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Created Jun 14, 2025 by Bell Bumgarner@bellbumgarnerMaintainer

What is a Gross Leasable Area In Commercial Real Estate?


When it pertains to industrial genuine estate, comprehending the complex metrics and measurements involved is crucial. One such important principle is the Gross Leasable Area (GLA), which is regularly utilized and integral to realty. Understanding what GLA is, its significance, and how it's determined can make a considerable difference in your business residential or commercial property transactions.

GLA is a main consider identifying rental rates, comparing residential or commercial properties, and forecasting prospective profits for both property managers and renters. It helps create a level playing field when comparing different residential or commercial properties and clarifies the industrial residential or commercial property area. So, exactly what does GLA indicate, and why does it hold such importance?
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Understanding Gross Leasable Area

Gross Leasable Area, typically called GLA, describes the overall flooring location created for occupant tenancy and special use. It consists of the base area of the property plus any mezzanines, terraces, or loft locations that the tenant can make use of. GLA excludes locations that are devoted to the typical locations of the structure, such as lobbies, washrooms, stairwells, elevator shafts, and mechanical rooms.

The Importance of GLA for Projecting Potential Revenues

In business realty, among the essential considerations for property owners and investors is the possible profits a residential or commercial property can produce. This earnings is mainly figured out by the rental rates, which are generally priced quote on a per-square-foot basis. Therefore, the more leasable square video a residential or commercial property has, the more income it can create.

For example, consider an industrial building with a GLA of 20,000 square feet. If the average rental rate in the area is $30 per square foot each year, the building could produce annual gross profits of $600,000.

How to Calculate Gross Leasable Area - BOMA Standards

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) sets the requirements for measuring GLA. According to BOMA, the GLA of an industrial residential or commercial property need to include all renter areas, including mezzanines, balconies, or loft locations. It needs to omit common areas such as lobbies, bathrooms, stairwells, elevator shafts, and mechanical spaces.

Here's how you can calculate GLA according to BOMA requirements:

Measure the Gross Area: Start by measuring the overall location of the structure, including both leasable and typical locations. You can do this utilizing building plans or architectural drawings. Deduct Common Areas: Subtract the location dedicated to common areas from the gross location. This will give you the GLA. Factors Affecting Gross Leasable Area in Commercial Properties

Several factors can impact the GLA of a business residential or commercial property. They consist of:

Building Design and Layout: The design and design of a building can significantly affect its GLA. For instance, a structure with a more effective layout that reduces common locations can have a greater GLA. Local Building Codes and Regulations: Local building regulations and policies may dictate how much of a building's total location can be designated as a leasable area. Renovations and Alterations: Any restorations or modifications to a building can change its GLA. For example, transforming a typical area into a leasable space can increase the GLA. GLA vs. Rentable Area: What's the Difference?

GLA and Rentable Areas typically require clarification however represent different things in commercial real estate. While GLA describes the overall floor location designed for tenant tenancy and special usage, Rentable Area includes the GLA plus a pro-rata share of the structure's typical locations.

For instance, if a tenant rents a 2,000-square-foot suite in a building with 200 square feet of common areas, their Rentable Area would be 2,000 square feet (GLA) plus their share of the common locations.

GLA for Tenants: Net Leasable Area (NLA) vs. Gross Leasable Area

From a renter's point of view, the Net Leasable Area (NLA) might be a more relevant metric. The NLA is the part of the GLA that the occupant can in fact utilize for their operations. It omits areas within the rented facilities that the renter can not utilize, such as structural elements, interior walls, and utility closets.

For example, a tenant may lease an area with a GLA of 2,000 square feet. However, after deducting the location of interior walls and utility closets, they might only have an NLA of 1,800 square feet to utilize for their operations.

Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring GLA

When determining the Gross Leasable Area of a residential or commercial property, accuracy is critical. A small mistake can substantially affect the evaluation of a residential or commercial property and its forecasted earnings. Here are some of the most typical mistakes made during the GLA estimation procedure and how to sidestep them:

Relying Solely on Old Blueprints: Residential or commercial property designs can alter with time due to remodellings or redesigns. Always verify the precision of any old architectural drawings by comparing them to the existing state of the residential or commercial property. Misidentifying Common Areas: Incorrectly classifying specific spaces as either leasable or common can skew your GLA. For circumstances, improperly including a shared hallway as part of the GLA can inflate the leasable area figure. Ignoring Local Standards: Different areas or jurisdictions may have their own standards on what makes up GLA. Make certain you understand and sticking to local guidelines and market standards. Overlooking Vertical Spaces: Mezzanines, balconies, or loft locations can often be forgotten in the GLA estimation. Ensure that all occupiable spaces, both horizontal and vertical, are consisted of. Using Inaccurate Measurement Tools: Using outdated or miscalibrated tools can cause inaccurate measurements. Regularly inspect and adjust your tools, and think about embracing digital tools that use greater accuracy. Negotiating Leases with GLA in Mind

The Gross Leasable Area is more than simply a metric - it's an effective negotiating tool in the realm of commercial realty. Understanding its complexities can use a competitive edge for both landlords and occupants. Here's how:

Setting Competitive Rates: By comprehending the precise GLA, property owners can set per-square-foot rates that are both competitive in the market and successful for them. Flexible Space Allocation: With a clear concept of GLA and common areas, landlords can provide flexibility to possible renters by possibly reconfiguring spaces to fit tenants' needs. Transparency: Providing clear and precise GLA measurements can foster trust with potential tenants, making them more likely to seal the deal.

Assessing Value for Money: Knowing the GLA permits to precisely compare various residential or commercial properties, guaranteeing they're getting the very best worth for their money. Bargaining Power: If there's a discrepancy between the marketed GLA and the actual space, occupants can utilize this as a bargaining chip to work out lower leas or other concessions. Optimal Space Utilization: Tenants can prepare their area more effectively by comprehending both the GLA and NLA. This ensures they're using every square foot they're paying for effectively.

Both parties should constantly make sure that GLA calculations and representations in lease contracts are clear, transparent, and in line with market standards to avoid possible disagreements or misconceptions down the line.

In the elaborate world of industrial property, understanding the details and subtleties of metrics like the Gross Leasable Area is more than simply a necessity-it's a competitive advantage.

Whether it's ensuring accuracy in estimations, avoiding common mistakes, or leveraging GLA understanding in lease negotiations, the advantages of mastering this metric are manifold.

For property owners and financiers, GLA supplies the structure for setting optimum rental rates and optimizing profits. For tenants, a keen understanding of GLA, Rentable Area, and Net Leasable Area ensures that they make informed decisions and utilize their rented spaces effectively.

In a market where every square foot counts, being well-versed in GLA ideas is critical to accomplishing success.

FAQ Section

What does Gross Leasable Area represent in commercial property?

GLA represents the total flooring location created for tenant occupancy and exclusive use, leaving out common areas like lobbies, toilets, stairwells, elevator shafts, and mechanical spaces.

How is Gross Leasable Area different from Rentable Area and Net Leasable Area?

GLA omits common areas, while Rentable Area consists of GLA plus a pro-rata share of the building's typical locations. NLA is the portion of the GLA that a tenant can actually use for their operations.

Why is Gross Leasable Area important in predicting potential leas and profits?

GLA is necessary due to the fact that rental rates are usually quoted per square foot. Therefore, the more leasable square video footage a residential or commercial property has, the more profits it can generate.

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