Modified-gross structures with operating-expense pass-throughs over a base year.

  • Typical lease length: 10 years.
  • Typical rent-free: 14 months.
  • Vacancy: 19.6%; trend flat.
  • Modified-gross structures with operating-expense pass-throughs over a base year.

Charlotte office lease norms

Modified-gross structures with operating-expense pass-throughs over a base year.

TL;DR

  • Typical lease length: 10 years.
  • Typical rent-free: 14 months.
  • Vacancy: 19.6%; trend flat.
  • Modified-gross structures with operating-expense pass-throughs over a base year.

Structure

Modified-gross structures with operating-expense pass-throughs over a base year. 10-year terms standard for Class A. Free rent of 12-16 months and TI of $90-$120/sqft are typical on a 10-year deal; trophy lease-ups push higher.

Negotiating levers

Free rent and TI remain the most negotiable line items; landlords prefer concessions to face-rent cuts because they preserve headline rent and implied valuation. Always model effective rent (face minus PV of concessions).

Key facts

cityCharlotte
countryUnited States
regionAmericas
classARentLocal38 USD/sqft/yr
classARentUsd$38/sqft/yr
vacancy19.6%
typicalLeaseYears10
typicalRentFreeMonths14
submarkets5
primeYieldPct7%

Frequently asked questions

What's a typical lease term in Charlotte?
10 years for institutional Class A. Shorter terms are achievable on smaller floor plates with stronger covenants.
How is rent quoted in Charlotte?
In USD/sqft/year. We also publish a USD-normalised view ($38/sqft/yr) for cross-market comparison.

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Class A Atlas Editorial Desk — House byline · global editorial team. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

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