1) Work out what you need before you look

There’s no point being frugal about rent if you’re going to be crammed into a space with just enough room for a photocopier and a single staff member. Work out how many people will need desks and determine an appropriate amount of how to get a private office space in Melbourne

required. Also, consider storage needs – do you have items that need to be secured? If so, a factor that into your office space choice.

2) Know your location and its surroundings like the back of your hand

Need to be near public transport in order to get in and out without wasting time? Do you need a place that could easily accommodate large client meetings or multiple employees at the same time? Consider what could help make your office space more functional for your business. Also, keep an eye on where competitors are planted – don’t settle for less than prime real estate, unless you’re prepared to go up against them!

3) Stick to a budget

This sounds obvious but when it comes down to brass tacks, getting carried away with images of luxury offices can be alluring. Rather play it safe by having several options ready that fall within your budget range. Having a budget will also help you weed out unviable locations early on.

4) Find your ideal space and contact the agent

Start by searching commercial property websites for privately owned buildings – this is where you’ll likely find what you’re looking for. Commercial agents are paid to know about properties, so it’s best to start there instead of tackling landlords directly. They can assess your needs and make sure the building meets them – if appropriate – before advising on costs and lease terms.

5) Set up a face-to-face meeting with an estate agent

When you’ve decided upon a location, arrange a meeting with an agent that represents that specific building or area. It doesn’t hurt to have a selection of spaces ready as a backup plan. Agents can give you a better idea of availability and what it will take to get the space, as well as how much it will cost if things don’t play out in your favor.

6) Get the lease in writing and get it signed!

There’s nothing worse than having your right-hand man walk out on you because the leasing terms were unclear. Work closely with your agent so that all deal points are clear before anything is put down in writing – this helps ensure no room for confusion and avoids any unnecessary disputes and/or amendments later on. If the agent isn’t well versed in legal jargon back everything up with official documents to keep things clear between both parties.

7) Do your research

As much as we’d like to think we can trust everyone until someone proves us wrong, it’s always best to do your own research. Sites like Domain and Wotif can give you a good idea of what other businesses in the area are willing to pay for their office space, while others such as Urbis or BCC can provide insight into how much competitors could be spending on their leasing agreement right now.

8) Keep track of costs throughout of your lease

This means regularly checking the consumer price index and tracking how it affects rental costs. This is particularly relevant if you signed a long-term lease with an initial set amount. If the cost of living increases, chances are your rental agreement will be adjusted accordingly – and hopefully in your favor.