If you’re a business owner in Central Florida leasing space for your office, retail store, or showroom, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Is now the time to buy my own building?”
In today’s market, with shifting interest rates and rising lease rates across key Orlando submarkets like Winter Park, Maitland, and Mills 50, more small and mid-sized business owners are looking to turn their monthly rent checks into long-term equity.
And it’s not just about the building. It’s about legacy.
Summary
Owning your commercial property lets Central Florida business owners convert rent into equity, stabilize occupancy costs, and build long-term wealth and legacy. In Orlando, ownership costs can be comparable to leasing—especially with SBA 504 financing at just 10% down—while enabling equity growth and tax advantages. This guide explains the benefits, outlines first steps (assess needs, build the right team, compare financing), and shares a real client example demonstrating increased cash flow, reduced risk, and new income through partial leasing. If you’re considering the shift, now may be the time to explore a tailored path from lease to ownership.
What Does It Mean to “Become Your Own Landlord”?
Becoming your own landlord means purchasing the commercial space your business operates from rather than leasing from someone else. This strategy allows you to:
- Build equity over time instead of losing money to rent
- Lock in occupancy costs and hedge against future rent hikes
- Create an exit strategy or retirement asset
- Lease part of the space to other tenants to generate passive income
- Transfer ownership to your family or trust over time
In short, you stop being just a business owner and start becoming a commercial real estate investor.
A Look at the Numbers: Lease vs. Own in Orlando
Let’s say you operate your business out of a 2,500 square foot space in Orlando. Leasing that space might cost around $6,250/month (at $30/SF full-service), with zero equity growth and limited tax benefits.Owning that same space assuming a $900,000 purchase price , 10% down, and SBA 504 loan financing at ~6.5% over 25 years would cost approximately $6,800/month (including mortgage, taxes, and insurance).Over five years, you could build over $200,000 in equity , not to mention the additional savings through interest deductions and property depreciation.
💡 Bonus : Many business owners qualify for SBA financing with just 10% down and can own for nearly the same monthly cost as leasing.
What to Do First
If you’re thinking about purchasing your commercial property, here are three foundational steps to take:
1. Assess Your Space Needs
Do you plan to grow? Stay put long-term? Knowing your footprint helps define your buying parameters.
2. Assemble the Right Team
You’ll need a commercial advisor , a lender who understands SBA and owner-user loans, and a tax professional who can walk you through the implications.
3. Compare Financing Scenarios
SBA 504? Conventional loan? Creative options? I help clients weigh them all and build a purchase timeline that aligns with their goals.
Real Story: A Business Owner Who Made the Leap
Last year, one of my Orlando clients transitioned from renting a storefront to buying a mixed-use building. Within 18 months, they increased cash flow, reduced operating risk, and created a new revenue stream by leasing part of the space. “Owning our building was the smartest move we’ve made as a business,” they told me. “It gave us confidence and control we never had before.”
Final Thoughts: Your Space Should Work for You
If you’ve built a strong business, it may be time to use it as a launch pad for long-term wealth. Owning your commercial space is a powerful way to take control of your future and I’d love to help you explore what that looks like.
Ready to Go From Lease to Legacy?
Let’s talk about what it would take to own your space and build your legacy through real estate.
📩 Reach out to me amy@amycalandrino.com or 407-492-0433
📍 Proudly serving Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Maitland, Mills 50, and beyond.