Types of Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate Las Vegas includes properties that are leased out to companies for the purpose of operating business. This can include office buildings, retail spaces, and warehouses.

While all real estate investments come with some risk, commercial property prices tend to be less volatile than stocks and bonds. This can make it an attractive investment for those looking to diversify their portfolio.

An office building is a type of commercial real estate used for the operation of businesses. It can range from a 100-story glass and steel tower in Manhattan to a one-story brick structure in Des Moines. Office buildings are typically located in business districts and other areas that are well served by transportation and amenities. Office buildings can be occupied by owners who operate the property themselves or by tenants. Owners of office buildings can be private individuals, corporations, or REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts). In addition to office space, these properties may contain warehouses and retail spaces as well.

The classification of an office building into Class A, B or C helps tenants, landlords and investors compare and contrast office buildings that compete with each other in the same market. These categories are based on various parameters, including the age of the building; technological capabilities; quality of building infrastructure; location; and tenant amenities.

Class A office buildings are newer and typically offer state-of-the-art facilities. For example, they may feature advanced heating and cooling systems that allow each tenant to control the temperature on their own floor. They may also offer a rooftop courtyard that can be enjoyed by all tenants of the building.

By contrast, Class B office buildings are older and often have been downgraded from their original class because of the aging of the building or its lack of updates over time. They usually have basic features and are less expensive to buy than class A buildings.

As a result, they are popular among smaller companies that don’t require the prestige of a class A building or can’t afford to pay the higher price tag.

Tenants of office space are typically required to sign a lease agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of occupancy. The most common types of office leases are gross and triple net leases. In a gross lease, the rent is quoted as an all-inclusive rate that covers all costs associated with the office space, including taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance and repairs. In a triple net lease, the tenant is responsible for a portion of the expenses and the landlord pays the remaining amounts.

Retail Buildings

Retail properties, which are sometimes called strip malls or malls, are commercial real estate buildings occupied by stores that sell consumer goods. Retail tenants may be large, like Home Depot or Walmart, or small, such as a local shoe store. These buildings are often built in clusters, with multiple stores and restaurants sharing common space. The common space can also contain an outdoor layout that’s used for promoting special offers or events to attract foot traffic.

While the rise of eCommerce has diminished some of its value, retail properties still play an important role in new ways. These spaces are a great option for marketers to create experiential and omnichannel shopping experiences that encourage customers to visit and spend money.

Another category of commercial property is industrial, which refers to warehouses and other manufacturing centers. These spaces are typically located on the outskirts of urban or residential areas and provide a stable source of income for their tenants, who can operate businesses like logistics, manufacturing and distribution.

The other major type of commercial property is office buildings, which are leased to companies that need a place to conduct business and meet with clients. These spaces can vary in size and layout, from a one-room office to a 12-story skyscraper. The leases for these types of properties are typically longer than those of residential buildings, which make them more attractive to investors who seek a stable and lucrative investment opportunity.

Other examples of special purpose commercial property include self-storage, car washes, theme parks, marinas and theaters. These are less common as an investing strategy, but they are still considered commercial property and have implications for how they are financed, taxed and managed.

Commercial property is a key component of a well-diversified portfolio, offering an opportunity for income generation and capital appreciation. Specializing in one or more asset classes can help investors develop operational efficiencies and gain valuable insights about their market.

Warehouses

Warehouses are a popular investment option for those seeking to capitalize on the growth of the e-commerce industry. E-fulfillment companies are currently responsible for 40% of industrial property leases, and this growth is expected to continue in the near future. This expansion will result in a steady demand for warehouse storage space, which will create a great opportunity for commercial real estate investors to acquire these assets.

A key consideration for those looking to invest in warehouse properties is finding one that offers a strong return on investment. It’s important to compare the current rental rates of similar buildings in the area and determine the approximate value of each warehouse. A real estate professional can help determine the value of a particular property based on its location, condition, and what it will be used for.

In addition, it’s a good idea to find a warehouse with a reliable tenant. A high turnover rate can lead to costly mistakes for the company, so finding a tenant that is stable and dependable will ensure a smoother operation. It’s also important to look for warehouse spaces that are located close to the labor market. Long commutes can depress worker retention and make it difficult to find workers with the right skillsets for the job.

Another factor to consider when evaluating potential warehouse investments is the type of lease. Some warehouses are absolute triple net (NNN) leases, meaning the landlord is responsible for all repairs and maintenance costs, while other buildings have modified absolute NNN leases or double-nets. A broker can help investors understand the various types of leases and determine which type would best suit their investing goals.

When evaluating a potential warehouse purchase, it’s crucial to understand the local real estate market, demand trends, and zoning laws. The investment requires a substantial amount of research and financial analysis, so it’s recommended to engage with experienced commercial real estate professionals for guidance throughout the process. A good real estate agent can help you determine if a warehouse is right for your business and whether it will generate the necessary returns.

Hotels

Hotels are a type of commercial real estate that generates a significant amount of income through rent. This is a great way for real estate investors to diversify their portfolios and get a high return on investment (ROI). However, there are some risks that come with investing in hotels. For example, hotel revenue is often volatile, especially in areas that rely heavily on tourism, such as ski resorts and beaches. This can make it challenging to accurately predict hotel income and ROI, making them a more risky investment for some real estate investors.

Investing in hotel real estate is also challenging because of the higher costs associated with running a hotel. In addition to property taxes, hotels also have additional operational expenses such as utilities and maintenance. While these expenses can be mitigated by negotiating with service providers, they are still a large part of the overall cost of running a hotel. This can lead to more complicated cash flow forecasting than other types of commercial real estate.

Hospitality real estate includes a wide variety of properties, including hotels, travel centers, water parks, golf courses, cruise ships and assisted living facilities. Two main factors drive this subsector of real estate: tourists and business travelers.

A hotel’s success is based on a number of factors, such as the economy and local demographics. For example, when the economy is good, luxury hotels are more likely to have high occupancy rates than mid-range or budget hotels. This is because business travelers tend to prefer luxury hotels over budget hotels, and the economic environment typically influences their decisions.

Another factor that affects the profitability of hotels is labor. Hotels rely on a significant number of employees to run their operations and maintain the property. When the economy slows down, labor demand drops and hotel turnover increases, leading to a decrease in revenues and profit margins.