One of the most interesting innovations in the real estate sector is the business model known as “build-to-suit” or “custom construction”. The contract model is ideal for clients and entrepreneurs who wish to rent a property on a long-term basis, but in a personalized way, that fully meets their business or operation. For more information on the topic, check out the article “Build-to-Suit” or “Built-to-Suit”? by the managing partner of Ocupantes, Thomas Govier.
In countries like the United States and others in Europe, this is already a very common modality. In Brazil, the practice was regulated by law 12,744/2012 and enabled the autonomy of the contractual model.
In Build-to-Suit, the tenant’s interests determine the property’s design and the execution of the work and negotiation serve their specific needs.
This type of model mainly serves occupier clients who wish to invest in industry and commerce. Locations such as warehouses, distribution centers, shopping centers, factories and other similar spaces can be adapted for the tenant, in order to be delivered according to their demands.
Exclusivity is another strong point in Build-to-Suit. End users of corporate spaces are those who benefit most, as their expectations are embodied in the project developed specifically for their action plan.
As Ocupantes is already a pioneer in Brazil in managing real estate contracts with a focus on client interests, your business will also be completely safe in this personalized negotiation model.

Build-to-Suit can be seen as an excellent deal for both sides, without the need for investments for the tenant with possible renovations. For the lessor, it is the financial investment in a project that corresponds to the objectives set by the client, making the business much more profitable, targeted, efficient and ready to contribute to the rapid return on what was invested.
Furthermore, simply hiring this model can be a competitive differentiator for both those who want to look for a suitable property for their facilities and for investors.
Imagine not being forced to adapt to a pre-existing space, but choosing the ideal characteristics for your commercial or industrial environment? This is what Build-to-Suit provides for companies with specific requirements that would not be found in common spaces.
Another important point: the difference lies in the strategic partnership between the tenant and the landlord in investing in the location to be rented.
Unraveling the Build-to-Suit contracting process at Ocupantes
It is based on the interests detailed by the client that the Ocupantes team of professionals will guide the entire Build-to-Suit process with excellence. In principle, the initial scheduling of meetings is essential to follow through on the strategy.
Understanding each business user’s needs makes it more viable to establish a solid foundation for the next steps, both in planning and building the project.
In the next step, a thorough analysis of the location is carried out as informed by the client during previous meetings. Ocupantes is responsible for evaluating accessibility, infrastructure, available services and many other characteristics relevant to the right choice of acquiring the location where the project will be installed.
Once the space has been chosen, it is time to plan everything that has already been informed by the client in a personalized way. The details are very important and carefully considered with the aim of taking advantage of all the areas available for building the project, in addition to the functionalities that must meet the requirements of day-to-day operations and flows adopted by the company or commercial establishment.
The detailed project guidelines are also prepared by the Ocupantes team of professionals. They will serve as an essential reference for architects and engineers to pay attention to the details essential for the success of the work.
Another important step is the construction guidelines, which take into account high building standards and the quality desired by the client. Here, material aspects, sustainability, energy efficiency and other necessary items are addressed in a careful and specific manner.
Analysis that guarantees security for the end user

Ocupantes maintains up-to-date contact with contractors and other qualified partners. This allows the selection of professionals involved in the project to be assertive.
The team sends a Request for Information (RFI) to these partners and receives essential feedback to adopt the best strategy when evaluating the hires that will serve the enterprise.
Based on the information from the RFI, Ocupantes professionals issue the RFP in the next stage, which is a Request for Proposal for the partners that were previously selected. From there, it is possible to have more clarity and a good filter to meet the specific needs of the project.
The client who hires the Build-to-Suit service managed by Ocupantes can count not only on the best contract management, but also on the Due Diligence process with independence and security, so that all aspects are treated in detail. and detailed.
These are legal, technical and financial analyzes that guarantee the end user the transparency and compliance they demand.
When the contractor to carry out the work is finally hired, our help is to create a solid contract and prepare the binding Letter of Intent (LOI). It is at this moment that the essential terms for joining the Build-to-Suit project are established.
Whoever hires Ocupantes also counts on qualified supervision while construction is being carried out. Regular construction checks are carried out to ensure that the project meets exactly the planned expectations.
In addition, audits take place frequently so that the quality of construction and deadlines are strictly met.
Finally, at Ocupantes there is commitment and dedication to offering commercial or industrial clients Build-to-Suit services that help them exceed their investment expectations.
And what is most important: without conflicts of interest and with total focus on the needs of those looking for the best space to undertake.
