Choosing the right office space is crucial for your business’s success. The right space can boost productivity, enhance your brand image, and help attract top talent. But how do you find the perfect fit? Here’s a guide to help you select the ideal office, retail, warehouse, or industrial space for your business.

1. Define Your Business Requirements

Start by assessing your specific business needs. Do you need office space, a retail location, or a warehouse? Consider:

• Team size: How many employees will need workstations?
• Functionality: Do you need meeting rooms, storage, or specialized spaces?
• Future growth: Ensure there’s room for expansion in the next few years.

2. Location, Location, Location

The location of your office or retail space is critical. Look for a space that is:

• Easily accessible: Is it convenient for clients and employees?
• Proximity to amenities: Are there nearby restaurants, transportation, and services?

3. Budget Considerations

Consider not just the rent, but also utilities, maintenance, and potential renovations. Make sure the space aligns with your budget, both short-term and long-term.

4. Space and Layout

The amount of space you need will depend on the number of employees and the type of work. Consider the layout—whether you need an open-plan design, private offices, or flexible spaces that can adapt to your needs.

5. Use the Orion Space Calculator

Choosing the right space can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. The Orion Space Calculator helps you find the ideal office, retail, warehouse, or industrial space for your business.

Here’s how it works:

1. Fill out a quick form with your space requirements.
2. Get personalized recommendations on the ideal square meter size for your business.
3. Browse available Orion properties that meet your needs.

Best of all, the Space Calculator is free to use and helps you save time by narrowing down your options to the perfect fit.

Start Your Search Today

Don’t leave your business’s success to chance—use the Orion Space Calculator to find the perfect space for your needs. Visit the Orion Real Estate Space Calculator and start your search for the right office space today!

As the festive season approaches, we at Orion Real Estate take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made throughout 2024 and share our excitement for the promising year ahead. This has been a year of significant achievements, and as we prepare to close out the year, we want to express our gratitude to our clients, partners, and the communities we serve for their continued support.

A Year of Growth and Success

2024 has been a landmark year for Orion Real Estate, marked by the successful completion of many projects such as Phase 1 of the Promenade Shopping Centre and major developments in progress such as One on First. This first phase of the Promenade Centre has already become a key retail and community hub, and we are thrilled with its progress. The positive reception from both retailers and shoppers has exceeded expectations, and we are now in full swing with Phase 2, which will bring even more exciting retail spaces, dining options, and community amenities.

In addition, we are eagerly preparing to launch our residential portfolio in 2025 with the Promenade Apartments, a fully furnished living space that will offer modern amenities and an unbeatable location. These apartments will seamlessly integrate with the vibrant lifestyle surrounding the Promenade Shopping Centre, and we can’t wait to welcome new residents to this exciting development.

Closing off the year and looking to 2025

As we approach the end of 2024 and the start of the festive season, we would like to inform our valued clients and partners that our head office will be closed for the holidays from December 13, 2024, to January 13, 2025. This break will give our team the chance to recharge and celebrate the holiday season with loved ones, ensuring that we return in the new year ready to tackle the exciting projects and opportunities ahead.

For urgent queries during this period please contact 011 718 6452.

As we close the door on 2024, we are filled with anticipation for the opportunities that 2025 will bring. From the ongoing development of the Promenade Shopping Centre to the launch of the Promenade Apartments, there is much to look forward to in the coming year.

We are committed to bringing innovative, sustainable, and exciting real estate projects to life that will contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the communities we serve. The new year will see Orion Real Estate continue to lead the way in commercial and residential developments, and we can’t wait to share these milestones with you.

In today’s business world, networking is essential, and commercial spaces—like multi-tenant office buildings—offer unique opportunities for connection and growth. These spaces are more than just places to work; they foster collaboration, resource-sharing, and a sense of community that benefits businesses of all sizes.

1. Encouraging Collaboration
Commercial spaces bring together diverse professionals, sparking partnerships and creative solutions. Startups can find valuable input from established businesses, while companies in different industries can collaborate on projects or share resources, leading to new opportunities and innovation.

2. Access to Talent
Networking in these environments also provides access to a broad talent pool. Whether hiring full-time employees or seeking specialised contractors, businesses can tap into the diverse skills of other tenants, helping them grow and thrive.

3. Building Relationships
Successful businesses are built on strong relationships. Networking in commercial spaces encourages long-term connections based on trust and mutual support. These relationships create a collaborative atmosphere where businesses help each other succeed.

4. Boosting Brand Visibility
For small businesses, commercial spaces offer a chance to increase brand recognition. By interacting with other tenants and participating in events, businesses can raise their profile, generate referrals, and expand their reach.

5. Gaining Resources and Support
Commercial spaces often provide more than just office space—many offer valuable resources like meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and business support networks. These resources can be crucial for startups and small businesses looking to grow.

Conclusion
Networking in commercial spaces creates a thriving community where businesses can collaborate, access talent, and grow together. By building relationships and leveraging shared resources, businesses can enhance their success and create long-term opportunities.

We have observed a shift in Corporate Real Estate (CRE) leaders, whereby more consideration is placed on portfolio optimisation and return on investments, a growing workforce, technological advancements and the boom of AI, and lastly sustainability and the impact on our planet. These core focuses have shaped the decisions of the CRE industry.

• Portfolio Optimisation and Return on Investments

For businesses to ensure that they maximise their return on investment within the CRE industry, they need to consider all the factors to be discussed in this article. By optimising their property portfolio, they can ensure that they invest in properties that meet the discussed criteria, or upgrade their existing properties. It is important to conduct thorough market analyses to identify high-demand locations and follow these emerging trends, thereby ensuring businesses make strategic investments and acquisitions.

•  A Growing Workforce

Post-COVID, many businesses have required employees to return to working full-time in office spaces. Major companies such as Amazon, X, Apple, and Google have enforced this within their businesses. It is believed that encouraging employees to work in collaborative office spaces fosters better communication and higher levels of productivity. With economic activity resuming, companies are expanding their operations and workforce, therefore businesses are forced to upgrade, expand or invest in larger office spaces.

• Technological Advancements and the Boom of AI

There is a huge emphasis on incorporating technological advancements and AI within businesses. These tools have allowed businesses to improve operations, streamline processes, empower employees to work more effectively as well as provided businesses with more insights to make informed decisions. Developments and improvements to existing CRE infrastructure must be considered when investing in property. These advancements also allow property owners to monitor their buildings more effectively.

• Sustainability and the Impact on our Planet

There is a growing concern about climate change and the impact that businesses have on the planet. Businesses have had to invest in alternative energy sources and greener operations to reduce carbon emissions. Sustainable real estate is becoming a non-negotiable for businesses. The CRE industry has had to consider investing in properties designed according to green building certifications and pay close attention to a building’s operational environmental performance such as energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

In summary, implementing energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable practices can reduce operating costs and enhance property value. Additionally, diversifying the portfolio across different properties and geographic areas can mitigate risks and capture businesses with different needs. Considering the capacity of a growing workforce can lead to better investing in the right properties.  Proactive property management ensures maintenance costs are minimised. Finally, leveraging technology for data analytics can provide insights for informed decision-making, ultimately enhancing overall investment performance.

Orion Real Estate is set to expand and elevate our commercial property portfolio with ambitious development plans for top properties that aim to transform the commercial real estate experience. With significant growth potential in development, we are leading the way in innovation and progress within the South African commercial property market.

The landscape of office property space in South Africa is undergoing a significant transformation, driven largely by the rise of remote work. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a trend that had already been gaining momentum: companies increasingly adopting flexible work models that reduce the need for traditional office space. As a result, the demand for office properties has seen a decline, leaving many office buildings vacant or underutilised.

In response to this shift, Orion Real Estate has taken a proactive and innovative approach by repurposing vacant office spaces into residential units. This strategy not only addresses the surplus of office space but also provides a much-needed solution to South Africa’s housing challenges, offering affordable, upmarket apartments tailored for young professionals and couples.

The Decline in Office Space Demand

The shift towards remote work has had a profound impact on the demand for office space. Many businesses have realised that their employees can be just as productive working from home, leading to a reduction in the need for large office spaces. Companies are downsizing their office footprints or adopting hybrid work models that require less permanent space.

This change has left a significant amount of office space vacant, especially in central business districts that were once bustling with activity. The decrease in demand has put pressure on property owners and developers to find new ways to utilise these spaces, as the traditional office leasing model becomes less viable.

Orion Real Estate’s Vision: Converting Office Spaces to Residential Units

Orion Real Estate has recognised the potential in this challenge and is leading the way in converting office spaces into residential units. By transforming unused office buildings into modern, affordable apartments, Orion is not only revitalising these properties but also contributing to the solution of a growing demand for quality housing in urban areas.

These new residential units are designed to meet the needs of young professionals and couples who are looking for convenient, stylish, and affordable living spaces close to city centres. The apartments offer modern amenities, are fully furnished, and are located in areas with easy access to public transport, making them an attractive option for those who want to live near their workplace or enjoy the benefits of city living.

Benefits of Office-to-Residential Conversions

1. Efficient Use of Space: Converting vacant office buildings into residential units makes efficient use of existing infrastructure, reducing the need for new construction and preserving urban spaces.
2. Affordable Housing: The conversion projects are aimed at providing affordable, upmarket apartments, addressing the housing shortage in South Africa’s urban areas. This is particularly important for young professionals and couples who are looking for modern living spaces at a reasonable cost.
3. Revitalising Urban Areas: By turning underutilised office spaces into vibrant residential communities, Orion Real Estate is helping to breathe new life into city centres that may have been affected by the decline in office occupancy. This revitalisation can lead to increased economic activity and improved quality of life in these areas.
4. Sustainable Development: Repurposing existing buildings for residential use is a more sustainable option than new construction, as it reduces the environmental impact associated with building from scratch.

A Forward-Thinking Approach

Orion Real Estate’s decision to convert office spaces into residential units is a forward-thinking approach that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. By adapting to the changing needs of the property market, Orion is not only preserving the value of its assets but also contributing to the development of sustainable and affordable housing in South Africa.

As the trend towards remote work continues to evolve, the demand for traditional office space is likely to remain subdued. However, with innovative solutions like Orion Real Estate’s office-to-residential conversions, there is a bright future for urban properties that are repurposed to meet the needs of a changing society.

For more information on Orion Real Estate’s conversion projects and available residential units, please visit our website or contact our team today.

The commercial property sector in South Africa is navigating a complex landscape shaped by economic pressures and evolving market demands as the country approaches its elections. With the backdrop of a slow economic growth and rising interest rates initiated in late 2021, the commercial property market is expected to experience varied performance across its major segments in 2023.

The office property sector, in particular, faces significant challenges, with high vacancy rates anticipated to rise further. This trend is attributed to several factors, including the adjustment of companies to remote work and a reduction in office space needs, alongside the broader impact of a weak economy on employment in office-bound sectors. Despite some workforce returning to office settings post-lockdown, the adoption of remote work and efficient space utilization practices like “hotelling” are expected to continue exerting pressure on demand for office spaces​ (Property24)​.

Conversely, the industrial property market shows relative resilience, deemed the most adaptable and affordable among the commercial property classes. It benefits from the increased focus on logistics, e-commerce, and warehousing, with demand for A-grade warehouse space particularly strong in certain areas. The industrial sector’s adaptability positions it well amidst financial pressures, though rising interest rates and economic weakening also impact this segment​ (Property24)​​ (Zawya)​.

The retail sector, facing a financially constrained consumer base, is likely to encounter more challenges in 2023. Factors such as slowing disposable income growth, higher interest rates, and cautious economic expansion contribute to a cautious outlook for retail properties. Nevertheless, a detailed understanding of consumer behaviour and market adaptation could mitigate some of these challenges​ (Property24)​.

Overall, the South African commercial property sector is at a critical juncture, with the upcoming elections adding a layer of uncertainty. How the sector navigates these challenges and adapts to the evolving economic and political landscape will be crucial for its trajectory in the coming years. The ability of commercial landlords to adjust to post-Covid-19 demands and economic pressures will play a significant role in the sector’s resilience and growth prospects.

In the face of South Africa’s slowly expanding economy, envisioning success in the property sector might seem ambitious. Yet, both investors and economic analysts are observing a promising rise in commercial property investment, signalling opportunities for both short-term gains and long-term growth.

Gerg Dart, Director of High Street Auctions, sheds light on the potential of commercial real estate, highlighting that with astute management, monthly rentals can generate significant income, running into millions. The transition from being merely an owner to a successful landlord, according to Dart, is crucial for tapping into these lucrative returns.

Success in property management extends beyond the mere collection of rent. Dart emphasizes the importance of mastering several key aspects to ensure profitability and sustainability in the commercial property market:

• Market Knowledge: Understanding your property’s position within the market and its target clientele is vital. Continuous market research and awareness of market trends distinguish successful landlords.
• Lease Agreement Expertise: Crafting a clear and comprehensive lease agreement lays the foundation for a positive landlord-tenant relationship, specifying the responsibilities and expectations of each party.
• Legal Compliance: Familiarity with local and national property regulations is essential to prevent legal issues that could be both costly and damaging to your reputation.
• Tenant Screening: The success of your property is directly tied to the quality of your tenants. Thorough vetting processes, including credit and reference checks, are crucial for securing reliable tenants.
• Maintenance Responsibility: Proactive maintenance planning not only ensures the longevity of the property but also communicates care and respect to tenants, managing their expectations effectively.
• Emergency Preparedness: The ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies is a mark of a reliable landlord.
• Technological Proficiency: Utilising modern property management software can streamline operations, enhancing efficiency in handling rent, invoices, and tenant communications.
• Building Relationships: Establishing a strong network within the industry and maintaining good relationships with brokers can significantly benefit your business.
• Financial Acumen: A thorough understanding of the property’s financials including all costs and expenses, underpins successful management. Implementing a robust accounting system is key.
• Adaptability: The commercial property landscape is ever-changing. Being adaptable and informed about market trends allows for strategic pivoting when necessary.
• Social Responsibility: Beyond profit, landlords have a duty to their community and environment, striving to support local businesses and contribute positively to society.

Orion Real Estate is committed to embodying these principles. Constantly striving to enhance our properties and nurture the communities around them. Our dedication is evident in the strong, lasting relationships we have built with our tenants. For more information on our available spaces and how we’re making a difference, visit our website at www.orionrealestate.co.za

GAUTENG LEADS THE RESURGENCE WITH INNOVATIVE PROPERTY SOLUTIONS

The commercial property landscape in South Africa is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in 2024, particularly in the province of Gauteng. While Cape Town showed resilience in the aftermath of the 2019 global pandemic Gauteng has exceeded expectations, reaffirming its status as the country’s financial powerhouse.

GAUTENG’S RISING OFFICE DEMAND: A SIGN OF ECONOMIC REVIVAL

A comprehensive analysis by Business Tech highlights an encouraging trend in the office rental sector. The demand for office space is steadily growing, fuelled by businesses resuming in-person operations and embracing hybrid working models. This shift indicates a revitalized confidence in the South African economy and a renewed appreciation for physical workspaces.

HOTSPOTS IN GAUTENG: MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE MODERN TENANTS

The demand surge is particularly notable in Gauteng’s prime areas such as Bryanston, Sandton, Rosebank, and Midrand. Tenants are gravitating towards multifaceted buildings that offer a blend of office space, residential accommodation, retail options, fitness centers, and more. This preference underscores a broader trend towards convenience and accessibility in commercial real estate choices.

THE REVIVAL OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: A BEACON OF HOPE

The uptick of occupancy rates across Gauteng, coupled with the return of many South Africans from abroad signals a robust revival of the office and commercial property sectors. Far from being stagnant, these markets are poised for significant growth in 2024.

THE REVIVAL OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: A BEACON OF HOPE

The uptick of occupancy rates across Gauteng, coupled with the return of many South Africans from abroad signals a robust revival of the office and commercial property sectors. Far from being stagnant, these markets are poised for significant growth in 2024.