BOMA Standard

The measurement method according to the BOMA standard allows us to take into account the various nuances of modern commercial real estate and allows to accurately measure and calculate the area of a building, considering all its features, calculate a differentiated rental rate, increase the commercial suitability of the premises of the building, determine the boundaries and calculations of the area of the rented premises.

Beginning form 2009, BOMA has expanded its measurement standards and included other types of property - industrial, multi-unit residential, commercial and mixed-use, as well as a standard for measuring the total area of a building. BOMA standards are reviewed at least every five years and are revised to reflect changes in building design and use. The purpose of the BOMA space standards is:

• Facilitate clear communication between all parties with the real estate transaction;

• Provide a uniform measurement of the rented area in square meters;

• Ensuring accurate comparisons using a clearly understood measurement method; and

• Starting with Office 2017 Standard to bring BOMA measurement concepts and methodologies in line with International Real Estate Measurement Standards

The Office 2017 standard is published in landscape orientation to match the accompanying illustrations in language. It is presented in a new step-by-step format to make it easier to understand, and rewritten to make it easier to understand concepts and methodologies, including helpful hints.

The BOMA 2017 Office Standard is fully compliant with the International Real Estate Measurement Standard for Office Buildings. BOMA is one of the founding members of the International Property Standards Coalition (IPMS), which brings together 86 organizations from more than 160 countries. The goal of the IPMS Coalition is to provide a globally accepted harmonized measurement methodology in international markets. BOMA will incorporate IPMS standards into all of its standards.

With the growing demand for well-appointed exterior amenities in office buildings, balconies, covered galleries and roof terraces for the exclusive use of the tenant can now be included in the square meter lease calculation.

The pedestrian boundary condition has been removed from the Office 2017 standard. Although this change results in a slight decrease in the lease area, all lease units are now measured in the same way. In the previous standard, ground floor occupants with outdoor exposure were measured against the outer surface of the exterior walls, rather than the interior trim surface.

The main vertical walkways at the lowest level are no longer excluded from the leased area. While this change results in a slightly higher rentable area, it allows for a single consistent rule to measure vertical penetration. The previous standard included vertical service areas such as a pipe or mechanical shaft, but did not include vertical circulation areas such as staircases and elevator shafts. This change supports one of the basic rules of the standard that the physical floor area is the rental area, and floor openings are not included in the rental area.

Limited load factors can now be applied to each tenant. The ability to limit occupancy rates will help landlords and tenants to negotiate rentals that are appropriate for their market while meeting the standard.