How You Can Make Money with Commercial Properties

How You Can Make Money with Commercial PropertiesYou are looking to diversify your investments and have been researching investment options for months. After running into an old friend who excitedly shared their real estate investment experience, you are now thinking about commercial properties.

Making Money from Commercial Properties

According to Fundrise.com, investors make money from commercial properties in two main ways. First, you earn income from monthly rental payments from tenants. Second, you can make money when selling a property if there is an appreciated value. Remember, commercial property is diverse and includes office space, apartment buildings, industrial buildings, and retail buildings.

One strategy for making money is to purchase a property that requires upgrades and improvements that will increase the rent when completed. In Brevard County, Florida, one popular type of commercial property is buildings that feature clean tech spaces.

Questions to Ask When Investing in a Commercial Property

Increasing the value of a commercial property requires research.

Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What features do other desirable buildings contain?
  • What type of businesses are working to come into the area of your potential investment location?
  • Is there a need for more office spaces, retail locations, or restaurants?
  • What type of commercial property are you interested in?
  • What type of long-term improvements will make the property more desirable to tenants?

What You Should Consider As You Evaluate Your Options

When looking at commercial real estate investment opportunities, it’s important to consider several key factors for a successful investment. These include location, property valuation, financial metrics, and market analysis, all of which affect the potential return and stability of the investment.

Location

The location of a property significantly affects its value, demand, and potential rental income. Areas with high foot traffic, good accessibility, and nearby amenities usually draw more tenants and can charge higher rents. It’s important for investors to research and select locations that fit their investment objectives and target audience.

Property Valuation

A correct property valuation is important for determining the fair market value and investment potential. Techniques like the income approach, comparable sales, and cost approach aid in determining a property’s value. A comprehensive valuation helps prevent overpayment and supports achieving the expected returns on your commercial real estate investment.

Financial Metrics

Important financial metrics such as net operating income (NOI), capitalization rate (cap rate), and cash-on-cash return offer insights into a property’s profitability. Evaluating these metrics allows investors to assess the income potential and determine the financial feasibility of an investment.

Market Analysis

A thorough market analysis examines local economic conditions, supply and demand factors, and competition. This process aids in forecasting future market trends and evaluating the long-term potential of an investment. Investors can utilize resources such as CoStar and local real estate reports to collect important market information.

Creatively Making Money from a Commercial Property Investment

While it takes time (real estate is a long-term investment) for your commercial property value to increase, you might be able to boost the income from your monthly lease for tenants in a few creative ways. You could include outside storage for an industrial property to provide potential expansion space for a growing tenant or provide a service such as cleaning the office weekly, removing the trash, and picking up the recycling. These are all services that could be offered within a lease, and by using the same vendor, everyone could save some money.

At Ullian Realty, our team of local brokers is ready to help you determine the best commercial/industrial property to invest in and the best strategy to utilize. By taking you through the Ullian Process you can be confident that your investment is the right one for you. Contact us today to learn more.

FAQs Real Estate Investors Ask

What is the most profitable type of commercial real estate investing?

Multifamily and industrial properties are usually seen as the most lucrative forms of commercial real estate. Multifamily properties generate consistent income from residential leases, while industrial properties like warehouses and distribution centers profit from the increasing need for e-commerce and logistics.

What is passive income in commercial real estate?

Passive income in commercial real estate comes from earnings like rent and property value increases without needing active management. Investors can earn passive income through options like Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), crowdfunding platforms, and private equity funds, which manage everyday operations for them.

What are the tax implications of commercial real estate investing?

Investment properties, such as rental homes or commercial real estate, are subject to the same capital gain tax treatment as other real estate transactions in Florida. The federal capital gains tax rules apply, and the tax rate will depend on your holding period and income level.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 26, 2018, and has been updated with fresh content.