As a business or investor, you may be looking to purchase new commercial property. There is an alternative, however.

There are many factors when considering building your structure from the ground up. Which is the smarter and more affordable option? 

• Survey The Property

Regardless of what you’re looking to buy, you’ll want to have it professionally surveyed. This allows you to see if there are any repairs, maintenance, or renovations that need to be made.

Having quality groundwork, for instance, is something only a surveyor can assess. They are able to provide options such as ground improvement stone columns to offer stability, improve load-bearing capacity, and reduce any further settlement.

• Consider Downpayments and Renovations

Buildings that are already constructed will require some type of downpayment if you’re not intending to pay cash in full. This money will need to be saved ahead of time and provided by the investor upon requesting a loan.

There’s also a high probability that the location you decide upon won’t meet the exact specifications for your business’s needs. You’ll have to consider any renovations or building additions needed to suit your investment goals.

New builds allow you to create exactly what you want from the very beginning. The stipulation is that you’ll need to hire contractors and architecture firms, plus buy the land you intend to build on.

• Look Into Tax Breaks

Investing in commercial real estate could offer some substantial tax breaks you may not be aware of. This applies more specifically if you’re bringing new jobs into the city. They think of it as an investment in your investment.

Properties that are considered historic buildings can be eligible for grants or low-interest loans to restore the building while preserving the integrity of the architecture.

Purchasing a building that already exists can also lead to tax deductions on the interest you’re paying. However, your building also depreciates the minute you purchase it.

While building new construction doesn’t lead to as many tax benefits, there are still certainly a few you could benefit from, such as the 179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficient Tax Deduction.

• Think About How Soon You Need Your Property

One crucial element that a lot of investors don’t take into consideration is time. With new construction, it can take anywhere from two to six months, if not more, to complete the build. Plus, you’ll have to make sure it meets all laws and regulations according to the state and city guidelines.

A benefit of buying a property that’s already been built means you’ll only have to consider the timeframe for repairs, renovations, and decorating. You could be saving money simply because the longer your building is out of commission, the longer you won’t be making any income.

• Potential To Recoup Costs Through Sub-Leasing

Buying or building a larger commercial property gives you the opportunity for sub-leasing. If you’re buying a building outright, it may not accommodate another business leasing out an office space.

If you decide to build out a new property, you can make it larger than you anticipate your needs being and sub-lease. It’s a larger investment from the beginning, but if you work out the numbers, you could easily recoup costs and make an even more significant stream of revenue.

Eventually, if your business needs to expand, you can utilize the extra space previously leased by other tenants for yourself.

Summary

There is no clear-cut answer as to which is the more affordable option, to buy or to build, when it comes to commercial real estate. There are several factors to take into consideration, with the most important being your budget.

Work with a professional accountant to look into your personal investments, outside investors, and any potential help you could get from applying for a loan. Understand clearly what your end goal is so they can help decipher whether new construction or buying pre-built is a better option for you.