Answers · Build-to-suit (develop-to-suit)
What is build-to-suit (or develop-to-suit)?
Direct answer
Build-to-suit (or develop-to-suit) is where a property partner funds, acquires and builds a facility around a business's operational requirements, then leases it to that business long term. The business gets a purpose-built premises without tying up capital in land or construction.
It's the answer when nothing on the market fits — the wrong size, height, location or yard. Instead of compromising on an existing building, the business briefs a partner on what it needs, and the partner manages the land, funding, design and construction, then holds the completed asset and leases it back.
The lease is usually agreed before construction starts — a pre-commitment — which lets the partner proceed knowing the building has a home. The trade-off is lead time: land, design, approvals and construction take months. The reward is a building that fits precisely, on long tenure, with the development risk and capital sitting with the partner rather than the business.
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