Buying business premises is less common than renting, but some enterprises may wish to consider it. Business Gateway’s free guide to buying business premises explains how going down this route can bring more freedom and flexibility. There may be more scope to alter a property and you can stay in it as long as you wish.

But it can be hard to find vacant commercial premises and there are financial costs and legal considerations to bear in mind too.

The free guide looks at various aspects to consider:

• the pros and cons of buying
• costs of buying and operating premises
• making an offer on a property
• engaging a surveyor
• engaging a solicitor
• concluding contracts on a property

Yes, if you are thinking about starting, or already run, a business in Scotland.

This is a free and impartial service.

Any business based in Scotland, at any stage in its life cycle.

Spend 6 minutes reading the Business Gateway guide to buying business premises.

You should factor in commercial mortgage payments, maintenance and repair costs, local authority charges and other running costs as well as business rates, utilities and insurance.

Visit the Business Gateway website for advice on buying business premises.