Business

Is It More Affordable to Build or Buy a Commercial Building?

Published

3 years ago

February 7, 2022

As a business or investor, you may be looking to purchase new commercial property. There is an alternative, however.

There are many factors when considering building your structure from the ground up. Which is the smarter and more affordable option?

Survey The Property

Regardless of what you’re looking to buy, you’ll want to have it professionally surveyed. This allows you to see if there are any repairs, maintenance, or renovations that need to be made.

Having quality groundwork, for instance, is something only a surveyor can assess. They are able to provide options such as ground improvement stone columns to offer stability, improve load-bearing capacity, and reduce any further settlement.

Consider Downpayments and Renovations

Buildings that are already constructed will require some type of downpayment if you’re not intending to pay cash in full. This money will need to be saved ahead of time and provided by the investor upon requesting a loan.

There’s also a high probability that the location you decide upon won’t meet the exact specifications for your business’s needs. You’ll have to consider any renovations or building additions needed to suit your investment goals.

New builds allow you to create exactly what you want from the very beginning. The stipulation is that you’ll need to hire contractors and architecture firms, plus buy the land you intend to build on.

Look Into Tax Breaks

Investing in commercial real estate could offer some substantial tax breaks you may not be aware of. This applies more specifically if you’re bringing new jobs into the city. They think of it as an investment in your investment.

Properties that are considered historic buildings can be eligible for grants or low-interest loans to restore the building while preserving the integrity of the architecture.

Purchasing a building that already exists can also lead to tax deductions on the interest you’re paying. However, your building also depreciates the minute you purchase it.

While building new construction doesn’t lead to as many tax benefits, there are still certainly a few you could benefit from, such as the 179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficient Tax Deduction.

Think About How Soon You Need Your Property

One crucial element that a lot of investors don’t take into consideration is time. With new construction, it can take anywhere from two to six months, if not more, to complete the build. Plus, you’ll have to make sure it meets all laws and regulations according to the state and city guidelines.

A benefit of buying a property that’s already been built means you’ll only have to consider the timeframe for repairs, renovations, and decorating. You could be saving money simply because the longer your building is out of commission, the longer you won’t be making any income.

Potential To Recoup Costs Through Sub-Leasing

Buying or building a larger commercial property gives you the opportunity for sub-leasing. If you’re buying a building outright, it may not accommodate another business leasing out an office space.

If you decide to build out a new property, you can make it larger than you anticipate your needs being and sub-lease. It’s a larger investment from the beginning, but if you work out the numbers, you could easily recoup costs and make an even more significant stream of revenue.

Eventually, if your business needs to expand, you can utilize the extra space previously leased by other tenants for yourself.

Summary

There is no clear-cut answer as to which is the more affordable option, to buy or to build, when it comes to commercial real estate. There are several factors to take into consideration, with the most important being your budget.

Work with a professional accountant to look into your personal investments, outside investors, and any potential help you could get from applying for a loan. Understand clearly what your end goal is so they can help decipher whether new construction or buying pre-built is a better option for you.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

2 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.