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Frequently Asked Questions about WAL (Weighted Average Life) in Commercial Real Estate Finance

WAL stands for Weighted Average Life, also referred to as Average Life. It represents the average time until principal is repaid on a loan or series of cash flows.

See the glossary entry for Average Life, which explains how WAL is calculated and used in analyzing real estate debt instruments.

WAL is used to evaluate the risk profile and timing of principal repayment for commercial mortgages. It’s especially relevant when analyzing amortization schedules and loan structures.

Yes. The Commercial Mortgage Loan Analysis Model (Updated Mar 2024) listed in the Related Content section includes the capability to calculate and analyze WAL.

Understanding WAL helps investors assess loan maturity risk and align investment timelines with expected cash flows, especially when managing portfolios with structured debt.

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