---
title: "Build-to-suit (BTS) — Class A Atlas glossary"
description: "Custom-built premises designed for a specific tenant."
canonical: https://classa.info/glossary/build-to-suit
pageType: glossary
lastUpdated: 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z
license: "CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info)."
---

> Custom-built premises designed for a specific tenant.

## TL;DR

- Custom-built premises designed for a specific tenant.
- Landlord (often institutional capital partner) develops to a tenant's specification, then leases on a long term (15–25 years).

# Build-to-suit (BTS)

*Construction · Global*

## Short definition

Custom-built premises designed for a specific tenant.

## Full definition

Landlord (often institutional capital partner) develops to a tenant's specification, then leases on a long term (15–25 years). Standard for HQ deals above 200,000 sf.

## Why this matters for Class A leasing

Build-to-suit (BTS) is part of the construction vocabulary that institutional [Class A](/glossary/class-a) occupiers, landlords, and advisers use across Global markets. Understanding it correctly affects how you read lease documents, model occupancy economics, and benchmark deal terms across cities. Class A Atlas tracks regional variation alongside the global standard so [cross-border](/topics/cross-border-expansion) occupiers can translate quickly.

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Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/glossary/build-to-suit), updated 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z.