Definition of "Capital lease"

Rental in which the lessee obtains major property rights. Although not legally a purchase of property, theoretical substance governs over legal form and requires that the leased property be recorded as an asset on the lessees books. The asset equals present value of the minimum lease payments and the present value of the bargain purchase option. A capital lease exists if any one of the following four criteria is met: (1) the lease transfers ownership of the property to the lessee at the end of the lease term; (2) there is a bargain purchase option; (3) the lease term is 75% or more of the life of the property; and (4) the present value of minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90% of the fair market value of the property.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Early American frontier-style house constructed of logs. Since finished lumber was not readily available during the early frontier period of American history, homes were often fashioned out ...

The number of units currently occupied in a facility, neighborhood, or city, stated as a percentage of total capacity. For example, a hotel has 80 rooms available for guests. Its average ...

The Women’s Council of REALTORS® is one of the affiliate organizations of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This nonprofit organization is a network of successful ...

Under law, a warranty in effect even if not expressly stated. It provides that real property sold is warranted to be appropriate for sale and is in proper condition even if not stated, ...

Existing state of affairs with respect to the real estate market and conditions. ...

payment of a debt before its due such as a mortgage payment or insurance premiums. ...

One-story house with a low pitched roof often having an open floor plan. ...

What’s the definition of real estate collateral? Could we say it’s like keeping a hostage? No, that would be relatively insensitive. But the idea is similar. In real estate, ...

Are you looking to sell your house or buy a new one? Then, you'll most assuredly encounter the term instrument at some point. If you don't want to ask people: "Please, define instrument to ...

Popular Real Estate Questions