Determinants of Potential Seller/Lessee Benefits in Sale–Leaseback Transactions

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it formulates a model to explore the criteria for making decisions on sale–leaseback (SLB) actions, which can be an alternative to off-balance-sheet financing. The theoretical findings show that the knowledge of the buyer/lessor of low-cost property management is a primary factor in favor of SLB, which is in line with previous studies. Secondly, it quantifies this factor to explore the possible application of SLB schemes to Japanese public real estate (PRE) markets. The validity of this quantification method is also shown by using data from a tax-exempt Japanese PRE portfolio. The empirical findings of ANOVA and multiple comparison tests suggest that if we only have cost information and know the age of the buildings on the property, we can make decisions with regard to SLB actions; these findings reveal an institutional environment that is unique to Japan.