Choosing whether to buy or rent a commercial property can be a difficult decision. 

When you buy commercial property, you’re purchasing it from a seller with cash or loan proceeds.

When you have paid off the loan, you own the property outright.

Renting commercial property means you’re leasing it from its owner for a period of time and you’ll be a tenant rather than an owner. 

So, what option will be the most beneficial for you? To help you make an informed decision, here are some key considerations for both avenues.   

Renting a commercial property 

When renting a commercial property, you have the flexibility to move out and change premises when the lease ends.

If market conditions fluctuate, your business expands or personal circumstances change, you won’t be locked into anything long-term.

This can be advantageous, especially if you have a small to medium-sized business that is likely to evolve in the coming years. 

Click here to be taken to the BMT Tax Depreciation website 

On the other hand, this flexibility can also be seen as a lack of stability for business owners who may want to establish a longstanding commercial space.

Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage will depend on your needs and circumstances. 

Renting also means less upfront costs.

When purchasing a property, a buyer can be required to pay anywhere between 25 to 50 per cent of the purchase price as a deposit.

This isn’t necessary when renting, meaning there is additional cash to put towards business operations.

Given the reduced upfront fees, renting is considered cheaper than purchasing and owning property. 

Lower costs also mean you’re likely to have more freedom when it comes to location.

Purchasing a property in the heart of the city can sometimes be too expensive and renting provides a financially viable alternative.

This means you won’t have compromise on the position of your business.

Buying a commercial property 

There may be flexibility in renting but there is stability in owning a property.

Those who purchase commercial property won’t have to deal with finding a new premise at the end of a lease, moving assets and fitting-out the space.

You’ll have full control of the building, meaning you can design the space to cater for your needs without having to seek approval from a landlord. 

While owning a property can come with an array of upfront fees as previously mentioned, you won’t have to deal with annual rent increases.

You can make repayments at a fixed rate which enables you to better plan income and expenses.

There is also the potential to make a capital gain if you decide to sell the property down the track. 

Commercial depreciation benefits 

Regardless of whether you’re renting or buying, there are significant taxation benefits available, especially when considering property depreciation.

As a building and its assets age, they depreciate in value.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) legislation allows owners of income producing properties to claim deductions for this wear and tear.

Commercial property owners can claim depreciation under two different categories - capital works (division 43) and plant and equipment (division 40).

Click here to be taken to the BMT Tax Depreciation website

Capital works deductions are available for the building’s structure and any permanently fixed assets such as bricks, mortar and windows.

For most commercial buildings these deductions can only be claimed if the property commenced construction after the 20 July 1982. 

Plant and equipment assets are items that can be easily removed from the property such as hot water systems, air conditioners, exhaust fans and security systems.

Depreciation deductions for these assets are calculated based on the individual effective life of each item as set by the ATO and can be claimed by both owners and tenants.

Owners are eligible to claim deductions for any plant and equipment assets they own.

In certain instances, owners can also claim any assets left behind by previous tenants. 

Tenants can claim depreciation on any assets they add from the starting date of their lease.

If a tenant removes items at the end of their tenancy, they may also be able to claim any remaining depreciation for assets that are removed and scrapped when they vacate the premise. Immediate write-off and low-value pooling rules may also apply if an asset is below a certain value, particularly for small and medium sized business owners. 

Given that both the owner and tenant can claim property depreciation simultaneously and there are specific rules and regulation, it’s best to seek expert advice when lodging a claim.

To find out more, Request a Quote or call BMT Tax Depreciation on 1300 728 726.

Article provided by BMT Tax Depreciation.

More from BMT Tax Depreciation: 

Landlords can save almost $70 per week this Christmas

Commercial office depreciation deductions

Uncork hidden cashflow in your winery