Occupancy cost calculator
Rent is only part of the cost. Add the maintenance fee, VAT and key money to see what a space really costs each month, per m² and as a share of your sales.
Your real cost
Monthly total before VAT
$3,540.00
Rent + maintenance + other. This is what brands compare with their budget on Core Hexagon.
- Monthly total with VAT
- $4,106.40
- Per m² per month (before VAT)
- $29.50
- Including key money spread
- $3,540.00
- First year, with VAT and key money
- $49,276.80
Post your requirement with this monthly total; only spaces within it will match.
Breakdown
- Rent before VAT
- $3,000.00
- Maintenance
- $540.00
- VAT on rent and maintenance
- $566.40
- Key money per month
- $0.00
How occupancy cost is calculated
- 1
Rent before VAT
If rent is quoted with VAT included, divide it by 1.16 (or 1.08 in Mexico's border region) to compare it with other offers.
- 2
Maintenance fee
Fixed, per m² per month, or a share of rent. It covers common areas, security, cleaning and sometimes the center's marketing.
- 3
Monthly total before VAT
Rent + maintenance + other costs. This is the number to compare spaces with each other and with your budget.
- 4
VAT
In Mexico, commercial rent and maintenance are subject to VAT (16% general, 8% in the border region). If your company recovers VAT, compare before VAT.
- 5
Key money
A one-off payment to the previous tenant or the owner. Spread it over the months you expect to operate to see its real monthly weight.
- 6
Share of sales
Occupancy cost ÷ monthly sales. Thresholds vary by category; many retailers aim to keep it roughly between 8% and 15%.
Questions
What is occupancy cost?
Everything you pay each month to occupy a space: rent, maintenance fee and other fixed charges, plus key money spread over time. It's a better basis than rent alone for deciding whether a space works.
Is VAT charged on the maintenance fee?
Usually yes: maintenance is invoiced as a service and is subject to VAT, like rent. Check each center's lease and invoices.
How do I compare a VAT-included rent with one that excludes VAT?
Remove VAT from the one that includes it (divide by 1.16) and compare both before VAT. The calculator does this when you tick "The rent already includes VAT".
What share of sales is reasonable?
It depends on category and format. As a general reference, many retailers aim for occupancy cost roughly between 8% and 15% of sales; restaurants and fashion often use different thresholds.