Premises and leases

• Choosing premises

  Made once and lived with for years. Businesses routinely choose on rent per square metre, which is the least important factor in whether the premises work.

  Content Agency26 August 2026

• Running a business from home

  The cheapest possible premises, and it removes the largest fixed cost a young business would carry. Three things to check before you rely on it.

  Content Agency26 August 2026

• Signing a commercial lease

  Not a residential one, and most of the protections a tenant might expect do not apply. Usually the largest fixed commitment a small business makes.

  Content Agency26 August 2026

• How To Optimise Your Business

  Content Agency20 May 2020archive

• How Long Can You Run A Business Without An Office?

  Content Agency

• Register with the Compensation Fund

  Workplace injury cover, and the letter of good standing customers ask for.

  Compensation Fundannual return of earnings

• Municipal business licence

  Required for food, health and body treatments, and public entertainment.

  your municipalityonce, then renewal

• Zoning consent

  The property must be zoned for what you intend to do on it.

  your municipalityonce

• Signage approval

  Almost all outdoor signage needs approval, including vehicle branding in some cases.

  your municipalityonce per sign

• CIDB registration and grading

  Required for construction work for the state. The grade caps what you may bid for.

  CIDBperiodic renewal

• Certificate of compliance

  For electrical installations, including backup power. Your insurer may ask for it.

  registered electricianon installation

A general description, not legal advice — requirements and thresholds change. Confirm the current position with the authority named.

• Rental3

• CoWorking—
• Property—
• Real Estate—