Clinic Space: Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions physicians, dentists, allied health practitioners and building owners ask most often about medical and clinic space in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara.
Unfamiliar with a lease term? See the Clinic Lease Glossary.
Steven McCarthy, Real Estate Sales Representative
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc., Brokerage
Finding and Assessing Space
How much space does my clinic need?
Start from how the clinic will run, not from a number. Count exam or treatment rooms per practitioner, then add reception, waiting, staff, storage, sterilization or lab space, and washrooms. A family practice, a dental office and a physiotherapy clinic all need very different layouts. I work it out with you room by room before we look at anything.
Is any office space allowed to be used as a clinic?
No. Both the municipal zoning and the lease must permit medical or clinic use. Some buildings also restrict medical tenants, or limit uses that involve higher traffic or medical waste. We confirm permitted use early, before you spend time or money on a space.
What makes a space suitable for health care?
Plumbing that can reach every exam room, accessible entrances and washrooms, enough parking close to the door, adequate ventilation and electrical capacity, sound privacy between rooms, and visibility for patients. A space that looks fine as an office can be very costly to convert.
Can you find space that is not publicly advertised?
Often, yes. Some of the best medical space is leased through landlord and broker relationships before it is widely marketed. I keep in touch with owners of medical and professional buildings across the region so you hear about suitable space early.
Leases
Who pays to build out a clinic?
It is negotiated. Landlords often contribute through a tenant improvement allowance, a period of free rent, or by doing some of the work themselves. Medical build-outs cost more than ordinary office fit-ups, so the allowance and who owns the improvements at the end of the lease are worth negotiating carefully.
Which lease clauses matter most for a clinic?
Permitted use and exclusivity, relocation and demolition rights, assignment and change-of-control (important if you plan to sell or bring in partners), responsibility for HVAC and plumbing, after-hours access, signage, and the terms for renewal. These are covered in more detail on the Medical Real Estate page.
What if my practice changes during the lease?
Plan for it up front. Renewal and expansion options, a right of first refusal on neighbouring space, and fair assignment and sublet terms give you room to grow, retire or sell without being trapped.
How long should a clinic lease be?
Long enough to recover what you spend on the build-out, with options to renew so you keep control of the location. Five to ten years with renewal options is common for medical space, but the right term depends on your plans.
Buying or Leasing
Should my practice buy or lease?
Leasing keeps your capital in the practice and gives flexibility. Buying gives control and long-term equity, but ties up money and makes you the landlord. The answer depends on your stage of career, your partners, and how long you expect to stay. I can walk you through the trade-offs and the properties available either way.
How should we own the property if we buy?
Ownership structure has tax, liability and succession consequences, especially for incorporated professionals and group practices. Speak with your accountant and lawyer before you buy. I am happy to work alongside them.
Do you help building owners as well?
Yes. I help owners of medical and professional buildings understand what health care tenants need, position their space, and lease it to suitable clinics.
This page is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice.
How I Am Paid, and Next Steps
What does it cost me to work with you?
In most commercial leases the landlord pays the real estate commission, so tenants often pay nothing directly. Every situation is different, so how I am paid is explained and agreed in writing before any work begins.
How do we get started?
Book a free 30-minute conversation about your space needs. There is no cost and no obligation.
Steven McCarthy, Real Estate Sales Representative
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc., Brokerage
Member of The Loya Group
2180 Itabashi Way, Unit 4A, Burlington, ON L7M 5A5
289-442-2851 · steven@rayloya.com
Each office independently owned and operated.