Buying commercial property: office, warehouse or industrial site?

Start from how you will use the building: staff, customers, deliveries, storage, production and future growth. A cheap building can turn out to be expensive if the logistics don't work.

Check zoning rules, environmental conditions, fire safety, clear height, floor loading, loading facilities and available utilities.

Accessibility requirements differ by use. Offices need public transport and nearby amenities; logistics property needs a connection to main roads and room to manoeuvre.

Compare buying with renting on total cost, financing, flexibility, maintenance and potential residual value. Also take the legal and tax structure into account.

Have the technical documents and permits professionally reviewed before you make an offer. With commercial property, compliance costs can be substantial.