Outparcels

Understand outparcels in Canadian commercial real estate: standalone buildings that benefit from mall traffic while offering separate branding and access.

Outparcels

May 30, 2025


What are Outparcels?

Outparcels are stand-alone commercial properties located near or on the outer edge of a larger retail or shopping centre complex.

Why Do Outparcels Matter in Real Estate?

In Canadian commercial real estate, outparcels offer tenants or investors high visibility and traffic without being inside the main mall structure.



Common outparcel tenants include:
  • Banks and fast-food chains
  • Gas stations or pharmacies
  • Small-format retail stores or service centres



Outparcels are attractive due to independent access, signage control, and the ability to attract drive-by customers.



Understanding outparcels helps commercial investors identify profitable standalone leasing opportunities near high-traffic centres.

Example of Outparcels in Action

A national coffee chain purchases an outparcel fronting a suburban shopping centre to benefit from steady vehicle traffic without leasing interior mall space.

Key Takeaways

  • Stand-alone sites near larger shopping centres.
  • Provide high visibility and access.
  • Occupied by banks, drive-thrus, or retail chains.
  • Often sold or leased independently.
  • High demand for prime commercial exposure.

Related Terms

  • Retail Zoning
  • Commercial Property
  • Ingress and Egress
  • Triple Net Lease
  • Anchor Tenant

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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