Richard Rafique, commercial managing director at Bradley Hall, reveals the benefits of a sale and leaseback transaction – and how it can help your business.

Sale and leaseback transactions stand out as a mutually beneficial arrangement for both business owners and occupiers and savvy investors. This transaction involves two distinct, yet interconnected, processes – the sale of a property followed by its leaseback to the seller, typically the operating business.

Seller’s perspective

For the business-owner or seller, embracing the sale and leaseback approach becomes a strategic move to leverage the capital value of their property. This entails selling the property to an investor while securing a leaseback arrangement, allowing the business to continue its operations within the premises for an agreed-upon lease term. Notably, the leaseback component enhances the property’s value, offering a secure income stream for the investor and ensuring stability for the seller’s occupational business.

This innovative financial manoeuvre injects cash into the business, serving as an alternative to conventional bank financing, or other loan options. Unlike refinancing, this method enables the seller to realize 100% of the property’s value – a notable advantage compared to the approximate 70% achievable through refinancing.

Moreover, the rent payments under the leaseback arrangement may prove more economical than high-interest finance rates. Additionally, the fully tax-deductible nature of the rent further enhances its attractiveness compared to loans, where only interest is tax-deductible. The sale aspect not only crystallises the property’s capital value at the sale date, but also shields against the risk of value fluctuations when the property is used as security for a loan over an extended period.

Buyer’s perspective

From the investor’s viewpoint, the sale-leaseback strategy is alluring. It involves the creation of a new lease, maintaining its full term at current Market Rent levels. The lessee, typically a business with a proven trading history, commits to the location and often reinvests the transaction funds to fuel further business growth and expansion.

Is it time for a sale leaseback consideration?

If you’re contemplating injecting capital into your business for various purposes such as expansion, acquiring new equipment, property enhancements, hiring staff, or debt repayment, the sale and leaseback process merits serious consideration. Separating the sale of your business property from the business itself may unlock additional value, particularly in a robust market with high values and strong buyer demand. The opportune market dynamics present an ideal moment to maximize the value derived from this strategic financial move.

For more information, contact Richard at [email protected]

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