{
  "url": "https://classa.info/guides/how-to-choose-class-a-office",
  "title": "How to choose a Class A office: a working framework",
  "description": "A repeatable framework for evaluating premium office space — beyond the brochure rent and the marketing video.",
  "oneSentenceAnswer": "Define occupancy economics before scheduling tours — base rent is rarely the most important number.",
  "tldr": [
    "Define occupancy economics before scheduling tours — base rent is rarely the most important number.",
    "Use a four-axis framework: base building, location, lease economics, and amenitisation.",
    "Insist on a side-by-side total-cost-of-occupancy spreadsheet across the shortlist — including TI, op-ex, taxes, and concessions.",
    "ESG performance now drives a measurable rent and resale premium — model it explicitly.",
    "Default to a tenant rep who is paid only by the landlord; never engage the landlord's listing agent as your sole adviser."
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "question": "Should we lease for the headcount we have or the headcount we want?",
      "answer": "Both — and explicitly. Lease for current headcount with a contractual expansion option (a right of first offer or a hard expansion right) sized to the stretch case. Hard expansion rights are the most valuable and the most expensive — negotiate them early in the LOI."
    },
    {
      "question": "How long should the search take?",
      "answer": "Plan for four to eight months from kickoff to lease execution for a Class A requirement of 5,000-25,000 sqft in a major market. Larger or trophy requirements take longer due to landlord covenant approvals and lender consents."
    },
    {
      "question": "What is a reasonable broker fee?",
      "answer": "Tenant rep brokers in the US are typically paid a commission equal to the present value of one to two months' base rent for each year of the term, paid by the landlord. In Europe, fee structures vary — check before signing the engagement letter."
    }
  ],
  "pageType": "guide",
  "lastUpdated": "2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info).",
  "citation": "Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/guides/how-to-choose-class-a-office), updated 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z."
}