Before you think about moving your business to another rented premises, or if you are thinking about moving a business that you started at home, which has now grown to the point that you need to rent office space, it is important to think about your business needs. You need to prioritise your needs and be clear about what you are looking for before you even begin the search for the right office to rent. Being clear and setting objectives will make the hunt easier and also shorter as there will be plenty of offices to rent you just need to make sure that you get the right one.

Is the building in a suitable location to meet your business needs? Are you a retail business who serves customers on a daily basis? Does the building you’re interested in have ample parking? Is it easy to give directions, or better yet, is it located on or near a major thoroughfare? Is it in an area with thriving commerce?

Perhaps you are a company which receives a number of daily deliveries. Can large trucks easily navigate the property and the surrounding streets? Is there ample space for unloading packages? Does the building contain adequate storage facilities?

Size of your business – how many people do you have working for you? How many visitors will you have on a daily/weekly basis? You need to think about your employees, customers and any suppliers. You need to calculate the minimum space required so that you don’t make the mistake of renting an office that is too small.

Does a new location provide a convenient commute? Additionally, will it meet the needs of your employees while they are functioning in day to day activities? Does the proposed building suit the employee related tasks of your company? If your company regularly entertains a number of clients, is there a large area suitable for a conference space?

No option to purchase. With leasing there is often an incentive to buy the unit when the lease agreement is up, but with a rental you usually don’t have that option. If you don’t think that purchasing a mobile office will best suit your needs, then perhaps you should consider a rental, as it is often less expensive.

The advantages of renting an office are that the up front costs are much less than buying. You don’t need to have a huge deposit or take the commitment that buying involves. You are protected from the decreasing property market, something that in the current market is a major consideration. Renting is also a fixed cost which is easier to put in to your budget which again, in today’s economy is a good thing. The landlord of often responsible for the upkeep of the exterior of the building and any shared areas, with the tenant being responsible for the upkeep of their own office though this is something that you must get checked out by a solicitor before you sign the lease.

Now that you know the differences between rental and leasing, you know what is the best for your business and for your. You have no more options