Commercial property investment: a starter’s guide

Commercial property investment: a starter’s guide

Higher rental yields, longer leases and tax benefits are some of the many reasons commercial properties can make for appealing investments. But, as with any asset, there are risks.

Many investors are taking a closer look at commercial property investments as residential property yields moderate across the country.

So if you’ve taken the leap, or you’re thinking about entering the fray, Steadfast has put together a guide to insurance and risk management considerations.

1. Identify property risks

All commercial properties carry inherent fire, safety, theft and public liability risks, but your risk exposure may be higher if you purchase an older, unrenovated building.

An experienced insurance broker can help you identify risks on your property, as well as affordable risk mitigation solutions.

“To get a good insurance premium rate – let alone acceptance – you need quality control and detection systems within the property” says John Clark, Steadfast’s Broker Support Manager.

“For example, a sprinkler system or suppression system would be very good, rather than waiting for the fire brigade.”

2. Choose the right tenant

The tenants you choose also have a big impact on the risk to your investment, says Clark.

“If you have a tenant that’s got various flammable products inside the business, they will present a much higher risk to an insurance company than a business that’s storing bricks” Clark adds.

“To get a good insurance premium rate – let alone acceptance – you need quality control and detection systems within the property”

3. Protect against damage or total loss

Loss or damage to your building could cripple you financially if you’re underinsured compared to current standards.

For example, say a fire breaks out and razes your 20-year-old building to the ground.

“The local council may say ‘when you rebuild it you have to put water tanks in, you need specific toilets, and you need car parking space’” Clark says.

“Now, you’ve only insured it for its $2 million value, but it might cost $3 million to rebuild. You’ve lost your asset, you’ve lost your yields, and you’re short $1 million. All of a sudden you’re a lot worse off.”

4. Protect your revenue

“If the building has a mortgage on it, who pays the mortgage? If it hasn’t got a mortgage and you’re using it for income, can you survive without that income?” Clark says.

How long you should insure that income will depend on how long it would take to both rebuild the building and obtain a new tenant, Clark notes.

“You might rebuild it in 12 months, however it might take another six months to get a tenant” he says.

5. Understand public liability

When it comes to public liability on the premises, both you and your tenant have responsibilities – so it’s important to know what yours are and maintain the premises accordingly.

As the property owner, you can be liable for any bodily injury or property damage that arises from the ownership of the property, explains Clark, which may include a slip and fall or  a balcony giving way.

The tenant on the other hand would likely be held responsible for a slip and fall that involved something being left on the floor, such as a stock item.

6. Talk to the experts

While owning a commercial property definitely has its perks, your investment can be fraught with risk if you adopt a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude.

That’s why it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced insurance broker.

They’ll not only help you mitigate the risk of something going awry, but can line you up with the right kinds of cover in case they do.


Important disclaimer – Steadfast Group Limited ABN 98 073 659 677, its subsidiaries and its associates.

The views expressed are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of Steadfast.

This magazine provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this magazine, including any information contained on it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.

Information is current as at the date articles are written as specified within them but is subject to change. Steadfast, its subsidiaries and its associates make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Various third parties, including Know Risk, have contributed to the production of this content. All information is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Steadfast Group Limited.


Important disclaimer – Watkins Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd ABN 23 059 370 455, AFSL 244427.

The views expressed are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of Watkins Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd.

This magazine provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this magazine, including any information contained on it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.

Information is current as at the date articles are written as specified within them but is subject to change. Watkins Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information.

This article has been reproduced with the consent of Steadfast Group Limited.


Source: – https://www.steadfast.com.au/well-covered/insurance-for-growing-business/commercial-property-investment-a-starters-guide