Plan 4–8 months end-to-end: 4 weeks scoping, 6–10 weeks shortlist and tours, 6–10 weeks LOI and lease negotiation, then 12–20 weeks fit-out before first occupancy.
Plan 4–8 months end-to-end: 4 weeks scoping, 6–10 weeks shortlist and tours, 6–10 weeks LOI and lease negotiation, then 12–20 weeks fit-out">fit-out before first occupancy.
1. Define occupancy economics in a spreadsheet first. 2. Lock the headcount and work-style assumptions. 3. Use the Office Space Calculator to size the requirement. 4. Identify the corporate entity, signatories, and credit support strategy.
5. Engage a tenant-rep broker who has worked Calgary for 5+ years. 6. Tour 8–12 buildings; shortlist 3–5. 7. Demand a side-by-side that compares all candidates on identical assumptions.
8. Issue LOI with the full economic package — base rent, free rent, TI, escalations, options. 9. Negotiate to lease in 6–10 weeks. 10. Coordinate with local counsel on regional-specific provisions. Triple-net (NNN) structures with operating cost recoveries and property tax pass-throughs. 5-10 year terms standard. Free rent of 14-20 months and TI of CAD 60-90/sqft typical on a 10-year Class A deal. Most generous concession environment in major Canadian markets.
11. Run procurement in parallel with lease negotiation where possible. 12. Tie rent commencement to construction completion on heavy fit-outs. 13. Plan a 4-week ramp-up before peak occupancy.
| city | Calgary |
|---|---|
| country | Canada |
| region | Americas |
| classARentLocal | 32 CAD/sqft/yr |
| classARentUsd | $23/sqft/yr |
| vacancy | 28.4% |
| typicalLeaseYears | 10 |
| typicalRentFreeMonths | 18 |
| submarkets | 5 |
| primeYieldPct | 7.5% |
Reviewed by Class A Atlas Editorial Desk — House byline · global editorial team. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.