Why two years
Tenants who start late lose options: the best blocks lease, the renewal window closes, and the landlord knows the tenant cannot move in time. Starting early keeps a credible alternative on the table, which is what drives a good renewal or a good new lease.
The timeline, phase by phase
Requirements & Strategic Planning
Goals, headcount and growth modeling, the space program, and a full review of the current lease.
Market Search & Building Evaluation
Tours, building assessments, and an in-depth comparison of every viable option.
Leadership or Board Approval
A board-ready recommendation, presented to the people accountable for the outcome.
Negotiation & Lease Execution
Proposals, financial modeling, test fits, due diligence, and final lease terms.
Design, Build-Out & Move
Construction oversight, move coordination, and critical-date tracking from day one.
What can compress it
- Second-generation or furnished space that needs little construction.
- A clear decision-maker and a board calendar set in advance.
- A requirement program agreed before touring starts.
What usually extends it
- Board approval cycles.
- Permitting and long-lead construction items.
- Late changes to headcount or the space program.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start planning an office move?
About 24 months before your lease expires, earlier for large or complex requirements.
Can a relocation be done in under a year?
Sometimes, with move-in-ready or sublease space, but it narrows the options and the leverage.
Sean Balile
President & Founder, Clarity Tenant Representation. Sean has led clients through more than a thousand lease transactions.