A few carrots are healthy for your CRE property
When it comes to commercial real estate, there are a few key issues that are of great importance to potential tenants: location, foot traffic, competitor tenants, rents, accessibility, and space size. Many tenants, though, may find several properties all ticking off the right amount of checks—and their decision may come down to exploring which landlord is willing to make some concessions.
At the same time, landlords and owners may be frustrated at not being able to attract any tenant to a vacant space that has been available for some time. Again, the answer may be to look at concessions that can suddenly make a property more desirable.
What is a concession?
In the most basic of terms, a concession is a compromise between the landlord and tenant, one that usually involves the landlord offering something as a “giveback” to get the tenant to sign the lease. Normally, concessions make sense in order to quickly fill a vacancy, at lease-renewal time, during a slow market, or when a property is first entering the market.
While a concession is often viewed as a cost to the landlord, that cost can be offset over the duration of the lease. In addition, before offering anything or everything, it’s imperative to research competitive properties, concessions that are working in similar properties, concessions that make sense for specific businesses, and ones that make sense in a changing marketplace.
What are some of the most common concessions?
Concessions come in all shapes and sizes, and many are changing with the times. Regardless of the concession(s) offered, though, it’s important to spell out the details in a strong lease document. Let’s look at some examples:
- By far, the most common is to offer some sort of rent deal, such as first month free. This can either be negotiated as an actual first month free or by applying the discount over the course of a 12-month period. Similarly, rent discounts can also be offered to a strong tenant at the time of lease renewal. While some may interpret this as a huge giveaway, collecting a discounted rent is far more profitable than collecting no rent at all.
- Available space may not be exactly perfect for a potential tenant. Shelving, tables, interior traffic flow may need to be adjusted—and some landlords are willing to increase the Tenant Improvement Allowance to between $20 and $50 per square foot.
- Start-up and pop-up businesses are always looking for ways to get their feet in the door, but long-term leases often either don’t work or are too much of a commitment. Offering short-term lease options can help sway their decision.
- Relocating a business to a new space can be an expensive undertaking—and for some ideal tenants, landlords have found it worthwhile to help offset those costs with a negotiated Move-In Allowance.
- Amenities go a long way in the residential market, so it makes sense that they can go just as far in the commercial arena. Upgrades and services can include Internet access and speed, adopting green measures, designated parking spaces, security measures, landscaping, excellent maintenance and cleanliness of common areas, and even services for employees who bike to work.
Which concessions work for you?
Of course, each concession has its share of pros and cons for landlords and tenants. That’s why it’s important to work with a skilled team that not only knows the market but also knows the concessions that make sense—so both parties can lease happily. The professionals at Morris Southeast Group are that team, and have a winning record of representing owners and tenants in property searches and lease negotiations. To learn more about owner and tenant representation, property investment opportunities, and/or other services, call Morris Southeast Group at 954.474.1776. You can also reach Ken Morris directly at 954.240.4400 or via email at kenmorris@morrissegroup.com.
Tags: commercial real estate, concession, Concessions to Lure Tenants, CRE Investment, CRE property, landlord, lure new tenants to a vacant property
