Renting an office space can be a challenge for you and your business. We often wonder where to start, what size we require, which area will provide the most benefit and so on. Whether you are a start-up business, an existing enterprise, growing, downsizing, or just looking for a change of scenery, this step by step guide will assist you in finding the perfect office space for your Business.
In this particular guide we will be focusing on renting an office space in the Claremont area. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the area, Claremont is a leafy and upmarket suburb located in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. It boasts a range of prestigious AAA-grade office buildings such as Mont Clare Place, Claremont Central, The Oval and The Citadel.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
The first step to leasing an office space involves the framework:
How?
What?
When?
Why?
Why are you looking to lease a new office space in Claremont?
When are going to take occupation of the new office? What is your timeline?
How are you going to find and apply for an office in Claremont?
What are your requirements?
These questions prove to be a little complex. They involve the identification and assessment of the requirements of your business and the relevant expectations that you have for your new office space.
An assessment of your budget and what you are willing to spend is of paramount importance, as you should only lease an office space that you can afford comfortably. It is important to include the gross monthly rental, an estimate of electricity and water costs and any additional costs that you may incur such as parking, rates & taxe, air conditioning costs etc.
Some other requirements include the office size you require and the size of your staff complement, the areas you are interested in moving to, the amount of parking needed, and any other special requirements that you may have such as having an open plan office space or an eastern facing office with great sunlight.
Step 2: Area and Office Research
Once you have completed an assessment of your needs, the next step is to utilize the information you have gathered and to conduct research of the area you want to be in.
In this case we have chosen Claremont, now it’s time to gather information about the offices to let in Claremont.
It is advisable that you seek professional advice from an professional agency like Anvil Property Smith who specializes in providing you area information and assistance in the leasing and sales of all commercial retail property.
Step 3: Choose your Right Office Space
After an informed search, it’s time to narrow your options down and choose the most suitable office space that Claremont has to offer your business.
It’s important to take into consideration your projections for growth and expansion when making this decision.
Step 4: Documentation and Negotiation
Once you have found the office that you want, it’s time to put in an offer. It is important that the terms of the lease are acceptable and favourable to you and your business.
A commercial property brokerage can assist you in the lease process to ensure that you are well represented.
Step 5: Fitout and Office Preparation
Once the offer to lease has been accepted and a lease agreement has been signed, the excitement starts to settle in. It’s time to turn your office space into your dream business location.
Customizing your workspace to suit your industry and creativity is the step prior to taking occupation.
It is also important to make sure that the landlord has delivered on any and all promises they have made to prepare the premises for occupation.
Step 6: Move in
The time has finally come to move into your new office space.
Don’t forget to take a minute to appreciate your new offices and all the effort you have put into acquiring it.
Following these simple steps will ensure that you experience a smooth and efficient acquisition of a new office space for your business.