What is a Build-to-Suit for Automotive Retail and Aftermarket?

Pointe Automotive specializes in Build-to-Suit (BTS) and development financing solutions for the automotive retail and aftermarket sectors, including dealerships, tire and service centers, quick lube franchises, collision repair shops, and car wash operators.

A Build-to-Suit allows automotive business owners to expand, relocate, or modernize their facilities without tying up large amounts of capital. In this model, an investor or developer funds and manages the construction of a new, purpose-built facility that meets your exact operational and brand specifications. Once complete, the operator enters into a long-term lease, much like a sale-leaseback, preserving capital while achieving the benefits of a modern, high-performance property.

The Advantages of a Build-to-Suit for Automotive Operators

A Build-to-Suit strategy is a proven path to growth for automotive operators seeking to expand or upgrade facilities while maintaining operational flexibility and balance sheet strength.

🔴 Custom-Designed Facilities – Purpose-built to meet OEM standards, brand image programs, and operational requirements.
🔴 No Upfront Capital Requirement – Investors fund development, freeing your working capital for operations, marketing, and inventory.
🔴 Operational Control – You maintain full control of day-to-day business operations under a long-term lease structure.
🔴 Scalability for Growth – Future expansion, renovations, or sustainability improvements can be built into the lease plan.
🔴 Strategic Location Selection – Secure high-traffic, high-visibility locations designed to maximize customer access and brand exposure.

From single-location upgrades to multi-site development programs, Pointe Automotive structures BTS projects that align with your long-term operational and financial goals.

Who Benefits from a Build-to-Suit Strategy

A Build-to-Suit is ideal for automotive businesses that:

🔴 Require a new or relocated facility built to brand and operational standards.
🔴 Prefer new construction over retrofitting outdated real estate.
🔴 Want to preserve capital for inventory, personnel, or acquisitions.
🔴 Are positioned for long-term stability and can commit to a 10–30-year lease.

This model is particularly effective for dealership groups, multi-unit service operators, and franchised aftermarket businesses looking to expand into new markets or consolidate under one roof.

How the Build-to-Suit Process Works

At Pointe Automotive, we manage and advise on every phase of the BTS process—from planning and site selection to development financing and lease structuring.

Developer-Led Build-to-Suit
🔴 A developer handles land acquisition, design, zoning, and construction.
🔴 The facility is built to your operational specifications.
🔴 Upon completion, you lease the property under a long-term, pre-agreed structure.

Reverse Build-to-Suit / Sale-Leaseback
🔴 You acquire land and manage construction directly.
🔴 After completion, an investor purchases the facility, allowing you to recoup capital.
🔴 You lease back the property to maintain operational control while unlocking liquidity.

Investor-Led Build-to-Suit
🔴 Pointe Automotive partners you with investors who fund and oversee the entire project.
🔴 Our team manages site selection, financing terms, and project delivery.
🔴 You take occupancy upon completion with no upfront capital commitment.

Typical Timeline and Structure

Most Build-to-Suit projects take 12–36 months from site selection to occupancy, depending on project complexity, zoning, and permitting.
🔴 Rent payments begin post-completion, once the facility is operational.
🔴 Lease terms typically range from 10 to 30 years, with renewal options and rent escalations based on market conditions.

This structure ensures a smooth transition from construction to operations with predictable, long-term real estate costs.

Is a Build-to-Suit Right for You?

For automotive retailers, service operators, and dealership groups ready to expand or reposition, a Build-to-Suit offers a flexible, capital-efficient way to secure a custom facility designed for long-term growth.

Pointe Automotive provides strategic advisory, financial modeling, and investor coordination to ensure your BTS project aligns with your brand standards, operational goals, and investment strategy.

🔴 Build-to-Suit & Development Financing
🔴 Sale-Leaseback Integration
🔴 Site Selection & Market Analysis
🔴 Developer & Investor Sourcing
🔴 OEM Compliance & Design Coordination

Whether you’re planning a new dealership campus, a flagship car wash, or a multi-bay tire and service facility, Pointe Automotive delivers the expertise, relationships, and capital structure to bring your project to life—without disrupting your balance sheet.

Contact Pointe Automotive today to learn how our Build-to-Suit and development financing services can help you grow your automotive business strategically while preserving liquidity for your next stage of expansion.