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Leasing Commission Per Square Foot Calculator

LC $/SF lets you compare deals across different sizes. This calculator converts total commission to a per-square-foot basis for quick benchmark.

$

LC per SF (total)

$5.00

LC per SF per year

$1.00

LC per year

$10,000

How the math works

LC $/SF enables apples-to-apples comparison between deals. A $50k commission on a 10,000 SF lease = $5/SF; on 5,000 SF = $10/SF. Same dollars, different costs.

Annualized LC ($/SF/year) is useful for DCF modeling — it shows the annual cost drag against gross rent. Institutional underwriters track this closely.

How to Use

  1. Enter total leasing commission.
  2. Enter square footage leased.
  3. Enter lease term in years.
  4. Read $/SF total and $/SF/year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's typical LC $/SF?

Office: $2-$8/SF total for 5-year leases. Retail: $3-$10/SF for 10-year. Industrial: $1-$4/SF for 5-10 year. Double for new deals vs renewals; concessions-heavy markets push higher.

When is it too high?

If LC exceeds 10-15% of total lease value (rent × term), you're overpaying brokers. Reset rates or go direct-to-tenant for the next round.

How do renewals compare?

Renewal LC typically 50-60% of new-deal LC. Broker does less work (no tour, no pitch). Smart LLs negotiate a flat renewal rate schedule with their exclusive agent upfront.

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