Key terms used in industrial real estate — from technical specifications to financial concepts.
Clear HeightThe usable height from the floor to the lowest overhead obstruction (beams, sprinklers). Standard is 10–12m for modern Class A warehouses.Floor LoadingThe maximum weight the floor can support per square metre (T/sqm). Standard warehouse: 5T/sqm; heavy production: 8T/sqm+.Grid ColumnThe distance between structural columns (e.g., 12x24m). Wider grids allow more flexible racking and maneuvering.Cross-DockingA logistics practice where goods are unloaded from inbound vehicles and loaded directly onto outbound vehicles with minimal storage.BTS (Build-to-Suit)A custom-built facility designed to the tenant's exact specifications, typically on a 10–15 year lease commitment.BTO (Build-to-Own)Similar to BTS but the tenant acquires ownership of the facility upon completion.Headline RentThe gross rental rate before incentives. Not the effective cost — always compare with effective rent.Effective RentThe actual cost after accounting for rent-free periods, fit-out contributions, and other incentives.Service ChargeAdditional fee covering common area maintenance, insurance, property tax, and facility management.SBU (Small Business Unit)Smaller warehouse modules (500–2,000 sqm) suitable for SMEs, typically with integrated office/showroom.BREEAMBuilding Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method — the leading sustainability certification for buildings.MezzanineAn intermediate floor within the warehouse, typically used for offices, picking operations, or lighter storage.Vacancy RateThe percentage of total warehouse stock that is unoccupied and available for lease at a given time.AntresolaPolish term for mezzanine — common in Polish industrial property descriptions.Fire Resistance (MJ/sqm)The fire load density rating of goods that can be stored in the warehouse. 4000 MJ/sqm is standard; lower values for pharmaceuticals.