Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Title Insurance • Rent Roll • Core-Plus

Ground Lease

Term from Real Estate industry explained for recruiters

A Ground Lease is a special type of long-term property agreement where someone rents the land itself, but not the buildings on it. Think of it like renting just the ground while owning or building the structure on top. These agreements usually last a very long time (like 50-99 years) and are common in commercial real estate. Companies and investors use Ground Leases as a way to develop property without having to buy the land outright, which helps save money upfront. This type of arrangement is sometimes also called a "land lease" or "ground rent agreement."

Examples in Resumes

Negotiated Ground Lease agreements for multiple commercial properties valued over $10M

Managed portfolio of 15 Ground Lease and Land Lease properties across three states

Structured Ground Lease financing deals resulting in successful development of retail centers

Typical job title: "Ground Lease Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Commercial Real Estate Agent Real Estate Investment Manager Property Development Manager Real Estate Finance Manager Leasing Manager Asset Manager Real Estate Attorney

Where to Find Ground Lease Specialists

Professional Organizations

Networking Platforms

Industry Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you evaluate the financial viability of a ground lease opportunity?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss analyzing land value, market conditions, lease terms length, rental escalations, and potential return on investment. Should mention considering both landlord and tenant perspectives.

Q: What are the key components you look for when structuring a ground lease agreement?

Expected Answer: Should discuss lease term length, rent escalation clauses, maintenance responsibilities, improvement rights, financing provisions, and end-of-term conditions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main differences between a traditional lease and a ground lease?

Expected Answer: Should explain that ground leases are typically longer-term, involve only the land, usually make the tenant responsible for improvements, and often have different financial structures than regular building leases.

Q: How do you determine appropriate rental rates for a ground lease?

Expected Answer: Should mention considering land value, market rates, planned development type, lease length, and potential income from improvements.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a ground lease and why would someone use one?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a lease of land only, allowing tenants to build or use existing buildings while not buying the land, and mention basic benefits like lower upfront costs.

Q: What are typical terms found in a ground lease?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic elements like lease duration, rent payment terms, permitted use of property, and maintenance responsibilities.