Another Option for Owner-Users
Hughes Marino empowers companies to turn real estate into a strategic advantage through sale-leaseback transactions, allowing owner-users to convert property equity into growth capital while maintaining long-term operational control. Our award-winning tenant representation team has deep expertise navigating complex lease and purchase contracts, guiding clients through sale-leasebacks, where businesses sell their real estate assets to private or institutional buyers and lease back the space as tenants. Our brokers connect clients to private and institutional capital, helping businesses strengthen balance sheets, fund expansion and mitigate risk—all without disrupting your business operations.
What Our Clients Say
We are honored by the national recognition for our service and culture we’ve received over the years, including the praise from our clients.
The level of service and attention to detail is exceptional.
Christopher Calhoun
Former CEO, Cytori
See why companies choose Hughes Marino for their commercial real estate needs.
What Is a Sale-Leaseback Transaction?
A sale-leaseback transaction involves an owner-user selling their real estate asset to a private or institutional purchaser and then leasing back the property as a tenant. This approach converts illiquid real estate into growth capital, allowing companies to reinvest in their core business, fund expansion or reduce debt—all while continuing to occupy and control the property.
Key Benefits of Sale-Leaseback Transactions
Unlock Capital: Free up cash tied in real estate for reinvestment or debt reduction.
Maintain Control: Continue operating in your property under a long-term lease.
Improve Financial Metrics: Convert fixed assets into liquidity to enhance credit profile.
Reduce Risk: Shift ownership responsibilities while retaining occupancy.
Flexible Terms: Structure leases that align with your business objectives.
Our Proven Process for Sale-Leaseback Success
Discovery & Objectives: We begin by understanding your strategic goals, capital priorities and operational needs.
Market Intelligence & Sourcing: Our team identifies and qualifies a competitive pool of private and institutional buyers, leveraging national reach and local expertise.
Underwriting & Structuring: We analyze lease terms, rent, escalations and credit profile to optimize valuation and flexibility.
Negotiation & Diligence: Hughes Marino leads negotiations, manages due diligence and ensures transparency at every stage.
Closing & Post-Close Optimization: We coordinate closing and provide ongoing support to ensure your lease terms continue to serve your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tenant representation broker specializes in representing tenants and owner-users, ensuring no conflict of interest with landlords. Traditional brokers often represent both landlords and tenants, which can create divided loyalties.
A sale-leaseback transaction allows an owner-user to sell their real estate asset and lease it back, providing benefits such as:
– Unlocking capital for reinvestment or debt reduction
– Maintaining operational control under a long-term lease
– Improving financial metrics by converting fixed assets into liquidity
– Reducing ownership risks while retaining occupancy
In most sale-leaseback transactions, fees are paid by the buyer or landlord and disclosed upfront. Hughes Marino’s sole fiduciary duty is to the client, ensuring transparency and a conflict-free experience.
Most sale-leaseback transactions take approximately eight to twelve weeks from initial valuation to closing, depending on asset complexity and due diligence requirements.
The decision depends on factors such as total cost of occupancy, capital availability, flexibility needs and risk profile. For many owner-users, a sale-leaseback or owner-user financing can deliver capital efficiency without sacrificing control.
Our Awards & Recognition
Our commitment to client advocacy and industry innovation has earned Hughes Marino national recognition. Explore our honors and awards.
Ready to Unlock the Value of Your Real Estate?
Our team is ready to help you evaluate sale-leaseback opportunities and tailor a strategy to your business goals.