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A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING BUILD-TO-SUIT DEVELOPMENT

Table Of Contents

  • What exactly is a built to suit?
  • What are the benefits of a custom build?
  • What are the benefits of hiring a developer for a custom build?
  • What is the design process like?
  • What are the costs of a custom-built home?
  • What is the lease arrangement for a build-to-suit property?
  • What are the drawbacks of a custom-built home?
  • Read more in our BTS FAQ

Building to fit (BTS) properties entails doing all possible to satisfy the client’s operational and corporate requirements. Build to fit development is a fascinating process, spanning site selection through turnkey and complicated project completion.

However, before we go, it’s crucial to comprehend some of the fundamental components of a newly built fit commercial property.

What Exactly Is A Built-To-Suit?

A Custom-built commercial building that satisfies the architectural and physical requirements of one user is known as a “build to suit.”

These advances might take several forms:

Sale-leaseback: This procedure entails the tenant purchasing the property, taking on the responsibility of financing, and using a general contractor to design and build the structure. The property might then be bought by an investor and leased back by the tenant.

Employing a Developer: A tenant will engage a business developer following the company’s requirements. The risk associated with building the property the developer will buy, assume, and administer. Then, the owner/developer will lease the space to the tenant.

As a result of the building being made especially for the tenant, the property is often leased for a fixed time, usually longer.

What benefits do built-to-suit homes offer?

An attempt that is typically less hazardous and more cost-effective than certain development is a new build to fit development (not necessarily in terms of overall cost, simply cost-effectiveness). Several factors lead to this right away, including:

Since the tenants have a baseline to work off of, you know what to anticipate, and the buildings are often consistent or constant.

There is also essentially no leasing risk for the developer or owner. The tenancy agreement and the renter are known.

The property is created and constructed to meet the tenant’s demands, which is perhaps the main benefit of build-to-suit developments. It has already been highlighted, and the name of the type of development suggests as much. As a result, the tenant has a big say in the building’s planning and design. Ultimately, this strategy aids in:

  • Increase your available space.
  • Improve efficiency
  • Lower long-term costs

A tenant’s perfect home may be created, which helps them avoid choosing an existing building that might not match their unique needs and hence lack the necessary efficiency.

What benefits do developers provide when doing a build to suit?

It is possible to avoid the downsides of overseeing their creation if a tenant hires a commercial developer to satisfy their build-to-fit demands.

The developer will provide financial backing for the project’s development. Tenants may thus utilize it to support the company’s growth rather than investing resources in slowly appreciating real estate.

Additionally, the tenant receives a building that will enable them to reach their full potential while saving time and costs, allowing for future development.

Additionally, investing money in development projects isn’t always a good idea because most tenants want returns in the double digits but CAP and return rates are in the single figures.

What is the design process like?

Creating a commercial facility that adheres to a tenant’s requirements is the goal of a build-to-suit. It means that the tenants, architects, engineers, consultants, and the commercial developer work together during the design stage of the build to suit the process.

To fulfill business/corporate requirements, a tenant often has a limit to say in how the facility is designed.

But because the developer has a strong stake in the endeavor and is knowledgeable about the site’s particulars and zoning regulations, they will play a crucial part in the building design.

Standards set by the market are a crucial design factor. Investors and potential users may be less interested in a building if it is not “market standard” but is incredibly one-of-a-kind due to a tenant’s customized design.

How much does a build-to-suit cost?

To put it plainly, one of the most important but challenging aspects of estimating project expenses is construction.

There are many various considerations, but the reality is that build-to-suit initiatives may need a higher financial commitment than, for instance, renting existing space. However, the room and efficiency that projects are built to suit offer could help defray the price.

A variety of factors influence the specific expenses of a build-to-suit project. They might consist of:

  • Location
  • Size
  • Building Type
  • The Tenant’s Credit
  • Lease Duration
  • Municipal Regulations
  • Specific Enhancements
  • Current Market Situation

The exact design needs of the tenant are typically a crucial component in deciding the project’s cost.

How does a built-to-suit lease work?

Most build-to-suit projects are typically leased on a net basis, which means the tenant is liable for the property’s maintenance and administration expenses.

The length of the lease might be higher than usual. It is so that homes built to fit a single tenant’s needs may be tailored to their requirements. For a developer or landlord to receive an acceptable return on investment, they are frequently at least ten years long.

Generally speaking, a longer lease helps the developer secure more advantageous financing, resulting in a decrease in the rental rate.

What drawbacks does a built-to-suit have?

Depending on a tenant’s company strategy, some aspects of a new build to fit construction can be beneficial or not.

One downside of longer-term leasing agreements is that the renter must be prepared and willing to commit to extended periods.

Given the expenditures, renters need good credit to get finance and proceed with such improvements.

In addition, the costs and timelines associated with build-to-fit development might be high. To ensure that the facility will meet the long-term needs of the company, a tenant must be able to reasonably forecast growth plans.

Build-to-fit is ideal for companies looking to grow and develop a presence construction is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and beneficial commercial real estate development procedures.

However, it’s crucial to identify a developer and utilize their skills early before even beginning the process of a build-to-fit development, before design or site selection.

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