# Write the brief before you search.

Canonical source: https://rivermarkproperty.com/tools/premises-search-brief/

Set out the premises your business needs, what can change and what would rule a property out. Leave with a brief you can use to compare options or discuss a search.

For businesses looking to rent or buyNo email requiredPrint or download a text file

## A useful first brief.

Start with how the business will use the space. A floor area on its own rarely tells the whole story.

Only business activity and search area need an answer. “Not decided” is fine. Other blanks become questions to resolve.

Answers stay in this page and are not sent to Rivermark. Download before leaving: reloading clears the editor. Your browser may retain its own form history.

Choosing an area? [Compare Harrow, Northwood, Northwood Hills and South Ruislip](https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/north-west-london-premises-locations/).

This editor needs JavaScript to assemble and download a brief. You can still use the questions below as a worksheet and print this page through your browser. Nothing is submitted.

Business and premises

Describe the activity before choosing a property label. Include customers, staff and equipment.

What will happen in the premises? (required)For example: a repair business with a workshop, parts storage and a customer collection desk. Do not include contact details.

Property type

Rent or buy?

Location and space

Name places and the journey that needs to work. Separate indoor floor space from land and yard requirements.

Where would you search? (required)Towns, station areas or named streets. If undecided, say where staff, customers or deliveries travel from.

How far could the search widen?For example: up to a 15-minute walk from a named station, tested at our opening time. This is your limit, not an estimated journey.

Minimum area, if known

Maximum area, if known

Area unitUse one basis for both figures. No conversion or staff-to-area estimate is made. Ask how the quoted area was measured.

Rooms, layout and outside spaceDesks, meeting rooms, sales area, storage, clear height, yard or court space. State which must be on the ground floor.

Costs and daily use

Record your own limits. This builder does not estimate the cost of taking premises.

Budget and what it coversInclude currency, month or year, and whether this means rent alone, total occupation costs or purchase price. Say if VAT is included or unknown.

Moving and fit-out allowanceA separate allowance for deposit, moving, equipment and works; leave blank if not set.

Staff and customer accessArrival times, step-free entrance and internal access, parking spaces and visit length. Separate staff parking from short customer visits.

Deliveries, loading and operating hoursLargest vehicle, frequency, unloading space, waste collections, opening hours and any noise or late activity.

Power, ventilation and other building needsEquipment loads, cooling, drainage, extraction or connectivity. Flag unknown technical needs for a specialist.

Priorities and timing

Essentials and reasons to rule a property outFor example: an independent entrance is essential; stairs to the customer area would rule it out.

Preferences you could changeState the trade-off: a wider area if loading space is better, or a smaller unit if storage is separate.

When do you need to be operating?Include any existing lease deadline, access for works and time to fit out. A move date is not a completion promise.

Properties considered and unanswered questionsRecord why an option worked or failed. Links are kept as plain text; this tool does not open or fetch them.

## Before you send a brief.

Read it as if you were comparing two properties. Could someone tell which criteria are essential, which are flexible and which still need an answer? “Good access” becomes more useful when you name the vehicle, journey or entrance you need.

A brief records your requirements. Planning permission, lease rights, condition, measured areas and technical capacity need checking for each property with the relevant professionals.

## When to discuss a search with Rivermark.

If you know the activity and a workable search area but need help finding and comparing premises, Rivermark can discuss the search, the information to request and the options to follow up. Keep your brief to hand for that conversation.

[How commercial property search works](https://rivermarkproperty.com/services/property-search-acquisition/) · [Finding office space](https://rivermarkproperty.com/services/office-search/)

[Discuss your premises search](https://rivermarkproperty.com/contact/#route=property-search-acquisition)

This opens the existing enquiry route. Your answers here are not attached or sent automatically.

## Guidance behind the questions.

The questions cover the premises specification, access, services and essential-versus-desirable distinction in [Business Wales’ guidance on choosing premises](https://businesswales.gov.wales/topics-and-guidance/business-tax-rates-and-premises/choose-right-premises-your-business). General preparation guidance checked 16 October 2026; property-specific advice belongs with your solicitor, surveyor and planning or technical advisers.