Staging your commercial property before showing it to prospective buyers or prospective tenants may seem a bit unusual, but it’s well worth the effort.
Just as you would tidy up your home before putting it on the market, there are things you can do to spruce up your commercial property to make it more attractive.
The aim of showcasing a property, whether residential or commercial, is to get the best price possible.
If you’re leasing the property, making it attractive means that a prospective tenant is likely to consider you to be a conscientious landlord and the rental amount worth their while.
Next to securing the best possible price, making the property more attractive can do much to speed up a sale.
When you’re trying to sell in a buyers’ market, you’ll need your property to stand out.
Here’s our list of do’s and don’ts:
Interior of the Property
A potential commercial buyer wants a property that is ready to move into without the bother of having to fix it up.
Do:
- Make sure that the premises are clean, attractive and ready for the new occupant
- Set it out in an airy, inviting, open plan.
- Encourage the client to visualise their business in that space.
- Emphasise natural lighting in the premises.
- Make certain that the reception or entrance area is ultra-neat, clean, and has a good visual impact to draw the buyer in.
- Be sure that the building or offices are sparkling clean, especially windows, glass doors, shiny floor tiles or mirrors.
Don’t:
- Clutter the space with unnecessary furniture or equipment.
- Fill the space with dark, heavy pieces that can make the atmosphere oppressive.
- Over decorate the space.
- Overlook the benefits of a new coat of paint.
Exterior appearan
The exterior of the property is just as important as the interior. It’s the first thing your prospective buyers will see when they arrive.
More importantly, it’s the first thing their clients will see if the business is relocated, so it helps to make a good first impression.
Do:
- Check that the entrance way is crack-free, in good repair, and scrupulously clean
- Plant a new shrubs or pot plants where the old ones no longer look attractive.
- Make sure the lawns are regularly trimmed and shrubbery is neatly clipped.
- Confirm that the roof is in good repair with all tiles or roofing panels in place, and all fascia boards neat.
- Ensure that gutters or downpipes should be properly attached.
Leverage the property’s strong points
Every property has its strong and its weak points. Identify the best features of your property and do your best to emphasise those:
Natural Light
Natural light is an enormous asset in creating a healthy, calm working environment.
If the view from the property is good, have the blinds open when showing the property.
If there is not much natural lighting, make sure all overhead lights are working and switched on when buyers come to view, as a dark area can feel depressing.
Space
The layout should be efficient and practical, while keeping a good ratio of furniture to open floor space.
Any accessories should enhance, not clutter the space, and remember less is more.
The furniture should be in light tones.
A fresh coat of paint throughout this area can work miracles, while not costing an excessive amount.
Special Features
Bring special features to the fore by enhancing them when staging your property.
If there is a wonderful view, draw attention to it by facing desks towards it.
Big windows or high ceilings can be emphasised by leaving the blinds or curtains open, but only if the view is worthwhile.
If not, then having the blinds down, but open, will allow in the light but not emphasise the view.
There is a growing market for healthier workplaces, any feature which will improve the work environment must make the property more desirable.
In conclusion
- Enlist the help of an experienced property broker to assess the property for you, and to point out any aspects you might have overlooked. While some defects might not be as evident to you, a broker will know which criteria can make or break a sale.
- Take a careful stroll round your property, noting any aspects which will need repair before a new owner or tenant can comfortably inhabit the premises.
- Deal with any repairs before showing the property to potential buyers.
