The Ultimate Guide To Commercial Real Estate in Austin

 

Austin was recently named the #1 place to start a new business in America, and it’s not hard to see why. When you consider the vast success of small business in Austin, the high quality of life and the strong, well-educated labor force due, in part, to the presence of the University of Texas in Austin, the strong ranking makes perfect sense.

 

There are a multitude of options available for commercial real estate in Austin, so it’s easier than ever to set up your business for long term success in this thriving city. Large Silicon Valley tech firms like Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Whole Foods have clearly also seen the appeal of this great city, all setting up large offices in the Austin area.

 

But, with such intimidating neighbors, strong competition, and no prior knowledge of the area, as a new business in Austin setting up for the first time, it’s easy to lay foundations in the wrong area, or acquire the wrong kind of space if you’re not careful.

 

The metropolis of Austin is expansive, and getting to know the make-up of the Austin metro area is a crucial aspect to gaining a thorough understanding Austin real estate, and in knowing where you want to settle for the optimal success of your business.

 

In this guide, we’ll deep-dive into the various business and residential areas, showing you the best hubs for commercial real estate in Austin and what to look out for so you save valuable time and money, and don’t trip up along the way.

 

Austin Real Estate

First things first; if you’re relocating to start a business in Austin, you might not fully comprehend just what the various areas in the full metro area are like until you settle. Therefore, it’s important to do your research beforehand on the broader Austin real estate market and discover the best option for you and our business long-term to ensure the ongoing success of your business operations.

 

The metro area centers on the City of Austin, which is the fourth largest City in the state of Texas. But the Greater Austin area encompasses a lot more than just this one city. In fact, more than 912,000 people call the Greater Austin area home, including suburbs like Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Buda, Hutto, Dripping Springs, and more.

 

Here is brefly what you need to know

Austin proper is actually broken up into 5-6 areas. 

Austin North

Austin North houses over 27,000 residents. This is a densely populated area, and people here are younger on average. Home prices range greatly, from $130,000 to upwards of $400,000 depending on the neighborhood you’re shopping in.

 

The cost of living is fair and so is local education. The nearby job market is fierce, however amenities and housing are both highly rated in this area, so many people justify the commute to other areas of Austin for work.

 

Northwest

The total population in Northwest Austin is roughly 192,000 people. There are just under 70,000 households with the average age of residents sitting at 35.

 

The average home value falls at $305,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. They put the average household income at around $75,000 annually, and the cost of living is feasible for those in the $40,000 and up income bracket.

 

Far Northwest

Far Northwest, or just Far West, is officially known as Northwest Hills. That’s the name you’ll see on your mapping application and in newspapers. Roughly 19,000 people live in Northwest Hills, averaging 39 years of age. This area is home to about 9,000 properties.

 

The average income here is higher than Austin as a whole, sitting at $98,000 annually. Amenities are fantastic across the Northwest Hills area, with many business ventures expanding into the Far West area.

 

Cedar Park

About 65,000 people call Cedar Park home, and many are envious of them. The population density is roughly 2,500 people per square mile. The average person is 35.

 

Homes are a bit more expensive in this desirable community, with most smaller homes starting at about $230,000 and others going up to $600,000 and beyond.

 

Round Rock

Round Rock is known for being an all-around great community. Its housing, amenities, and nearby education are all consistently well rated. It also has low crime and a low cost of living relative to other areas around Austin. As such, over 112,000 people have chosen to call Round Rock home.

 

Most people are 33 years of age, which makes Round Rock younger than average for the area, and home prices range from mid $250,000 to $400,000 and more.

 

Northeast

Northeast Austin is coveted for its affordable homes. It’s conveniently located near major roads. This makes getting around easy, no matter where you want to go in the city. It’s also close to some of the biggest tech employers in the nation and boasts city parks and plenty of retail shopping.

 

In the past ten years, this area has grown rapidly. Today, many residents are students attending the nearby universities. There are too many subdivisions to list, with the most popular being Bellhaven, Chimney Hills, Heritage Hills, High Pointe, and Windsor Hills.

 

Far Northeast

Far Northeast Austin centers around City Lake, but the impressive San Gabriel River also falls into this region. If you love the outdoors, you’ll love the parks, sights, and trails this area has to offer. It’s a great place to overlook the city lights of the Austin area as you enjoy the peace and quiet.

 

The population density is lower up here and the median household income falls around $50,000 annually. The average home is worth $130,000 to $200,000.

 

Central

Enjoy the convenience of city life, as you tuck yourself away into one of the community-minded neighborhoods found within Central Austin. You’ll be just a stone’s throw from so many amenities while enjoying the Texas hospitality first-hand.

 

Homes vary widely, meaning that you can definitely find one to fit your tastes and style. The population varies greatly too, from retired couples who have lived in the area their entire lives, to young people just moving in for school or work opportunities.

 

East

East Austin continues to evolve with each passing day and provides a rich cultural experience. Humble bungalows date back to the 1900s, sitting amidst modern condos and the “always on” nightlife. Eateries range from French to Southern and everything in between. Plenty of museums dot the area, too. It attracts the young crowd thanks to its abundance of good food, good drinks, and the selection of colorful music and art.

 

The majority of residents are in their 20s, and are likely college students or new graduates enjoying the lively community of East Austin.

 

South

Around 110,000 people live in South Austin. The average age in this area is just 32, making it one of the youngest areas in Austin. There are a range of housing options available.

 

Construction peaked in the 70s but somewhat declined through the 80s and 90s. picking up again in the 2000s resulting in a great mix of new and old homes of all different styles. This means a range of pricing is available to fit just about any budget, depending on your needs.

 

Southeast

Southeast Austin encompasses many subdivisions, including Acre Tract, Berdoll Farms, Onion Bluff, Stony Point, and Yarrabee Bend. Since the homes in this area are older, they tend to be much more affordable than other places in Austin. That makes the area popular amongst students, young people, and first-time buyers looking to start a family.

 

Many local businesses have come into this area thanks to low rent prices, and the growing population is helping to keep them busy. Southeast Austin is close to many points of interest, including Colorado Greenbelt, McKinney Falls State Park, and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

 

West Central

The West Central area lies directly West of Downtown Austin. That means residents are very close to the city’s hustle and bustle without having to deal with the noise. You’ll also get to avoid much of the traffic while enjoying historic, heritage-style homes and beautiful oak trees lining the sidewalks.

 

To keep with the “small town” feel that West Central neighborhoods put off, most shops are boutiques featuring modern and stylish amenities. There are also plenty of cozy coffee stops and lots of restaurants to keep your culinary interests peaked. Residents range greatly, from young families to professionals of all ages.

 

Central Business District

The CBD is better known as Downtown Austin. It features a rich history coupled with a thriving nightlife and lively entertainment scene. Music, art, and culture are thriving in this lovely area that mixes the “Keep Austin Weird” vibe with late 19th-century landmarks.

 

Unsurprisingly, home prices are expensive here, but if you’re willing to trade in a large yard for a centrally-located apartment with a view, Downtown Austin might very well be a great choice for your busy lifestyle.

 

The Growth of Greater Austin

The economic and population growth for the metro area has been impressive in the past ten years; but not only that; this growth is expected to continue. In mid 2018, it was announced that Austin has the strongest metropolitan economy in all of America . The study looked at hundreds of markets over a 20-year period and identified Austin as having the strongest opportunities for growth.

 

This growth is only expected to continue. The thriving Austin market welcomes thousands of new residents every year, along with plenty of new businesses. From food trucks to tech giants, Austin has an increasingly diversified economy, which is setting it apart on both a national and global stage.

 

The metrics this study looked at found that Austin showed consistently high averages.

Austin is consistently achieving well-above-average statistics in regards to total number of jobs, the average per capita salary, earnings by place of residence and more. The study even looked closely at more detailed metrics, like the average worker earnings in construction and in retail, along with the total number of retail jobs.

 

All of the data forecasts Austin experiencing increasing success and continued growth for many more to come. Ryan Robson, the city’s demographer, has predicted that Austin’s population will grow as much as 2.75% in 2019, up from 2018. “With the pace of overall job creation remaining near 3.5 percent in Austin, anyone would be hard-pressed to predict much of a slowdown,” Robinson says.

 

  

Finding Commercial Real Estate In Austin

 

What kind of commercial space do I need to lease?

Leasing the right commercial space is crucial to ensure the success of any business in Austin. There are many different types of commercial real estate in Austin for lease, and knowing the differences is essential.

 

As a business, it can be challenging (not to mention time consuming!) to find assistance with lease negotiations and the execution of a lease deal.

 

You must consider factors like location, parking, facilities, proximity to nearby shops and amenities, accessibility and--of course—the allowable uses of a building or property.

 

While location and accessibility are particularly important for brick-and-mortar retail businesses, they are also a huge drawcard for employees and customers alike. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that they don’t matter to your business. Even if you’re self-employed, where you are based can save you time, meaning tangible savings in the long run.

 

Here’s an overview to help guide your approach for finding commercial real estate in Austin for your business.

 

Retail

A retail space needs to be located in close vicinity to parking for both employees and customers. This might mean on-street parking, a nearby parking garage, or perhaps even a private or shared off-street parking lot. The number of spaces per square foot of building space is going to be the highest for retail property.  You should always consider the size of the lot in relation to your anticipated number of employees and customers, accounting for any potential growth in the near future. The only possible exception to this rule would be a high foot traffic area that features other forms of transportation, for instance a downtown location in close proximity to dense residential housing or other retail businesses.

 

But parking isn’t the only thing setting a retail space apart from other commercial property. A small retail location might have a private entry in the back and a public entry in the front. However, a large retail location might have a loading dock and/or a storage and warehousing area.

 

The allowable uses for a retail location are typically limited to just that: retail. You may possibly still be able to use a retail location as an office or professional space, but when you factor in the cost of the visibility, accessibility and proximity to other retail businesses built in to the rate for a retail lease, there is no intrinsic value to a business which doesn’t need those additional advantages.

 

The length of a lease on a retail space could be anywhere from a month-to-month agreement to a lease for multiple years. It all depends on your business’ background, who you are renting from and what your future plans are for your business. If you are asking the property owner to contribute to your build-out or any other kind of concessions, then they will want at least a term equivalent to what it will take to recover that investment and more.

 

For a business in Austin, the competitive market means you will usually have to sign at least a 3-year lease. However if you have a strong business history and present in a professional manner to the property owner, this may positively impact what kind of lease you are able to secure and what kind of flexibility you’re able to negotiate.

 

Office

An office property may have limited parking, but typically will have more per square foot than any other property types, with the exception of retail. In the downtown area you might have to pay to reserve spots for yourself or your employees, or you may only be given a limited number of parking spaces for you and your employees to use. Some offices may have parking available for visitors however it depends on the type of office you are looking to operate.


Generally, “office” space will be for a business in Austin that does not anticipate high volumes of traffic and doesn’t need visibility. For instance, if you run an online business and you need a place to take calls and work with your team, an office space might be right for you. But, if you are looking to run a commercial “office” environment, with higher traffic, such as a dentist’s office, a retail space may be more suitable for your needs.

 

Again, leases can vary from month-to-month to multiple year leases. Each landlord will have different rules and guidelines about what the various responsibilities for the property. It’s important that you are very clear on the expectations from the landlord on who is responsible for what in regards to the ongoing maintenance of the property.

 

Generally, an office space will have limited entry points. It might even be just a portion of a larger office building. That means you might not have direct access to the street from your suite.

 

Premium Flex

When a business needs quality finish, design, accessibility to retail and restaurants, door side parking, but also needs a storage or warehousing distribution component, and even the ability to manufacture, Premium Flex is the ideal type of product.

 

This kind of property is going to have grade level garage door(s) and possibly even the ability for heating and cooling in the warehouse area. It’s very important to first understand what your wants and needs are before selecting this property type as an option.

 

From there, you’ll need to make sure the zoning is appropriate. An example of why this is important would be if you were a manufacturer. Even on a very small scale, zoning is very specific for any kind of machinery and manufacturing. It’s easy to think that because a building has garage doors and other businesses are conducting similar activities that it is legal, but that’s not always the case.

 

True Premium Flex properties will have some kind of industrial zoning, which will allow for most uses, but that’s not always the case, so make sure you have a thorough understanding of zoning and what this means for your business; either now, or into the future.

 

Industrial

An industrial property is ideal for manufacturing activities. However, the types of products you are able to manufacture will greatly depend on the kind of industrial zoning in a specific area or property, and any ‘conditional overlays’.

 

For instance, you may not have permission to work with and process certain materials if you are in close proximity to a neighborhood, or if you fail to get proper clearance from the city. So, if you are working with any hazardous materials or anything that is controlled, you should always triple-check zoning and ascertain if there are any ‘conditional overlays’ before moving forward with a lease.

 

With that said, industrial properties tend to have the most land and square footage of any property, because you’ll likely need the space for employee parking, equipment, large vehicles and deliveries. Depending on the size, you might have a private parking lot or a shared lot. There may be other industrial rentals nearby, perhaps even on the same property.

 

An industrial property can be used for manufacturing activities but it can also be used for warehousing, office and storage operations.  True industrial properties will have grade and dock level garage doors and exceed 5,000 Sq. Ft.  They also will have very broad industrial zoning, allowing for most any kind of manufacturing, distribution, and outside storage.

 

Flex

This is a property similar to premium flex but with a less desirable finish, location, and appearance. It’s a mix between office and industrial and with grade level garage doors.  At the very least, it should have Limited Industrial zoning to make light manufacturing and distribution possible. So again, it’s crucial that you do your research and check with the landlord about the property and carefully review the lease agreement before signing on the dotted line.

 

Micro Flex

Micro Flex properties are built with the same use and requirements as Flex and Premium Flex except in smaller sizes; often 800–2,000 Sq. Ft.

 

These property types will have all the standard features such as restrooms, grade level garage doors, and at least Limited Industrial zoning. You should expect to pay nearly twice as much per square foot as Industrial space and near as much as a quality office. Because of the costs involved in having separate electric, water, bathroom facilities, and separate entrances, it makes the space very expensive to build, which inevitably gets passed on to the tenant.

 

Special Use

If your business requires its own special kind of features and doesn’t fit into any standard property types, then it is considered Special Use.

 

Asking the property owner to invest in this kind of facility is very risky for them and you can expect to pay a premium for that added risk. This type of property can take many shapes. 

 

Mix Use

As the name implies, a Mix-Use property is one that includes more than one type of business. That means a Mix-Use property could consist of retail, office space, and residential in the same building or building complex.

 

Mixed-use properties are popular find in the Austin area and are becoming more so because of the desire to live and work in the same area. This is somewhat driven by excessive traffic and the current demographic having a greater desire for increased levels of convenience, not to mention being increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of commuting by car.

 

What Representation Do I Need To Lease Commercial Real Estate In Austin?

 

Finding the right representation is crucial for leasing a new commercial property when assessing Austin commercial real estate.

 

Tenant Representation

In the past, it was not uncommon for tenants to let the landlord’s representation handle every aspect of their commercial deal. But unfortunately, you’ll often find that the landlord’s representative doesn’t always have your best interests in mind.

 

That’s why these days it is very common to see both tenants and landlords either having their own representation, or dealing directly with each other. In both scenarios they are on equal playing fields.

 

Just like when buying a home, you typically don’t have to pay any upfront fees in order to get representation. Your representative’s commission will be paid by the landlord when the deal is closed. The caveat to this is, however, these fees will be rolled into your lease rate. If you are comfortable enough with this situation, then it’s often a more advantageous outcome when you can deal directly with the owner.

 

Local agents have the knowledge and expertise to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of commercial real estate in Austin, including the best areas to suit your business needs, saving you time and money.

 

Generally, you’ll find that the best results come from getting your own representation. Having an agent allows you to take advantage of their vast expertise, in-depth knowledge of the area, and network of connections in the market.

 

Your agent can search for properties for you within their network to find off market opportunities and other listings that may not be available to you. They’ll help you get the best possible deal, and will give you a gauge for prices, letting you know if and when you should jump on a great deal.

 

Landlord Representation

The landlord is fully responsible for paying for their own representation. Even if you use the landlord’s representation to see the property, ask questions, and help you close the deal, it all falls on the landlord to compensate them.


You can contact a landlord’s rep directly, however keep in mind that they are legally required to protect the landlord’s best interest above all else. The agent’s primary job is to market the property and seek out tenants. They want to get the most offers possible in order to eventually get the highest rate possible. That’s why it’s beneficial to have your own representation.

 

Web resources to find property on my own

Loopnet

In cases where you want to start the property search on your own, you might stumble across Loopnet. The free version allows you to browse all commercial property types anywhere in the country, while the paid version opens up a wider range of property to include non-paid listings which often make up a significant proportion of the listings.

 

This website can help you come up with a list of properties you’re interested in seeing. But, generally, you’ll find the best results come from getting your own representation, because your agent can search for properties for you within their contacts to find off market opportunities and other listings that may not be publicly available.

 

They can also compare building data, letting you know the available vacancies around. They’ll help you get the best possible deal, and will give you a gauge for prices. They’ll also alert you if and when you should jump on a great deal that suits your needs.

 

CityFeet

CityFeet is similar to Loopnet and is actually owned by the same parent company. It’s less expensive to list commercial property using this site, at least in Austin, so you may find more direct owner placed ad and properties in general than on other sites.

 

42floors

42floors is yet another commercial real estate search tool, but this one is more similar to CityFeet.  It often hosts properties that you may not find or have access to seeing on Loopnet. 

 

Craigslist

In some areas, Craigslist can be a viable way of finding commercial property for lease. But, a lot of listings won’t end up here. That’s why it will pay off to use multiple search tools in order to explore as many listings as possible when looking at Austin real estate.

 

At the same time, those who do choose to post to Craigslist may not be posting elsewhere. This is likely the case if you see “for lease by owner” and similar wording. That means the landlord might be representing themselves.

 

These kinds of situations can sometimes be mutually beneficial and allow for you to negotiate a faster and more straightforward deal… or it can go in the other direction. 

 

To see the bigger picture and get access to all the various properties available, you need to use multiple tools to search, which can be excessively time consuming; not the best use of a business owner’s time!

 

There is nothing wrong with passing the lead on to your representative and having them help find a property and facilitate a deal. Otherwise, another strategy would be to deal directly with the owner but bring someone else into the deal, like a property attorney, before you sign contracts. You will have to pay them yourself in this scenario to look over paperwork and ensure everything is up to par.

 

 

 

Important Considerations In Your Search For Commercial Real Estate In Austin

Making the right choice involves many different considerations. Below are some of the most important.

 

Location

Perhaps the most important aspect of all for the average lease is location. Some businesses will not mind if they are downtown or ten miles out. But location undeniably will affect every type of business in some way or another.

 

Consider where your employees live and, if you’re dealing with customers and clients, think about where they are located. If so, you may want to consider finding a central location that will be easy to access for everyone (especially existing or potential customers). Parking is a big consideration too.

 

For some businesses, you may need to consider your ability to accept or send deliveries, be near other businesses or customers, or get to the airport quickly for interstate or international travel. When considering new business locations, map your distance from accessibility points like major highways or main roads.   

 

If you’re a storefront or restaurant, you might also care about how much exposure your location gets, and how visible your space will be. If you need to get noticed, consider the amount of foot traffic and the number of people going by. You might also want to look at your signage options to ensure you get noticed, if that is important to you. Even if you’re not operating a retail space, consider if you need visibility, and why. There may be opportunities provided in your space for signage, so this is something to look into prior to securing a lease.

 

If drive-by traffic is something you desire, then consider the type of traffic in the area. Is traffic slow or fast? Is it local, or is it just commuters passing through the area? These are all questions your leasing agent can assist in answering.

 

Nearby amenities

You might want to consider:

·      Where will your employees go to lunch?

·      Are there any fitness locations such as Yoga studios or Crossfit gyms in the area? When considering this, think about both mental and physical wellbeing.

·      How far are you from the post office for paperwork and packages?

·      Are you close to your own home and the homes of your team?

·      What’s the likely commute time?

·      Any parks or outdoor places to walk to maintain a healthy mind?

 

Thinking about the amenities that are close to your location will be a big consideration for you, your employees, and any customers or clients who are visiting.

 

Failure to consider these aspects ahead of time can put you into an unfortunate situation down the road. Depending on the industry you work in, people may not be willing to put up with a long or traffic-burdened commute; which could lead to high turnover rates and low staff productivity.

 

At the same time, you need to consider which amenities are nearby that will help contribute to your wellbeing, along with the needs and enjoyment of staff and clients, such as parks or green spaces, gyms, yoga studios and the like.

 

Having a place to eat around the corner may not be your biggest consideration when securing a lease, but it should factor in at some point. For instance, you may want a coffee shop or steakhouse nearby to attend meetings with clients. 

 

Accessibility and transport

Parking is an important factor to consider, along with location and accessibility, and this can be a major factor when staff are deciding where to work.

 

Consider your parking requirements, where the parking is located and whether or not you’ll need to be walking to and from cars or moving items from your office to other locations. Or, are ride hailing services, scooters, or bike paths readily available for local trips?

 

Consider how your parking requirements affect the type of property that’s available to you. If convenient parking isn’t provided and it will have to be rented separately, then this needs to be factored into your overall costs.

 

It’s worth visiting the location you are considering to lease at different times of the day to check what traffic and accessibility will be like. If you’re in a commercial business district, certain times of day may be busy, especially in an area with lots of restaurants which are experiencing daily deliveries.

 

Contemplate the commuting times from where you and your team lives, and whether you will be driving with or against the traffic. Figure out where and what time of day traffic might be an issue for your business in Austin.

 

Look and feel of your business space

When looking for real estate to lease in Austin, think about what kind of image your business is aiming to portray, and how much this matters to you (if at all). If you are a retail business or are servicing clients or customers directly from your office, try to consider what kind of impression your business space will portray, and what significance your space has for the future success of the company. 

Consider:

·      Does your space need to be bigger to cater for the future growth of your company? Or will you be downsizing in future?

·      Do you need something new and modern, or is the space older and dated?

·      Is the space fully finished yet? Does it need additions or renovations? If so, is this possible within the lease contract?

·      What furniture and other facilities will be needed?

·      Does your space have natural light and allow plants to create a positive and healthy work environment for your employees?

·      Older properties can require more maintenance than more modern ones. What kind of ongoing upkeep will be needed for the property, and what will be your responsibility to look after?

 

Suitability

When considering which area to settle in, convenience is important, but it shouldn’t be your only consideration. Think about how welcoming the local municipality are to your business type and to your business in particular.

 

To find out more, tenant representation can be immensely helpful, otherwise, contact the local metropolitan chambers of commerce for the area you are interested in.

 

Lease types

There are 4 main types of lease that are prominent in Austin commercial property:

1.    Gross – this is a single total amount encompassing all the property expenses and base rent. It’s not your typical lease, except on old and dilapidated properties.

2.    Modified gross – this is similar to gross, except it has some of the expenses or responsibilities broken out. Again, it’s usually typical with older properties. 

3.    Net, Net Net, and Net – These are the most common on all new and or well-maintained properties.  This lease type separates the base rent from all the operating expenses and passes through any increases of the expenses.  We describe this in more detail here.

4.    Full service – this can take many different forms, but generally, this lease structure will include most of the cleaning, HV/AC service, water, and electric just to name a few. It’s rarely used on anything other than office, where the building systems, utilities and other amenities are often shared.

 

If you haven’t ever leased a commercial property before, it’s important to understand the standard differences in tenant responsibilities.

 

With the exception of some Full Service agreements, the tenant is usually fully responsible for their own utility bills, maintenance, plumbing, electrical, HV/AC, and many other items that may come as a shock to in inexperienced business owner who may expect a level of service similar to a residential property.

 

Length of the agreement:

You’ll also need to consider what kind of lease terms you’ll need, and what fits your timeline and future goals. If you agree to a term that’s too short, you run the risk of paying significant costs in relocating your business, or even of not being able to find a suitable space. On the other hand, if you agree to a term that is too long, you may find this limiting if you’re looking to expand or relocate to a different area.

 

Building flexibility into your lease agreement can be critical, particularly if you know you’re going to be looking to up or down size in the future.

 

Operating costs

Owners : These are all the owner’s expenses to operate the property. This includes building insurance, taxes, landscape maintenance, house utilities, and limited capital improvements.  These are passed on to the tenant either through reimbursable transparent charges like in an NNN lease arrangement, or in the gross amount paid in other lease types. Either way, they are important to understand so you don’t get into an unexpected bind. 

 

Tenants: Often this gets overlooked and it’s a huge factor when thinking about your total cost of operating your business. The efficiencies of property vary greatly, and unless you have a full service lease agreement, you will be directly benefitting or suffering from how energy efficient the property is.  Older lighting, plumbing, and insulation is going to be costlier to operate as the tenant. The age and construction of the building all play an important role in considering costs of electricity, water, and cleaning. Often older buildings will take much more time and effort to maintain, and may require initial or ongoing repairs. Before signing a lease, consider the age and state of the building, amenities and utilities, and check if the HV/AC has been replaced recently or maintained.

 

Ask what the data provider options are, and what service is like in that area. Having only one data provider in your area often guarantees a higher cost, so it’s worth looking into this beforehand.

 

Safety and Crime

Perceived safty is important to staff.  The likelihood of theft, burglary, and robbery vary depending on location and can often be unforeseen with detrimental effect on team moral, operating cost, and perception of your business.  Consider what night time lighting is available in the area, and what your neighborhood is like before settling, particularly if you will have a lot of cash on the premises, valuable items or stock.

 

Future growth

Finally, consider where you see the size of your business in two or even five years, and how this may affect the size and type of space that you are considering. 

 

Think about if your business in Austin will require any changes to its operations, such as adding or removing distribution, outsourcing administrative positions, and adding or removing a retail component.

 

As you have no doubt seen, there are numerous factors to take into consideration when securing commercial real estate in Austin. Overall, tenant representation will ensure that you have considered all the important factors that might affect your business, now and into the future, and will ensure you get the best possible deal to suit your business’ growing needs.

 

Do you have any questions about lease agreements in Austin? We can assist in finding a property and navigating the complexities of the various property and lease types for Austin real estate. Contact us today to find out more