The Weighted Average Lease Term (WALT) is a crucial metric in commercial real estate finance and investment analysis. It represents the average remaining lease term of a property, weighted by the rental income of each tenant. For example, imagine a building with two tenants: Tenant A pays $60,000 annually with 5 years remaining on their lease, and Tenant B pays $40,000 annually with 10 years remaining. The WALT calculation would be: [(60,000 5) + (40,000 10)] / (60,000 + 40,000) = 7 years.
This metric provides valuable insights into the stability and potential risks associated with a property’s income stream. A longer average term suggests a more secure income flow and reduced rollover risk, as tenant leases are less likely to expire simultaneously. Historically, lenders and investors have relied on this calculation to assess the long-term viability of an investment, informing decisions related to financing, valuation, and risk management. Understanding its implications is essential for sound decision-making in the real estate market.