Guide to the Different Commercial Real Estate Investments Available in Today’s Market

Commercial real estate refers to property used for business purposes, such as retail stores, office buildings, warehouses, and multifamily apartment buildings. Many different commercial real estate investments are available, each with its own set of risks and rewards. From office buildings to retail centers, this article will explore the pros and cons of each type of investment and the steps you need to take while considering Commercial Real Estate Investments.  

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Commercial Real Estate Investments

It takes work to know where to start regarding commercial real estate investing. There are many different options available in today’s market, each with its unique set of benefits and drawbacks. 

1. Consider your investment goals: Before you start looking for commercial real estate investments, you must clearly understand your investment goals. Are you looking for long-term appreciation, steady cash flow, or a combination of both? Your goals will help guide you in selecting the correct type of property.
2. Research different types of commercial properties: There are different types of commercial real estate properties, including office buildings, retail centers, industrial properties, and multifamily buildings. Each type has its own unique set of characteristics and risks, so it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
3. Look at the location and surrounding area: Location is a crucial factor in any real estate investment, and commercial properties are no exception. Consider the surrounding area, including the local economy, demographics, and infrastructure. 
4. Evaluate the property’s physical condition: It’s important to inspect any commercial property you’re considering investing in thoroughly. Look for signs of structural damage, outdated systems, and other issues that could be costly.
5. Understand the financials: Before investing, you’ll need to understand the property’s financials, including the current income and expenses, as well as the potential for future income and appreciation. Look for properties with solid financials and the potential for good returns on your investment.

Office Buildings

Office buildings are a type of commercial real estate that is used for housing businesses and organizations. They are typically multi-storied structures designed to accommodate many people working in various office spaces, such as private offices, conference rooms, and open office layouts. Office buildings can range in size from small, single-storied buildings to large ones.

Pros

1. Potential for Long-Term Appreciation: Office buildings are often held by investors for the long term, meaning they can benefit from appreciation over time.
2. Stable Cash Flow: Office buildings tend to generate steady income, making them an attractive option for investors looking for consistent returns.
3. Tax Benefits: Investments in office buildings may qualify for various tax benefits, such as deductions for depreciation, repairs, and other expenses.

Cons

1.  High Upfront Cost: It may cost a lot of money to buy an office building and much more to make necessary repairs and modifications.
2. Difficult to Manage: Office buildings can be challenging, requiring more hands-on attention than other real estate investments.
3. Risk of Vacancy: Vacancy is always present in office buildings, as tenants may move out or not renew their leases.

Retail Properties

Retail properties are a type of commercial real estate used for housing retail businesses, such as stores, restaurants, and other commercial establishments that sell goods or services directly to consumers. Retail properties can include many buildings, including stand-alone stores, shopping centers, and mixed-use developments.

Pros

1. High Returns: Retail properties offer high rental returns, making them attractive investments.
2. Low Volatility: Unlike other investments, retail properties tend to be much less volatile, allowing investors to get a steady return on their investments.
3. Low Risk: Retail properties are generally considered a lower-risk investment compared to other real estate investments.

Cons

1. High Upfront Costs: Retail properties tend to have higher upfront costs than other real estate investments.
2. Competition: Retail properties are highly competitive, making it difficult to find a desirable location.
3. Tenant Turnover: Retail properties can have high tenant turnover, meaning landlords must constantly look for new tenants.

Industrial Properties

Industrial properties are a type of commercial real estate used for housing businesses and organizations involved in manufacturing, distribution, and other industrial activities. Industrial properties can include many buildings, such as warehouses, factories, and research and development facilities.

Pros

1. High Returns: Industrial properties can provide some of the highest returns on investment, as they often have long-term leases and rising rents.
2. Minimal Maintenance: Industrial properties often require minimal maintenance, meaning lower operating costs for investors.
3. Tax Benefits: Industrial properties often offer tax benefits such as accelerated depreciation, which can reduce a property owner’s taxable income.

Cons 

1. High Upfront Costs: Industrial properties tend to be more expensive than other real estate investments due to their specialized nature and the fact that they often require special permitting.
2. Lower Liquidity: Industrial properties are less liquid than other investments, meaning it may take longer to find a buyer or tenant.
3. Risky Tenants: Industrial properties often attract tenants with higher credit risk, meaning there is a greater risk of tenant default.

Multifamily Dwellings

Multifamily dwellings are a type of commercial real estate that is used for housing multiple families or households under one roof. They can include many properties, such as apartment buildings, townhomes, condominiums, and other multi-unit housing types.

Pros

1. Higher Return on Investment: Multifamily dwellings offer higher returns on investments than single-family homes because you can charge more for rent due to economies of scale. 
2. Longer lease terms: Multifamily dwellings typically have longer lease terms than single-family homes, which can increase cash flow.
3. Lower vacancy rates: Multifamily dwellings typically have lower vacancy rates than single-family homes, providing more stability and a steady stream of rental income.

Cons

1. Higher Upfront Costs: Multifamily dwellings can require a more significant upfront investment than single-family homes because of the larger number of units. 
2. More Complex Management: Multifamily dwellings can be more complex than single-family homes due to the more significant number of tenants, different rules and regulations, and more maintenance requirements.

Special Purpose Properties

Unique-purpose properties are commercial real estate used for specific, specialized purposes that do not fit into one of the other major categories of commercial real estate. Unique-purpose properties can include many properties, such as churches, schools, hospitals and other properties that serve a specific function or purpose.

Pros

1. Diversification: Investing in special-purpose properties can diversify an investment portfolio, potentially reducing overall risk.
2. High Returns: Special-purpose properties can generate higher returns than regular real estate investments as they are often more specialized.
3. Low Maintenance: Special-purpose properties typically require less maintenance, making them easier to manage.

Cons

1. Limited Accessibility: Special purpose properties can be challenging to access, as they may not be available to the public.
2. Potential for Losses: While unique purpose properties can generate higher returns, they also have a more significant potential for losses.
3. Illiquidity: Special purpose properties are often illiquid, making it difficult to liquidate the investment if needed quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the commercial real estate market offers a wide variety of investment options for those looking to diversify their portfolio or invest in a stable, long-term asset. Each property type has unique characteristics and offers different potential advantages and risks for investors. 

If you’re interested in learning more about commercial real estate investing, contact Bhive today to speak with one of their expert advisors. With years of experience in the industry, they can help you navigate the market and find the right investment opportunity for your needs.