The Commercial Property Buyer's Checklist

Commercial real estate can be extraordinarily rewarding — or extremely challenging — depending on how well you do your due diligence. Here are the five non-negotiable factors to evaluate before any commercial purchase.

1. Location and Footfall

For retail spaces, footfall is king. Evaluate the catchment area, existing and proposed infrastructure, and traffic patterns at different times of day. A shop on a high-visibility expressway access point has fundamentally different economics from one tucked inside a complex.

2. RERA Registration

Verify that the project is RERA registered and the developer has a clean compliance record. Check the RERA portal for the latest status of possession commitments and any complaints filed.

3. Developer Track Record

A developer's past delivery record is the best predictor of future performance. Look at: number of projects delivered on time, quality of construction, and post-possession support.

4. Catchment Area Analysis

Understand the demographic profile of the surrounding area. A commercial project within a large township has a built-in customer base that de-risks your investment significantly.

5. Exit Strategy

Evaluate the resale market liquidity. Projects from reputed developers in established corridors are significantly easier to exit than standalone developments.