SimplySolvd

Sale-leaseback: sell your building, keep your business where it is.

In a sale-leaseback, you sell the commercial property your business operates from and sign a lease to stay. You get the equity in cash, the business doesn't move, and customers never notice a change. The price is driven mainly by the lease you sign, so rent, term, and who pays expenses are negotiated alongside the price. We buy owner-occupied buildings as sale-leasebacks directly and privately.

How it works, step by step

  1. You share the property details and the rent your business can comfortably pay.
  2. We propose a price and lease terms together.
  3. Due diligence on the building — title, condition, environmental as needed.
  4. At closing, the sale and the new lease are signed at the same time. You keep operating.

Who it fits

The trade-offs, honestly

You give up future appreciation and control of the property, and you take on rent. If your business depends on staying in that exact location for decades, negotiate long renewal options. If you'd rather keep building equity and don't need the cash, holding may be the better call.

What we need to make an offer

The address, building size and type, a rough idea of the rent you'd be comfortable paying, and your price expectation. If other tenants share the building, include the rent roll.

Own your building? Get a private sale-leaseback offer — keep operating, unlock the equity.

Tell us about the property and we'll follow up discreetly. No public listing, no commissions, no pressure — or text us at 202-932-7527.

Prefer to read first? Browse the selling guides

Frequently asked questions

What is a sale-leaseback?
You sell the property your business occupies and, at closing, sign a lease to stay. The buyer owns the building; you keep operating in the same location as a tenant, with the equity turned into cash.
Why would a business owner do a sale-leaseback?
To free up cash tied up in real estate — for growth, paying down debt, buying out a partner, or retirement planning — without moving or disrupting the business.
How is the price set?
Mostly by the lease. A buyer values the building on the rent it will collect, the lease length, and the tenant's strength. Higher rent or a longer term generally supports a higher price, so price and lease terms are negotiated together.
How long is the lease?
It's negotiated. Longer terms with renewal options are common because they give you stability in your location and give the buyer predictable income.
Is rent tax-deductible?
Rent paid by a business is generally a deductible business expense, but the full tax picture — including gain on the sale — depends on your situation. Talk to your CPA before you commit.
What if I want to sell the business later?
Build that into the lease. An assignment clause lets a future buyer of your business take over the lease, which makes your business easier to sell.