How to lease commercial property in South Africa
The process of leasing office, retail or industrial space — from working out what you need to signing, and how long each step takes.
Reviewed by Joe Sokolic · Updated
Leasing commercial space is a longer process than renting a home. Landlords assess your business, leases run for years, and the space usually needs work before you move in. Knowing the shape of it up front saves months.
1. Work out what you need
Start with headcount and how you work. A rough guide for offices is 10–15 m² per person including meeting rooms and circulation. For retail, position and foot traffic usually matter more than area. For industrial, eaves height, power, yard space and truck access are often the binding constraints. Set a budget as a total monthly occupancy cost, not just base rental — see rates, taxes and operating costs.
2. Search and shortlist
Browse by suburb and size, or start from an area guide to see the going asking rentals. Shortlist three or four and view them in person.
3. Offer to lease
Commercial offers are made on a short "offer to lease" covering rental, escalation, lease period, the tenant installation allowance and the occupation date. This is negotiable — see what's negotiable.
4. The lease and due diligence
Once terms are agreed the landlord issues a full lease. Have it reviewed — the operating-cost recovery, reinstatement obligation and renewal mechanism all matter.
5. Fit-out and occupation
Allow four to twelve weeks between signing and moving in for tenant installation. The lease usually gives a beneficial-occupation period (access to build, no rental) before rental starts.
How long it takes
From starting the search to moving in, budget three to six months for a straightforward office or retail let, longer for large industrial requirements. Start earlier than feels necessary. When you know what you're after, send us a brief.