In this current property market, the management of commercial property is becoming more significant and important than ever before. When a property is well managed, the impact of property pain on the landlord becomes less.
In most circumstances a well selected real estate agent that is experienced in the type of commercial property to be managed, is best placed to balance the trends of the local property market into the management and leasing requirements of the property.
Landlords should choose their managing agents well based on the agents experience and skill; not low management fees. A poorly chosen property manager can destroy the financial and physical performance of a property in a very short period of time.
The pain points in managing commercial property today are also the points that need to be closely monitored by both the landlord and the real estate agent:
- The vacancy factor within the property
- Well controlled building outgoings
- Stability of tenancy base
- Well balanced tenancy mix
- Refurbishment and renovation plans to optimise the property
In dealing with these issues, the following should be said.
The vacancy factor in a commercial property has to be minimised based on the future plans of the landlord. The only time you would want a vacancy, is when their property is due for renovation or redevelopment.
Vacancy Factors
The best way to work with potential vacancies within the property is to closely monitor the existing tenant mix and the existing leases. There is nothing wrong with renegotiating leases 12 months or two years out from the expiry or option capability. Both the tenant and the landlord will benefit in the process. A stable and well performing tenant should be encouraged to remain in occupancy at a fair and reasonable rental. You can then remove the volatility of the vacancy on the property cash flow.
Well controlled building outgoings are demanded by tenants today as part of their occupancy cost. Tenants expect the landlord to maintain sensible levels of building performance yet not exceeding the averages of building operational expenditure. High building outgoings will drive tenants away from the property.
To achieve well controlled building outgoings, it pays to have a building budget and business plan that is approved and locked in by the landlord prior to the commencement of a financial year. After the commencement of financial year, the budget is checked each month for accuracy against the actual costs being incurred.
Importantly the expenditure budget is not excessive and is appropriately timed to the seasonal pressures on building performance. Well controlled building outgoings attract tenants to your property and provide stability with existing tenants in tenancy mix and occupancy.
Property Managers Role
In this current property market, the property manager has to be very mindful of maintaining a strong and stable tenancy base. Well performing existing tenants are like gold in this market. As part of the process of working with existing tenants, the landlord should be mindful of sensible levels of rental that maintain occupancy and reduce the threat of vacancy.
Retail Property
Every property with multiple tenants will have a tenancy mix that should be carefully considered. This is absolutely critical when it comes to retail property. The placement of tenants within the tenancy mix and in proximity to each other should be carefully based on the requirements of the area, existing customer base, and functionality of the building. » Read more: Pain Points in Managing Commercial Property
