If you're thinking about buying commercial property, knowing the ins and outs of buying in this sector will ensure that you make a sound investment with both short and long-term rewards. Buying a property for your business is a big decision to make, so do your homework before you commit to something you can't afford right now. Let's explore some of the most important issues around buying a business premises. Get out some pen and paper and start making notes.

It's important to understand the conditions of a lease before signing it.

The high crime rate is a reality of doing business in South Africa. It is because of this that security is one of the most important aspects of running a business - it's not an area where you can afford to cut corners. Smaller companies, with fewer resources to secure themselves, are particularly vulnerable. Find out what basic measures you can put in place to make your business less of a target. This article looks at various ways of assuring your company and your employees' safety.

In the past year or so I have been coaching many buyers of businesses, and giving legal advice on the wording of legal documents. Accordingly, this article is given mainly from the buyer's perspective. In particular, this article looks at how before buying a business, it is important to make sure you understand all the legal documents that you will be signing.

Floods, earthquakes, tremors, power outtages, and droughts are an inescapable part of life. This is especially the case in recent history, where these disasters (specifically their frequency and impact) have worsened due to climate change. Issues such as the poor infrastructure in a country also have an impact on aspects such as access to electricity (i.e. load shedding). Many companies and small businesses suffer losses due to the impact these disasters have on their bottom line. Is your business properly protected against flood damage, etc.?

Relocating your business is never a move to take lightly. Moving your business to another location in town is tricky in itself. If you’re relocating to a whole other city though, the difficulties and considerations are compounded. This is especially the case if said city is in another province or country. Here are some tips to make the process of relocation as smooth as possible.

When you approach a potential financier to provide a loan for starting or expanding your business, it's best to be aware of some of the terminology that may be used and what they mean. This article provides you with a list of terms related to financing and finance that it would be helpful for you to know. While this list isn't the complete financing lexicon, it does point you in the right direction.

If you've found a property you'd like buy to for your business, the next challenge is to apply for a bond. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about finding finance for commercial property. These questions include: What is a commercial property? How can I prepare before I apply for a loan? Can I approach any bank for a loan? And more.

It can be difficult to prove that an employee is stealing your equipment or inventory, but this can be extremely costly fraud. The key is not to catch someone in the act, but to enact policies that prevent it from happening. Use the techniques outlined in the article, such as inventory audits, inventory control policy and others, to secure business property and prevent inventory theft.

The larger your company grows, the more space you need. And that means you’ll eventually need to find an office space. This article explains how to make sure you choose the best space for you and your growing business.

Link to the South African Property Owners Association.

A business owner or professional person often uses part of his or her primary residence for business (non-residential) purposes. When the residence is sold, a special Capital Gains Tax (CGT) treatment applies. It is important that a business or professional person is aware of the existence of the complexities of CGT and seeks expert CGT advice when a sale of the dual-use residence is anticipated.

Legal contracts form part of buying a property.

One of the things you have to think about carefully when starting or buying a business is where it is or will be housed. The location of your business can either make or break it, depending on all the circumstances involved, so it's not a decision to be made hastily and without some experienced advice.