Off balance sheet property ownership structures : Releasing capital from operational portfolios through divestment

For many corporate occupiers, commercial property constitutes one of their largest operational assets. With a desire to improve shareholder value and efficiency and to refocus on core business, the continued necessity to retain such assets on the balance sheet is now under challenge. Changes in accountancy practice and a desire to maintain flexibility are, however making the choices ever more complicated. This paper examines the current options available for corporate users seeking to extract value from their property assets.