How accurate is Locatalyze?

Our scoring model is validated against reported outcomes. GO verdicts (70+) have a 94% alignment rate with self-reported business success at 6-month follow-up.

How does the GO/CAUTION/NO verdict work?

Scores above 70 = GO (strong opportunity). 45–69 = CAUTION (proceed carefully). Below 45 = NO (avoid this location). Scoring weights: Rent 30%, Profitability 25%, Competition 25%, Demographics 20%.

What data sources does Locatalyze use?

Locatalyze uses Australian demographic data, commercial rent benchmarks, foot traffic signals, and live competitor mapping to analyse any address across Australia.

How long does a report take?

Most reports are ready in under 60 seconds. Enter your business type and address — the AI analyses the location and returns a full feasibility report instantly.

Locatalyze/Blog/Strategy

StrategyMarch 7, 2026 · 8 min read

The Complete Location Analysis Checklist for Australian Startups

Location analysis for a new business typically takes 2–4 weeks when done properly. This checklist covers every step — so you do not miss the one thing that would have told you the site would not work.

ChecklistStrategyStartups

Phase 1: Market and suburb research (Week 1)

Week 1 checklist

Define your target customer: age, income, lifestyle, purchase frequency

Run ABS suburb data for your target area — median income, age profile, household type

Identify 6–10 candidate suburbs that match your customer profile

Run a Locatalyze analysis on 2–3 specific addresses in each suburb

Eliminate suburbs where competition-to-demand ratio is unfavourable

Shortlist to 3–4 suburbs for detailed investigation

Phase 2: On-the-ground research (Week 1–2)

Site visits checklist

Visit at your key trading time window (e.g. 7:30am Tuesday for a café)

Conduct manual foot traffic count for 10–15 minutes

Walk 500m in each direction from the site

Identify every direct competitor within 500m

Observe competitor trading levels at your peak time

Check Google reviews and ratings for each competitor

Talk to at least 2 neighbouring non-competing business owners

The checklist approach ensures you do not miss the variable that would have changed the decision.

Phase 3: Financial modelling (Week 2)

Financial analysis checklist

1
Calculate projected daily transaction count from foot traffic and capture rate
2
Calculate projected monthly revenue using transaction count × average spend
3
Calculate rent as % of projected revenue — must be under 12%
4
Model year 1 with a ramp-up period (assume 40–60% of steady-state revenue in months 1–3)
5
Calculate working capital requirement to sustain ramp-up period
6
Get 2–3 comparable rent quotes from neighbouring premises to validate asking rent
7
Get a preliminary quote for fit-out from a commercial fit-out company

Phase 4: Legal and final review (Week 3–4)

Legal and final checks

Engage a commercial tenancy solicitor to review the lease

Check council development applications for the area (potential upcoming changes)

Confirm permitted use definition covers your full intended concept

Understand the rent review mechanism over the full lease term

Negotiate rent-free period and any fit-out incentive

Confirm make-good obligation is clearly defined and capped

Understand personal guarantee scope before signing

The final sign-off test

Before signing: 1. Does the rent-to-revenue ratio work? (under 12%) 2. Does the competition-to-demand ratio work? 3. Have you visited at your key trading time? 4. Has a solicitor reviewed the lease? 5. Do you have sufficient working capital for a 12-month ramp-up? If any of these is no — do not sign yet.