Investing in Commercial Property Tips
Successful commercial property investment is about anticipating market moves, optimising value, cash flow and due diligence. Identifying interesting investment opportunities and maximising sale proceeds is about contacts and market knowledge.
Unlike residential property, the costs of maintenance, rates and repairs on a commercial property are paid by the lessee – not the landlord. This means more of the rent you receive goes towards your profit. However, be sure your commercial lease spells out who is responsible for the property’s ongoing expenses.
But you don’t need to be a property professional to appreciate the benefits of investing in property, particularly in a financial world which is so volatile as it is today – the stock market with its ups and downs (mainly downs as we write – July 2011), the financial scandals and the pension fund scares. In fact commercial property has been the best performing asset class over the last 10 years or so, outperforming equities and gilts by a good margin.
Commercial properties generally need a bigger initial investment than residential properties, though you can invest collectively into a syndicate. The property will need to be managed and each property is unique and cannot be moved, so its location is vital and so is its local economy. Tenant demand is the key.
Most lenders require a deposit of at least 30% on financing. The costs of financing are generally higher than for residential property and the investor will need to prove to the lender that the property will perform, so that the rental income will cover the monthly repayments with more to spare. The lender will carry out full due diligence before allowing an investor to take on a commercial mortgage.
There are a wide variety of commercial property loans available and most work in much the same way as a residential home loan. As an investor you can choose from a variable rate, fixed rate, combination between variable and fixed rate, principal and interest or interest-only loan, often with useful features available like fee-free additional repayments or an offset facility.
Use the Commercial Building Inspector located in Toronto Ontario for all your investment purchases. As a Certified Building Code Official he can inspect and report on any deficiencies that may affect your investment.
Learn more about the Wett Inspector in Barrie ON. Stop by Barrie’s WETT Inspection site where you can find out all about the Wett Inspector in Barrie ON for all your wood stove and fireplace requirements.
