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The Global Insight

How do build to suit leases work?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on February 14, 2026

In simple terms, a build-to-suit lease is a type of commercial real estate leasing arrangement under which a developer or landlord agrees to construct a property according to the lessee’s requirements, and the lessee agrees to lease the property from the developer upon its completion.

What is a build to suit deal?

A Build to Suit (BTS) is where a commercial property tenant enters into an agreement with a developer or landowner to construct a new, custom-built facility for lease. Once completed, the tenant typically becomes the sole occupant.

What is lease construction?

Leasing Construction Equipment Leasing combines some of the benefits of both renting and buying. Lease options vary but are typically for a year or more. Leasing involves less cost upfront since you typically don’t have to make a down payment and it also frees up capital and doesn’t tie up credit lines.

Will build to suit meaning?

Build to suit is a type of real estate transaction where a property owner or developer will construct a building for sale or lease that will be built to the tenant’s or buyer’s specifications.

Is a reverse build to suit a ground lease?

This term is often considered synonymous with “leasable area.” Reverse build-to-suit lease: An arrangement in which a tenant constructs a building for itself, using funds ultimately provided by the landlord, and upon completion occupies the building as a tenant under a long term lease.

What happens at the end of a ground lease?

At the end of the lease term, the landlord retains ownership of the improvements made by the tenant. The landlord gives up use of the land for a long period of time and also risks the loss of the property if the tenant uses it as collateral for a loan.

Is lease the same as rent?

The key difference between lease and rent is their duration. Whereas a lease remains valid for the period of time specified in the agreement, a rental agreement covers a short-term period that is not necessarily stated. For example, you and your long-term partner may sign a lease agreement that lasts one year.

How does a build to suit differ from a sale leaseback?

A build to suit is a commercial building specifically constructed to meet the design and physical specifications of one particular user. Sale-leaseback: In this process, a tenant will acquire the land, assume the liability of financing, and hire a general contractor to plan and construct the building.

How does ground lease work?

A ground lease involves leasing land for a long-term period—typically for 50 to 99 years—to a tenant who constructs a building on the property. The ground lease defines who owns the land, and who owns the building, and improvements on the property.

In what field are ground leases most often used?

Ground leases are also often called land leases, as landlords lease out the land only. Although they are used primarily in the commercial space, ground leases differ greatly from other types of commercial leases like those found in shopping complexes and office buildings.

How are ground leases calculated?

Ground Lease PV Valuation – To calculate the value of the ground lease, we take the present value of all ground lease payments plus the reversion value of the ground lease at maturity. Discount Rate – The discount rate at which to calculate the present value of the ground lease cash flows.

What happens if a lease runs out?

If you have a leasehold flat, you do NOT have ownership of it. At all times the ownership of the property remains with the freeholder (landlord). When a lease runs out, you no longer have tenancy, and the freeholder has full use of the property again.

What is the difference between a lease and a ground lease?

Like an ordinary lease, under a ground lease a tenant or lessee pays rent to a landlord or lessor and receives in return a right to possession and use of the property for the time period covered by the rent. During the ground lease term, the tenant will typically own and depreciate the improvements.