
Commercial properties are increasingly becoming popular among investors. While it is not necessarily true that commercial properties always provide better returns than residential properties, often investors tend to overlook the potential of a good commercial property investment.
It might not be as liquid as stocks or bonds, but it can still be a good source of income and capital appreciation. If you're new to commercial real estate investing, here are some questions you may have:
What does Commercial Real Estate consist of?
Commercial real estate comprises properties that are basically used for business purposes. It can include office buildings, warehouses, retail stores. It is a diverse asset class that can be broken down into four main categories: office, retail, industrial and hospitality.
- Office buildings are used for executive offices, administrative offices and call centers. They are often located near high concentrations of consumers or other businesses. For example, an office building near a popular shopping mall would be ideal for you to choose which promises high rent rates.
- Retail properties are typically defined as shopping centers with big-box tenants. Retail properties provide huge rents due to the large amount of foot traffic they receive from customers. Some retail establishments are leased on the conditions of the shared revenue.
- Industrial properties are warehouses and distribution centers that serve as storage facilities for goods before they reach their final destination. Industrial properties are often located near ports or airports because this makes it easier to import goods into the country and ship them out again when they're finished being processed.
- Hospitality properties encompass hotels, resorts, and casinos, as well as anything else that gives visitors temporary lodging or entertainment.
How Do I Get Started?
You can invest in commercial properties through a property investment consultant or through direct investments with the property owner. If you choose the former option, you'll need to find an agent who specializes in commercial real estate and who will help you find a good property for sale or lease. This can be a time-consuming process but once you find the right property investment consultant, it can be very rewarding.
However, if you chose the latter, then be careful to choose the right form of investment option. Commercial properties such as office buildings, shopping malls, warehouses and other similar properties are often owned by investors who have purchased these properties with the intent of renting them out.
Real estate investors can choose different options. For example, if you are looking to purchase an office building in a thriving metropolitan area, then you may wish to look at leasing space within it. If you are looking to purchase a shopping mall that has tenants who pay rent on a monthly basis, then you will want to ensure that your property is maintained in order to keep your tenants happy and paying rent on time each month. Else, if you have a land and you wish to give lease to a popular retail chain, then you can demand a sizeable share in their revenue. In this case, you are renting the space as well benefiting from the shares too.
What are the Advantages of Commercial Real Estate?
An investment in a commercial property can be the best course of action for you if you're an investor trying to diversify your holdings. The following are a few advantages of investing in commercial real estate:
- Long-Term Gains Potential
Commercial properties can provide investors with steady growth potential and even better returns than many other types of assets might offer them over shorter periods of time.
- Diversification
This type of real estate is one of the most stable investments available, which makes it ideal for diversification purposes.
- Less risk
As large organizations are involved in the development and maintenance of commercial properties, there is less risk involved with these types of investments.
- Tax benefits
One benefit that many people don't realize about investing in commercial property is that it can help them reduce their tax burden each year.
Conclusion
Commercial real estate can be a great addition to any investment portfolio. They are so much more than a place for businesses to thrive; they are also a source of revenue for property investors. By surveying the market, looking at local trends, and taking advantage of tax laws, you can make the most out of commercial properties in your portfolio.