Choosing the right type of commercial property to start a business is important. One thing business owners would not want to run into is restrictions on the type of business in which they are engaged due to zoning ordinances. They most certainly want to choose the type of commercial property that is right for their business in terms of their ability to cover leasing costs. To determine what type of commercial property is suitable for a certain type of business, it is first important to know the different types of commercial property that can be leased.

Stand Alone Office Buildings – Office buildings are the most common type of commercial space to be leased. Finding a stand alone office building that is in a competitive location is relatively easy, and such types of commercial spaces most often require little renovation. If the building is in a good location, and the structure is relatively new, its tenants may also benefit from the aesthetic image offered by the well kept building.

Although stand alone office buildings are easy to find due to their abundance, there are a few things that need to be considered before signing a contract to lease space in one of these buildings. One of the negative things about stand alone office buildings is that the cost of the lease per square foot is often the highest among all commercial properties, especially for those that are in prime locations. Due to the fact that most stand alone buildings are located in business centers, zoning ordinances could place restrictions on the type of business the tenant can run, so before signing a lease agreement, it is important to check the local zoning ordinances regarding what type of businesses are restricted in the area under question. In addition, building owners have tight leasing policies in comparison to other types of commercial properties.

Commercial Retail Spaces – For retail and store-front businesses, a commercial retail space would be the most suitable type of commercial space. Commercial retail spaces are ones that are located inside malls and strip centers. Due to the fact that commercial retail space attracts a high volume of clients, it is also one of the most expensive types of commercial space to lease, and the useable space is often very confined for the cost of rent. Commercial retail spaces can be used for a wide variety of business applications, such as offices, clinics, as well as retail stores, as long as the local zoning ordinance permits it.

Business Complex - Business complexes are clustered buildings that are owned or managed by a single company. Due to the large collective rentable space, business complexes can be used for a multitude of applications from office spaces to light industrial purposes. The cost of rent per square foot in business complexes is affordable compared to commercial retail spaces.

Industrial Complex – For businesses that require large storage spaces, such as warehouses, an industrial complex would be the most ideal commercial space to lease. Industrial complexes are made up of buildings divided into large spaces that can be used for storage as well as for light to heavy industrial applications. Unlike full fledged business complexes and commercial retail spaces, the amenities of industrial complexes are very basic, and in most cases would resemble an unfinished commercial space.

Despite the simplicity and the lack of sophisticated amenities, industrial complexes can be used for a wide variety of applications ranging from simple storage to industrial purposes and even traditional office spaces. The low cost of lease per square foot and the availability of wide open spaces make up for the bareness of the industrial complex. The affordable cost of rent can easily allow room in the budget for any renovations of the commercial space if they are desired. In addition, because industrial complexes can be used for a myriad of applications, the lease terms and policies are highly negotiable.

These are just some of the general classifications of commercial spaces that are available for lease for business purposes. When choosing which type of commercial space is right for a business, consider the type of business that is being established, the expected revenue, and the cost of commercial space that the business will be able to afford. The location of the commercial space will also have a long-term impact on the performance of any business.