A Practical Guide to Finding Suitable Retail Space for Lease

So you’re ready to open a new shop or expand your brand into a new location. The problem is, searching for the right retail space for lease can feel like a full-time job. 

You might have tried driving around through your target suburb on a Saturday morning, scanning for “to let” signs in shop windows, or you’ve spent many hours late into the night combing through online property listings, clicking between photos and floor plans. 

This can be time-consuming and full of uncertainty. Thankfully, there’s a much smarter way to find the perfect retail property for lease in Melbourne.

Here are your options:

Check Local Listings and Property Platforms

As mentioned, you could try searching online. Most retail property websites allow you to filter listings by size, location and budget. This might make it easier to narrow down options before arranging viewings. 

However, the problem is that listings can be outdated or lack important details about lease terms, incentives, or hidden costs. You’ll have to double-check directly with the listing agent to avoid disappointment, which takes up even more time.

Keep an Eye Out in Person

Driving or walking through high-traffic areas in your target market can potentially uncover opportunities that haven’t been listed online yet. 

Sometimes landlords will put up “for lease” or “to let” signs before engaging with an agent. However, these spots can go quickly, and coming upon them is a matter of luck. 

This approach can also give you a better feel for foot traffic, parking availability and surrounding businesses, but it’s time-consuming and there’s no guarantee you’ll find anything.

Ask Your Network

You could also simply try asking other business owners, suppliers and local customers if they know of any good properties to let in the area. Word of mouth can lead to opportunities before they are publicly advertised and can give you honest feedback about a landlord’s reputation or past tenant experiences.

However, again, this approach is largely dependent on luck and can also be hugely time-consuming.

Work With Retail Lease Experts In Melbourne

Specialist consultants like LeaseWise take the guesswork out of the process. We complete dozens of site agreements every year and use market data and industry contacts to find and secure prime locations with fair lease terms and incentives. 

With our expert retail lease assistance, we can also ensure there are no hidden costs buried in the paperwork and can amend clauses to protect your interests. 

Beyond securing the property, we can assist with handover issues, design approvals, and fit-out disputes, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

This is by far the most efficient and effective approach.

Get tailored guidance and skilled negotiation support so you can secure the right retail space for lease today. Contact LeaseWise, retail lease experts in Melbourne, now!