The way you handle yourself during an office inspection can make or break your lease negotiations – so it’s vital to stay calm, guarded, and strategic.
Looking for a new office space?
Walking through potential sites can be exciting – but it’s also where costly mistakes can happen if you’re not careful. Say too much, act too keen, or answer the wrong question, and you could lose serious negotiation power before you even get to the bargaining table.
Here’s how to stay cool, calm, and collected during your next office inspection and inspect properties like a true professional.
Keep your cards close to your chest
Even if the space looks perfect, don’t get too excited. Stay neutral, calm, and non-committal.
The more enthusiastic you seem, the more leverage you hand over to the agent.
Don’t overshare
Agents are trained to fish for information that gives them an edge. If they start asking about…
- your timing
- your budget
- how suitable the property is
… stay tight-lipped or politely redirect them to your tenant representative (if you’re using one).
If they ask whether you’re looking at other properties, just say you’re exploring multiple options. Be vague. Never reveal details.
Keep documents to yourself
If you’re carrying a listing sheet or inspection notes from your tenant rep, keep them hidden.
You don’t want the agent getting a sneak peek at what other properties you’re comparing – or worse, figuring out your strategy.
No deep dives on site
Avoid detailed conversations about the property’s pros and cons while you’re still standing in front of the agent.
Save that chat for once you’re offsite and away from prying ears.
Post-inspection – play it cool
At the end of the inspection, all you need to tell the agent is: “We’ll be in touch with feedback.”
If you’re interested, you can also say you may request a heads of agreement later.
Important: Don’t start talking lease terms, incentives, or make offers at this stage. That comes later, on your terms.
Let your tenant rep lead the negotiations
If you’re working with a tenant rep, let them be the main point of contact once negotiations start.
If an agent or landlord tries to reach out to you directly during negotiations, loop your rep in straight away.
Important: Some agents will deliberately try to cut tenant reps out to weaken your position. Don’t fall for it.
Bonus tip: Bring your fit-out expert
If you’re planning a new fit-out, it’s a smart move to bring your fit-out contractor or advisor to the inspection.
They can assess the space properly and advise you on how easily (and affordably) it can be adapted to suit your company’s needs — before you get too attached or start negotiating.
A site that looks great at first glance could turn out to be costly or difficult to fit out properly. Better to know early.
Bottom line
Inspecting office space is a crucial step, but it’s just the beginning. Stay disciplined, stay guarded, and you’ll set yourself up for a much stronger deal later.
