Gross Lettable Area Retail (GLAR) Survey

Gross Lettable Area Retail (GLAR) Surveys for Retail Leasing and Valuation

At GeospatialWorx, we specialise in Gross Lettable Area Retail (GLAR) Surveys — the industry standard for measuring lettable spaces in retail environments.
Where rent and return are measured in m², we give landlords, tenants, centre managers, valuers and retailers the certainty to plan, price, and negotiate with confidence.

What Is a GLAR Survey?

A GLAR Survey defines the total lettable area of retail premises, including tenancies within shopping centres, arcades, or standalone retail assets.
Unlike GLA (industrial) or NLA (office) surveys, the GLAR method applies specific inclusions and exclusions to reflect how retail areas are occupied, accessed, and traded.

Why Use GLAR Surveys?

• Retail Leasing Compliance – Prepares strictly to PCA’s GLAR methodology.
• Fair and Transparent Leasing – Certified areas that stand up to audit and disclosure.
• Investor & Valuer Confidence – Consistent area data accross portfolios and centres.
• Audit-Ready Results – Suitable for use in lease schedules and valuation reports.
• Dispute Reduction - Clear, standardised results limit ambiguity in negotiations.

Our Process

1. Retail Site Survey
We capture the building’s physical layout using high-precision Leica 3D scanners and total stations, ensuring all internal boundaries and tenant demarcations are accurately recorded.

2. Area Definition and Calculation
Using PCA’s GLAR rules, we determine each tenancy’s lettable area, accounting for shopfronts, walls, kiosks, and shared circulation zones.

3. Compliance Review
Each survey undergoes an internal quality review to confirm PCA compliance and measurement integrity.

4. Deliverables
We provide plans, area schedules, and certifications suitable for lease documentation and property valuation.

Made for

• Landlords and Centre Managers – Verify tenancy areas for lease accuracy and reporting.
• Leasing Agents – Ensure lettable areas are measured fairly and consistently.
• Valuers and Consultants – Access reliable, PCA-compliant data for investment analysis.
• Tenants - Rents, outgoings, and market reviews are calculated per square metre, A PCA-compliant survey gives you certaintiy on the area you're paying for-which can potentially save you real money.

Technology We Use

• Leica 3D Laser Scanners
• Topcon Total Stations
• BricsCAD

Deliverables - Report Inclusions

• PCA-Compliant GLAR Floor Plan
• Area Summary Tables (sqm and breakdowns)
• Identififcation of lease boundaries and their definitions
• Statement of PCA compliance

Every m² matters in retail — GeospatialWorx delivers GLAR surveys that keep your leasing data clear, consistent, and PCA-compliant.