Looking for a good business location is as difficult as looking for residential property. Here are a few guidelines for those searching for the right office location.

1. Determine your needs before you start looking and be realistic about the necessities of your office, including ground floor, panoramic view, car park facilities, storage space etc.
2. It is not imperative to go through a real estate agent. A corporate contact may provide useful information about the property in demand.
3. Choose a location that is either close to your residence or where most of your existing and potential clients are located.If the nature of the business involves frequent client visits, look for a location that is easy to access and has ample parking space.
4. For more space for less money, explore distant places rather than those centrally located in a commercial hub.
5. Know the amount of square footage that fits your needs. Too much space means wasted money, and not enough can mean lost productivity. Consult a real estate advisor, architect or space planner to ascertain the area that you require.
6. Choose an open plan office as opposed to pre-determined structural layouts to create space according to your own requirements.
7. Keep in mind your company's growth over the next five years to ensure that you don't outgrow the property too soon.
8. The average rent should be between four to five percent of your total operating costs.
9. For a long-term investment, buy rather than rent.
10. An office location in a commercial complex provides built-in support systems including stand-by generators, security, elevator, parking etc.
11. Never change an office location out of desperation or when you are in a hurry.