<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from financial
statements, schedules and other disclosure contained in Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 2000 of Saul Centers, Inc. and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to such financial statements, schedules an other disclosure.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 2,236
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 7,896
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0
<PP&E> 384,923
<DEPRECIATION> 120,660
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 325,681
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0
<BONDS> 335,995
0
0
<COMMON> 137
<OTHER-SE> (31,467)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 325,681
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 58,119
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 15,603
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 4,785
<LOSS-PROVISION> 305
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 18,025
<INCOME-PRETAX> 16,575
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 16,575
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 10,524
<EPS-BASIC> 0.78
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.78
</TABLE>