Guide
Buying vs. leasing commercial space in Tega Cay
Real monthly costs for six suites, the reasons to own or lease, and the questions that decide it.
By Kuester Commercial · Updated November 2, 2026
For a business that plans to stay put, owning its space can cost less each month than leasing it, and every payment builds equity. Leasing still makes sense in some situations. Here’s how to compare the two, using real suites in Tega Cay.
Owning vs. leasing at Windhaven Commercial
| Suite | Price | 10% down | Own, est. | Lease at $32/SF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suite 103 (1,213 SF) | $327,510 | $32,800 | $2,110/mo | $3,230/mo |
| Suite 104 (1,241 SF) | $335,070 | $33,500 | $2,160/mo | $3,310/mo |
| Suite 105 (1,728 SF) | $466,560 | $46,700 | $3,000/mo | $4,610/mo |
| Suite 106 (1,206 SF) | $325,620 | $32,600 | $2,090/mo | $3,220/mo |
| Suite 107 (1,244 SF) | $335,880 | $33,600 | $2,160/mo | $3,320/mo |
| Suite 108 (1,321 SF) | $356,670 | $35,700 | $2,290/mo | $3,520/mo |
Ownership estimate assumes an SBA 504 loan: 10% down, 50% bank loan at 7.25% and 40% SBA debenture at 6.97% (Oct. 2026), 25-year terms. Excludes taxes, insurance, dues, upfit and closing costs. Lease at $32/SF, in line with CoStar’s York County office asking rent of $32.20/SF (Q4 2026).
Reasons to own
- A monthly payment that can run below comparable rent
- Equity that grows as you pay down the loan, plus any appreciation
- Control over your space, with no landlord deciding on renewals or rent increases
- A fixed rate on the SBA portion, so a large part of your payment doesn’t rise
- Potential tax benefits such as depreciation; talk with your CPA
Reasons to lease
- You need to keep cash for equipment and operations instead of a down payment
- You’re unsure how much space you’ll need in a few years
- You may relocate, or the business is still proving its market
Questions to ask before you decide
How long will you stay?
The longer you plan to be in one place, the more owning tends to pay off.
What can you put down?
Most owner-occupied buyers need 10% to 20% down with an SBA 504 loan.
What will the build-out cost?
Owners and tenants both pay for build-out in a shell space; owners can often finance it with the purchase.
What are the full costs?
Add taxes, insurance and association dues to the loan payment, and compare against rent plus your share of operating costs.
Questions
Common questions
Is it cheaper to buy or lease commercial space?
For an owner-occupied business with an SBA 504 loan, the monthly payment can be lower than comparable rent. At Windhaven Commercial, owning Suite 106 runs about $2,090 a month versus about $3,220 to lease, before taxes, insurance and dues.
How much do I need to buy a commercial condo?
Usually 10% down with an SBA 504 loan for an established business, 15% to 20% for startups or special-purpose property, plus closing costs and any build-out not financed.
When does leasing make more sense?
When you need to keep cash for operations, expect to move or change size soon, or your business is still proving its market.
Sources
- Windhaven Commercial pricing; SBA 504 rate estimates as of October 2026.
- CoStar, York County office market asking rent, Q4 2026.
See the numbers for a real suite
Six suites at Windhaven Commercial in Tega Cay are for sale from 1,206 SF, with layouts for 20 business types.