5 Factors to consider when renting an industrial property in Pinetown

Pinetown is a highly sought-after industrial node that offers tenants a variety of mixed-use properties. These include factories, warehouses, retail facilities, restaurants, offices, and even convenience services. New Germany, Westmead, Mahogany Ridge, Maxmead, and Marianhill are Pinetown's most popular industrial suburbs known to attract businesses that thrive in the area. 

Renting an industrial property in Pinetown helps you to secure short-term premises for your business in a reputable area. This can be up to a year or more, depending on your lease agreement with your landlord. Being situated in a busy zone such as Pinetown can add immense value to your business. However, sometimes it can also have a range of pitfalls if you do not conduct due diligence. These are the main factors to take into consideration when renting an industrial property in Pinetown:

1. What is your budget?

Your budget will determine the size, location, and type of property you can afford to sign a lease on. Your monthly budget should include expenses for rent, electricity, water, security, etc. Given the recent uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, it would only be fitting to have a savings fund for disasters as such. Rentals tend to increase yearly - your annual budget proposal should also cater for these increases. 

2. Location is everything

The location of your property can add to the success or failure of your business. Being a prominent industrial area, Pinetown is favoured for its easy access to the main highway and arterial routes such as the N2, N3, M7, and the M13. This means that suppliers and buyers have no hassles getting in and out of your establishment. As a bonus, Pinetown is a mere 45 minutes away from Pietermaritzburg and 5 hours and 20 minutes from Johannesburg, enabling road carriers to deliver goods within a day. 

The many well-positioned industrial parks in Pinetown are close to other amenities and suppliers. Leasing a facility close to your suppliers is not only convenient, but it also saves your business production time. Your output will be quicker, delivery will be on time, and in the long run, this can save your business money and make you more competitive.

3. The size of the property is important

Aside from having adequate floor space, it is vital to plan for a clear height when looking for the ideal industrial property to rent. Clear height is defined as the usable space for tenants to stack inventory. It is measured from the distance from the floor to the lowest point of the roof or support frame of the structure. By anticipating and analysing the inventory storage your business needs you can establish the necessary clear height. 

It is important to remember that storage in your warehouse or factory can further be maximized with racking, which requires a good understanding of ceiling heights. 

4. Transportation is easily accessible

A successful business needs happy workers who are punctual. There is no shortage of public transport in Pinetown. Along with the several major taxi routes that run throughout the area, the Sarnia Metrorail Train Station provides access to Durban, Umlazi, Stanger, and other surrounding areas making travelling a breeze for workers. 

5. Does your lease cater for your future plans for business growth?

Before signing your lease, ask yourself what are your business goals within the leased time? Will the property be able to accommodate your needs in the next six months to a year? 

If your business plan projects immense growth in the near future it would be wise to lease a property that meets these needs. This step will prevent you from being tied down to a lease that does not cater for business growth. It will also save you from the hassle of searching for another property and even moving costs.

Bonus factor: Have you considered parking facilities?

If your workers use their own cars, having a safe place to park will give them peace of mind while they are busy with their tasks. Think about how much parking you require for your workers and management. 

Furthermore, your customers may need designated parking too. If you have business vehicles they may also need a space to park. Ensure that you know what facilities you need in a property in order to make a strategic decision.

Pinetown is a leading industrial zone in KwaZulu-Natal in which many businesses have secured a long-running legacy. If you want to see your business flourish in Pinetown contact Upside Properties today. Our team of specialised agents will get you the best rental deal in the area.