Real Estate
Commercial real estate refers to any land or building used for business-related
purposes, as opposed to residential real estate, which covers single-family homes
and condos. CRE includes anything from offices and shopping malls to warehouses
and multifamily apartment buildings. It generates income from a variety of sources,
including charging rent to tenants or running a business on the premises. It is also
an important asset class that can add diversification to your investment portfolio.
Having a basic understanding of what is commercial real estate is important for
anyone involved in the industry, whether as an investor, broker, lender, or
employee.
There are several ways to invest in commercial real estate, though direct
investments are usually reserved for those with significant assets and the
knowledge required to research options, choose a property, negotiate terms, and
manage a construction project. You may also choose to join a group of investors who
pool their resources into a syndicate that purchases an entire property or piece of
land. Indirect investments can be as simple as purchasing shares of a publicly
traded REIT, or real estate investment trust. These companies specialize in specific
property types and operate much like mutual funds. Buying shares in REITs gives
you exposure to commercial real estate without the cost and risk of buying an entire
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There is a wide variety of property types that fall under the commercial real estate
umbrella, and the eight main types include office, retail, industrial, mixed-use,
hospitality, multifamily, and special purpose properties. Each of these property
sectors has unique operational quirks, risks, and return potential. Office buildings,
for example, are occupied by businesses that rent space to conduct their operations.
These buildings can be leased out to general office tenants, or they can be
specialized for specific uses such as a law firm or financial services company.
Industrial real estate consists of warehouses and other facilities that are used to
store and distribute goods and services. These facilities are typically located in close
proximity to shipping ports or rail yards, so they can receive and deliver inventory
quickly. Industrial properties also have the added benefit of being tax-exempt, which
can make them an attractive option for certain investors.
Multifamily properties are occupied by apartment complexes, co-ops, and
townhomes. These can be high-rise, mid-rise, or walk-up structures. The demand for
multifamily housing is often tied to local employment and population trends, as well
as consumer discretionary income levels.
Mixed-use real estate combines two or more property types in the same location,
such as a retail shipping center with a multifamily apartment building. This type of
property is popular in suburban areas where residents want to live, work, and shop
all in the same area. Mixed-use buildings require additional management expertise,
as they must be able to balance the needs of different tenants and visitors to each
space. It can be difficult to find tenants for these types of spaces, so they are often
more expensive than dedicated retail or office space.