Whole shoplots and standalone retail buildings for rent

1. Approved use of each floor. The upper floors may be approved for a different use from the ground floor. Using them for dining, treatment rooms or guest rooms may need a change of use. Check with the council (DBKL, MBPJ or MBSJ) before you sign.
2. Building approvals. Ask for the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), or the older Certificate of Fitness, and look for extensions that may not be approved.
3. Fire safety. Your trade and the number of people on each floor affect what the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) will require. Get advice before you plan the layout.
4. Lift or stairs. Most older shoplots have no lift. Adding one needs structural checks and approvals, so factor in the time and cost.
5. Services. Check power capacity, water points, an exhaust route if you cook upstairs, and the condition of the roof and waterproofing.
6. Repairs, deposit and tenancy length. Agree who repairs the roof and structure, and negotiate a tenancy long enough to earn back a larger fit-out. Our guide to lifts, fire, signage, lease and deposit for a whole shoplot covers these points.

• Chinatown, Petaling Street and Jalan Sultan: pre-war shophouses suited to boutique hotels, dining and concept stores.
• Chow Kit, Jalan TAR and Jalan Raja Laut: older main-road buildings in the city with heavy walking traffic.
• Pudu and Imbi: city-fringe buildings close to Bukit Bintang hotels and offices.
• Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI): an affluent family neighbourhood where medical and dining brands look for whole buildings.

Whole-building rents vary widely with the number of floors, condition and location, so MCE quotes them case by case rather than as a range. Whole buildings rarely come up, and owners often prefer a single strong tenant they are introduced to. Brands can see how we search for them on our brands page.