime to discuss your property requirements.
As with all financial matters, seek expert financial advice.