Looking to Start Your Own Business? Here’s How to Get the Perfect Building
Looking for a building to start your business? First, educate yourself on what goes into renting a building.
It’s a bit complicated, but your process of finding the perfect place starts with local research and knowing what you should look out for.
Let’s go over the basics of finding a business property suited for your business. By the end of this guide, you should have a good idea about how to get started.
1. Decide What You Absolutely Need
What is on your absolute necessity list? That will depend on the type of business that you’re starting. If you are serving food, you’ll need space to keep a fridge or too. You might not be able to bring in the amazing cabinet system that’s in your Amazon wishlist. It’s all about compromise.
Maybe you really don’t need space for an extra counter? Or there’s a certain size that is just unrealistic for the business that you’re trying to start. Whittle down the list to the things that you absolutely need and don’t worry if you need to give up some other things. You might be able to make room later.
2. Look For The Perfect Neighborhood
The neighborhood will make or break your business. You could have the perfect building and the perfect idea, but in a terrible neighborhood. That would ruin your business, especially if you’re looking for marijuana real estate in California.
If you’re in this niche, focus on a neighborhood that offers other businesses that will draw similar clients. Vintage clothing stores, a burrito bar, and coffee shops are where people will most likely search for a dispensary as well.
3. Budget, Budget, Budget
The budget is everything. And it doesn’t just require thinking about how much rent you can afford; it also requires thinking of what furniture you need, what neighborhood you can afford, and how much supplies you’ll purchase per week.
Think of the long term. If you plan for the monthly budget but you aren’t able to afford furniture or supplies, there goes your business. You need to account for everything before you make the decision on what building you’re going to rent out/purchase.
4. Is That Fixer-Upper Really Worth It?
Sometimes a fixer-upper seems like a really good idea. It’s usually way cheaper and lets you customize your home. But, if the interior is run down that could be a preview of worse problems between the wall and the insulation. You want to make sure that the fixer upper doesn’t have more problems than its worth, or you might drain of your budget before you even open.
If there are bugs, rats, or termites, you might want to look at other properties. Sometimes the pests just aren’t worth the stress and added funds that you’ll have to deal with.
5. Be Realistic
You really need to have a tough head on your shoulders while looking for a business property. You can’t just go with anything that looks good. It will take time and effort to find the perfect place to start your business. You also need to be realistic about the neighborhood, city, or even country that you’re located in.
For example, you might want to start a cat cafe. However, if the neighborhood you’re in prefers dogs, there goes your business. Your country might not have a pet cafe culture either, which wouldn’t foster a lot of customers for a cat cafe. On the flip side, being the first cat cafe in your area might be an advantage
Get a second opinion on whether you’re thinking realistically. We’re not always able to think objectively, and a close friend or business partner can be honest with you about your goals.
You May Also Enjoy
Mould and damp – what you need to know ahead of winter
Rental price and average salary tracker – September 2025
The cities where buying beats renting – with just a 5% deposit
Rightmove’s Weekly Mortgage Rates Tracker
Data and commentary from Rightmove on stamp duty reforms
