If you ask most business owners how long they think it takes to lease commercial space, you’ll usually hear something like “a month or two.”
In reality, 90 to 180 days is far more common — and sometimes longer.
The timeline isn’t slow because commercial real estate is complicated. It’s slow because most people underestimate how many decisions have to be made before a lease can actually be signed.
Here’s what really determines how long the process takes.
The Real Commercial Leasing Timeline (Step by Step)
Leasing commercial space isn’t one step — it’s a sequence. Miss one, and everything backs up.
Step 1: Clarifying Your Requirements (1–3 Weeks)
Before you ever tour a space, you need clarity on things most business owners gloss over:
How the space will actually function day-to-day
Whether employees, customers, vendors, or deliveries are involved
How much growth you need to plan for
What you’re realistically willing to spend each month
This step takes longer when:
multiple partners are involved
leadership hasn’t aligned internally
growth plans are unclear
Businesses that skip this step usually circle back to it later — costing time and momentum.
Step 2: Searching & Touring Spaces (2–6 Weeks)
Once criteria are defined, the search itself should be focused.
This phase slows down when:
too many spaces are toured
criteria change mid-search
decision-makers aren’t present at tours
Touring 20 spaces doesn’t lead to better outcomes. It usually leads to confusion.
The fastest deals happen when business owners narrow the field quickly and move forward with intent.
Step 3: Negotiating Terms & Reviewing the Lease (3–5 Weeks)
This is where expectations and reality often collide. Commercial leases are not standardized. Every deal is different.
Time here depends on:
lease length
rent structure
maintenance responsibilities
renewal options
tenant improvement allowances
Delays usually come from:
unanswered questions
attorneys reviewing the lease too late
unclear expectations between landlord and tenant
The more transparent the landlord and broker, the faster this stage moves.
Step 4: Due Diligence & Approvals (2–4 Weeks)
Before signing, there’s often additional work happening behind the scenes:
zoning confirmation
use approvals
insurance requirements
lender involvement (if applicable)
This step is easy to overlook — and easy to underestimate.
Step 5: Buildout, Permitting & Move-In (0–16+ Weeks)
This phase varies the most. Some spaces are move-in ready. Others require:
construction
permitting
inspections
utility upgrades
Even minor improvements can stretch timelines when cities, contractors, or inspectors get involved. This is where starting early matters most.
Why Leasing Takes Longer Than Business Owners Expect
Most delays are self-inflicted. Common reasons include:
starting the search too late
changing needs halfway through
underestimating buildout time
slow internal decision-making
The space isn’t usually the problem. The planning is.
So, How Long Should You Plan For?
As a rule of thumb:
Move-in ready space: 60–90 days
Light buildout: 90–120 days
Heavy buildout: 120–180+ days
Planning for the longer end of the range gives you flexibility.
The Bottom Line
Leasing commercial space takes time because the decisions matter.
Starting early, staying focused, and working with people who do this the right way keeps the process from becoming chaotic or rushed.
You’re in business to grow. Your space should support that — not slow it down.
