Suitable for occupancy. Local building codes ensure that structures are habitable through requirements for building permits and certificates of occupancy.
Hard Cost
The cost of actually constructing the improvements (i.e. construction costs).
Hectares
Unit of Area Measurement. 1 hectare = 10010.32 square metre
Hi-tech building (high technology building)
Primarily a modern industrial building which is particularly suited to the flexible uses and space needs of business organisations engaged in modern technologies. Such activities usually require more office or laboratory space than a traditional factory and also more sophisticated and adaptable installations for services and communications.
High Point Loading
A concentration of abnormally heavy floor-loading at one point or more particular places in a building or other structure where extra support may be required.
High Rise
In the Central Business District, this could mean a building higher than 25 stories above ground level but in suburban sub-markets, it generally refers to buildings higher than 7 or 8 stories.
Hold Over Tenant
A tenant retaining possession of the leased premises after the expiration of a lease.
Holding Deposit
An initial (goodwill) sum of money given to register interest in or bind the sale of real estate before the full deposit is paid.
Home Equity Line of Credit
A mortgage loan which allows the borrower to obtain multiple advances of the loan proceeds up to a specified percentage of the borrowers equity in a property.
Home Improvement Loan
A loan made to a homeowner in which the home is used as collateral for the loan.
Home Inspection
An examination of the structure and mechanical systems to determine a home's safety; makes the potential homebuyer aware of any repairs that may be needed.
Housing Expense Ratio
The percentage of gross income that goes toward paying housing expenses.
HVAC
Refers to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning system installed in a building to regulate temperature. This includes air conditioning plants, chillers and ducting systems, which ensure the uniform transfer of the cold or hot air, as the case may be throughout the building.
