How We Help You Find the Perfect Workshop Property: Our Buyer Consultation Process
Finding the right industrial property for your mechanic shop or trade business shouldn't feel like gambling. Here's exactly how we work with buyers from first call to keys in hand.
Why We Have a Process (And Why It Matters to You)
Most commercial agents show you whatever properties earn them the biggest commission. We're different.
We specialise in industrial workshops and warehouses in Melbourne's west (Truganina, Derrimut, Laverton, Altona, Williamstown, Sunshine West) for auto trades and mechanic businesses.
Because we're specialised and have a focused property portfolio, we can't help everyone - but for the clients we CAN help, we know exactly what questions to ask and what matters for your business.
Our process ensures:
You don't waste time viewing unsuitable properties
You don't make expensive technical mistakes (ceiling height, floor loading, zoning)
You see the real numbers for lease vs. purchase
You get honest advice, even if it costs us a commission
Timeline: Most buyers go from first call to signed lease/contract in 2-4 weeks.
Step 1: The 5-Minute Qualifying Call (FREE)
What happens: We ask 10 quick questions to see if we're the right fit for each other.
Questions We'll Ask:
What type of business do you run?
(We work best with mechanics, auto trades, and light industrial)How many vehicles/jobs do you handle simultaneously?
(Helps us calculate your actual space needs)When do you need to be in new space?
(0-3 months = we prioritise, 6+ months = let's reconnect later)Where are your customers located?
(If they're all in eastern suburbs, our western properties might not work)What's your monthly budget realistically?
(So we only show you properties you can actually afford)Do you need ceiling height over 5 metres for hoists?
(Critical for mechanics - most need 5-6m minimum)Are you thinking lease or purchase?
(Many mechanics don't know purchasing could build $300k-600k equity over 10 years)Where are you operating now and why are you moving?
(Helps us understand urgency and pain points)Who makes the final decision?
(Just you = fast, multiple people = slower process)Have you viewed other properties already?
(Helps us understand your expectations and what you've ruled out)
Three Possible Outcomes:
Perfect Fit - We can definitely help you
Possible Fit - We might be able to help (timing, budget, or location needs adjustment)
Wrong Fit - We're not the right agent for you (and we'll tell you honestly)
What Happens Next:
If we're a good fit: We move to Step 2 immediately
If we're not a fit: We'll be honest about why and save both of us time
Why this matters: With a focused property portfolio, we need to be honest about whether we can serve you. We'd rather tell you upfront than waste your time.
Step 2: Space Needs Calculation & Property Shortlist (Same Day)
What happens: Within 1-2 hours of our call, we email you:
Your Calculated Space Requirements
We use the formula from our workshop sizing guide:
For mechanics:
Number of bays × 30 sqm per bay
Plus parts storage (based on your inventory approach)
Plus office/customer areas
Plus circulation space
Plus 25% growth buffer
Example calculation:
3 working bays × 30 sqm = 90 sqm
Parts storage (medium inventory) = 50 sqm
Office/customer areas = 40 sqm
Circulation = 20 sqm
Minimum needed: 200 sqm
With 25% growth buffer: 250 sqm
Target range: 250-300 sqm
Technical Requirements Checklist
Ceiling height: 5-6m minimum for hoists (7m+ ideal for 4WD work)
Floor loading: 15-20 kPa for standard hoists and equipment
Power: Three-phase capacity and amperage needs
Zoning: Confirmed for automotive repairs
Trade waste: Approval for fluid disposal if needed
Access: Drive-through, roller doors, or loading requirements
Available Properties That Match
We'll send you details of properties that fit your requirements:
Location and address
Size (sqm) and layout type
Ceiling height and floor loading specs
Monthly rent OR purchase price
Available date
Key features and any concerns
Properties We Rejected (And Why)
Full transparency - we'll list properties we didn't include and explain:
"Property A: Only 4.5m ceiling height - won't work for your hoists"
"Property B: Wrong zoning - automotive repairs not permitted"
"Property C: Layout too narrow (5m wide) - won't fit 2 vehicles side by side"
Why this matters: Shows we're pre-filtering for your benefit, not just showing you everything to close a sale.
Lease vs. Purchase Comparison
If purchasing is financially viable for you, we'll show:
Monthly rent cost vs. mortgage payment
10-year total: rent paid vs. equity built
Tax benefits and depreciation
Potential property appreciation
Exit strategy implications
Many mechanics automatically think "lease" without realising purchase could build significant wealth whilst they operate their business.
What You Do Next:
Review the properties we sent
Eliminate any that don't interest you
Let us know which 2-3 you want to view
We schedule inspections
Timeline: You usually respond within 24-48 hours if you're serious.
Step 3: Property Inspections (Your Schedule)
What happens: You view properties on your timeline with our guidance.
How Inspections Work:
You view independently - We don't need to be at every inspection. You control your schedule.
We provide an inspection checklist:
Ceiling height verification (bring tape measure)
Floor condition and loading capacity indicators
Electrical panel and three-phase power check
Drainage and trade waste setup
Vehicle access and circulation flow
Natural light and ventilation
Noise from neighbouring units
Building condition and maintenance issues
We're available by phone - Call us during inspections with questions:
"Is this crack in the floor a problem?"
"The ceiling looks lower than stated - should I be concerned?"
"There's water staining - what should I ask about?"
Red Flags to Watch For:
Water stains or dampness (roof leaks)
Cracked or uneven floors (structural issues)
Inadequate electrical capacity (expensive upgrades)
Poor vehicle access (will frustrate customers)
No trade waste drainage (can't do fluid changes)
Support columns in bad locations (blocks hoist placement)
Rain Inspection Strategy
Critical tip: If possible, view the property during or right after heavy rain. Roof leaks and drainage problems only show up when it's wet.
We can help coordinate a second rain inspection if needed - better to discover problems before signing.
What You Should Bring:
Tape measure (verify ceiling height and dimensions)
Camera/phone (document everything)
Your equipment list (mentally place where things go)
A mechanic friend if possible (fresh eyes catch things you miss)
After Inspections:
Call or email us with your thoughts:
Which property felt right?
What concerns do you have?
What did you like/dislike about each?
We'll address concerns and help you compare options objectively.
Step 4: Property Selection & Due Diligence
What happens: You choose your preferred property, and we help verify critical details.
We Help You Verify:
For ALL properties:
Floor loading capacity (engineer's letter if available)
Zoning compliance confirmed in writing
Trade waste approval status
Building and pest inspection (if purchasing)
Landlord reputation where possible (if leasing)
Neighbouring businesses (compatible or problematic?)
For purchases specifically:
Title search and encumbrances
Council records for permits and approvals
Building code compliance
Outstanding council or EPA notices
Future development plans in area
For leases specifically:
Lease terms and conditions review
Outgoings and additional costs
Landlord obligations for repairs
Equipment installation permissions
Expansion rights if adjacent space available
Final Comparison:
If you're deciding between 2 properties, we provide side-by-side analysis:
Factor Property A Property B Monthly cost $5,200 $5,800 Size 280 sqm 320 sqm Ceiling height 5.5m 6.5m Floor loading 15 kPa 20 kPa Lease term 3 years 5 years Location Truganina Derrimut Key advantage Lower rent Better ceiling height Key concern Height limiting Higher cost Recommendation Good starter space Better long-term
We'll give you our honest recommendation - but the decision is always yours.
Step 5: Negotiation & Offer
What happens: We negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf.
For Lease Negotiations:
We push for:
Rent reduction (if market supports it)
Rent-free period for fitout (typically 2-4 weeks)
Equipment installation rights in writing
Expansion rights if adjacent space exists
Flexible lease terms (break clauses if appropriate)
Landlord repair obligations clearly defined
Outgoings cap to prevent surprise costs
For Purchase Negotiations:
We push for:
Price reduction based on any issues found
Longer settlement period if you need time for financing
Conditions (finance, building inspection, engineer reports)
Inclusions (existing equipment, fixtures)
Vendor repairs for any issues discovered
What Big Agencies Won't Tell You:
First offer is never the best offer - but we need to approach negotiation strategically:
Landlords/sellers expect some negotiation
But unrealistic low-ball offers damage goodwill
We negotiate based on market data, not emotions
We'll talk you out of bad deals - even if it costs us commission:
"This landlord has a reputation for being difficult about repairs"
"That purchase price is 15% above market value"
"The lease terms heavily favour landlord - I'd walk away"
Why this matters: We want clients who refer their mates, not one-time commissions from bad deals.
Step 6: Lease/Contract Review & Legal
What happens: Legal review before you commit.
We Strongly Recommend:
Use a commercial property lawyer - Don't sign anything without legal advice.
Budget $800-1,500 for lawyer review - Cheap insurance against expensive mistakes.
What Your Lawyer Will Check:
For leases:
Rent review clauses (how much can it increase?)
Outgoings and who pays what
Repair and maintenance obligations
Make-good requirements at lease end
Equipment installation permissions
Sublease or assignment rights
Break clauses and conditions
Bank guarantee requirements
For purchases:
Title defects or encumbrances
Zoning and planning restrictions
Building code compliance
Environmental issues
Council notices or outstanding orders
Warranty and condition clauses
Settlement terms and conditions
Common Issues Lawyers Find:
"Rent review clause allows 10% annual increases" (unacceptable)
"Make-good clause requires you to remove all equipment and repaint" ($20k+ cost)
"Landlord can refuse equipment installation approval for any reason" (unworkable)
"Title has easement restricting business hours" (deal-breaker)
We work with your lawyer to renegotiate any problematic terms before you sign.
Step 7: Signing & Settlement
What happens: Final paperwork and getting your keys.
For Leases:
You'll need to provide:
Business financials (last 2 years tax returns)
Personal financial information
Bank guarantee (typically 3-6 months rent)
Public liability insurance ($10-20 million)
References (previous landlords or business references)
Timeline:
Application submitted → 3-5 days for landlord approval
Approved → Lease drafted with negotiated terms
Lawyer review → 3-5 days
Signing → Usually at property or lawyer's office
Keys handed over same day or next day
Move-in ready
For Purchases:
You'll need to:
Finalise mortgage approval (if financing)
Arrange building and pest inspections
Complete any conditions in contract
Transfer deposit (typically 10% of purchase price)
Arrange insurance from settlement date
Timeline:
Offer accepted → Contract signed with conditions
Conditions satisfied → 14-30 days typically
Settlement day → Ownership transfers, balance paid
Keys collected from lawyer or agent
Property is yours
We're Available Throughout:
Questions about signing process
Coordinating with lawyers and banks
Scheduling key collection
Any concerns that arise before settlement
Step 8: Post-Settlement Check-In
What happens: We follow up to make sure everything's working.
Our Check-Ins:
Week 1: "How's the move going? Any issues with the property we need to address?"
Month 1: "Everything working as expected? Any surprises we should know about?"
Month 3: "How's the new space working out long-term?"
Why We Do This:
We want to make sure the property is working as promised. If there are issues with the landlord, building problems, or anything we said would be resolved, we want to know about it.
Your success matters to us - Happy clients refer other mechanics and trades businesses who need space. That's how a small, specialised firm like ours grows.
What Makes Our Process Different
Compared to Big Commercial Agencies:
Big Agencies:
Show you everything (earn bigger commissions on expensive properties)
Rarely calculate actual space needs
Push whatever closes fastest
Often disappear after commission paid
Don't specialise in any industry
Fairmont Property:
Show you pre-filtered properties matching your needs
Calculate space requirements using industry formulas
Talk you out of bad deals (even if it costs us commission)
Follow up to ensure property is working for you
Specialised in auto trades and mechanics
Why Specialisation Matters:
We know questions to ask that generic agents miss:
"What's your floor loading requirement for your transmission jack?"
"Do you do engine removals requiring floor-mounted chain hoists?"
"What's your parts turnover - order-as-needed or stock common items?"
"Do you plan to add spray booth or wheel alignment in future?"
These questions save you $20,000-60,000 in preventable mistakes.
Real Client Experience: David's Story
Background:
General mechanic, 2 employees
Operating from 180 sqm in Sunshine West
Turning away work due to space constraints
Lease ending in 4 months
Step 1 - Qualifying Call:
Business: General automotive repairs
Capacity: 2-3 vehicles currently, wants 4-5 capacity
Timeline: 3 months (urgent)
Customers: 80% within 10km radius
Budget: $5,500/month max
Needs: 6m ceiling height for hoists
Step 2 - Calculation & Shortlist:
Calculated needs: 320-380 sqm
Showed 3 properties in Derrimut/Truganina
Included lease vs. purchase comparison
David was surprised purchasing was viable
Step 3 - Inspections:
Viewed all 3 properties over one week
Called with questions during viewings
Favourite: 350 sqm in Truganina with 6.5m ceilings
Step 4 - Due Diligence:
Verified floor loading capacity
Confirmed three-phase power specifications
Checked landlord reputation
Expansion space available adjacent
Step 5 - Negotiation:
Negotiated rent from $6,200 to $5,800/month
Secured 2 weeks rent-free for fitout
Added expansion rights to adjacent unit
3-year lease with 3-year option
Step 6 - Legal Review:
Lawyer found aggressive make-good clause
Renegotiated to exclude hoist removal
Saved estimated $15,000 in exit costs
Step 7 - Settlement:
Application to settlement: 12 days
Moved in on schedule
No surprises, smooth process
Step 8 - Follow-Up:
3-month check-in: Revenue up 40%, hired 3rd mechanic
David referred 2 other mechanics within 6 months
David's Feedback: "I almost signed a lease on 280 sqm that would have been too small within a year. Fairmont calculated I needed 350 sqm, negotiated better rent than I expected, and saved me from expensive make-good clauses. Now I'm operating efficiently with room to grow."
How Much Does This Cost You?
Short answer: Nothing upfront.
Our Fee Structure:
For leases:
Landlord pays our commission (typically 1-2 months rent)
Zero out-of-pocket cost to you
Doesn't increase your rent
For purchases:
Commission paid at settlement (typically 1.5-2% of purchase price)
Split between buyer and seller agents
Paid from settlement proceeds
Zero upfront cost
You only pay if we successfully find you the right property.
What You Will Need to Budget:
For leases:
Bank guarantee: 3-6 months rent (refundable at lease end)
First month's rent
Lawyer review: $800-1,500
Insurance: $800-2,000 annually
Fitout costs: Variable depending on your requirements
For purchases:
Deposit: 10% of purchase price
Stamp duty: Approximately 5% of purchase price (Victoria)
Lawyer/conveyancer: $1,500-3,000
Building and pest inspections: $600-1,200
Mortgage establishment fees: $800-2,000 if financing
Fitout costs: Variable depending on your requirements
We'll help you understand realistic costs from day one - no surprises later.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Workshop?
Start with Step 1: The 5-Minute Qualifying Call
Call: +61 428 334 968
Email: [email protected]
What to expect:
10 quick questions (5 minutes total)
Immediate assessment: can we help you?
If yes, property shortlist within 2 hours
If no, honest explanation
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right industrial property for your mechanic shop or trade business is a big decision. The wrong choice costs you $50,000+ in relocation, lost customers, and operational headaches.
Our process exists to help you avoid expensive mistakes whilst finding property that:
Fits your actual needs (not what agents think you should have)
Works technically (ceiling height, power, loading, zoning)
Makes financial sense (lease or purchase based on your situation)
Accommodates your growth (expansion options where possible)
Builds wealth if purchasing (not just operating expense)
We're not the biggest agency. We don't have the largest property portfolio.
But for mechanics and auto trades in Melbourne's west, we understand your business and ask the right questions.
One call. Real calculations. Honest advice.
Call Manny: +61 428 334 968
Email: [email protected]
The right workshop is out there. Let's find it together.
