Commercial real estate is an appealing option for investors because it has the potential to generate returns independently from public markets, providing the added security of a physical asset. Additionally, multi-tenant commercial real estate offers a more diverse mix of tenants compared to single-family homes, which can help decrease vacancy risk during market turbulence. Understanding the various types of commercial real estate is crucial, as each type comes with its own advantages and strategic considerations. Depending on your investment objectives, the different real estate asset classes can present distinct risk/reward profiles.

Industrial: Industrial real estate refers to properties used for manufacturing, storage, distribution, and logistics purposes. This category includes factories, warehouses, distribution centres, industrial parks, and flex spaces. Industrial properties cater to businesses requiring storage and production facilities.

Retail: Retail real estate consists of properties used for retail businesses and commercial activities. This includes shopping centres, malls, strip malls, and standalone retail stores. Retail properties serve as spaces for retailers to sell goods and services to consumers.

Office: Office real estate comprises properties designed for professional and administrative purposes. This includes office buildings, office parks, and coworking spaces. Office properties are leased to businesses and organizations for their administrative operations and workspace needs.

Build-to-Rent: Build to Rent is a real estate class that refers to properties purposefully constructed for the sole purpose of being rented out to tenants. In the Build-to-Rent model, developers build residential properties, such as single-family homes or multi-unit apartment complexes, with the intention of renting them out rather than selling them to individual homeowners. These properties are designed and built to meet the specific needs and preferences of rental tenants.

Hospitality: Hospitality real estate encompasses properties used for lodging and accommodation purposes. This category includes hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Hospitality properties cater to travellers and tourists seeking temporary accommodation.

Mixed-Use: Mixed-use real estate combines two or more different types of real estate uses within a single development or property. These properties may include a combination of residential, commercial, retail, and office spaces, fostering a live-work-play environment.

Senior Housing: Senior housing properties cater to the needs of elderly residents, offering various levels of care and assistance, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With aging populations in many countries, senior housing is becoming an increasingly attractive investment option.

Student Housing: Student housing properties are specifically designed for college or university students. These properties can include dormitories, apartment complexes, or purpose-built student accommodation. Student housing can offer stable occupancy during academic terms.

Data Centres: Data centres are specialized facilities that house servers and IT infrastructure for data storage and processing. With the growth of cloud computing and data-driven industries, data centres have gained popularity as a niche real estate investment.

Self-Storage Facilities: Self-storage facilities provide storage space for individuals and businesses to store their belongings or inventory. Self-storage has been a resilient asset class, often with steady cash flow and low operational costs.

Medical Research and Life Science Facilities: Medical research facilities and life science buildings are dedicated to research, development, and innovation in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. These facilities house laboratories, research centres, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

Hospitals: Hospitals are large and complex healthcare facilities that provide a wide range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, surgeries, emergency services, and specialized treatments. Hospital real estate can include both general hospitals and specialty hospitals focused on specific medical fields.

Mixed-Use: Mixed-use real estate combines two or more different types of real estate uses within a single development or property. These properties may include a combination of residential, commercial, retail, and office spaces, fostering a live-work-play environment.

Senior Housing: Senior housing properties cater to the needs of elderly residents, offering various levels of care and assistance, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With aging populations in many countries, senior housing is becoming an increasingly attractive investment option.

Student Housing: Student housing properties are specifically designed for college or university students. These properties can include dormitories, apartment complexes, or purpose-built student accommodation. Student housing can offer stable occupancy during academic terms.

Data Centres: Data centres are specialized facilities that house servers and IT infrastructure for data storage and processing. With the growth of cloud computing and data-driven industries, data centres have gained popularity as a niche real estate investment.

Self-Storage Facilities: Self-storage facilities provide storage space for individuals and businesses to store their belongings or inventory. Self-storage has been a resilient asset class, often with steady cash flow and low operational costs.

Medical Research and Life Science Facilities: Medical research facilities and life science buildings are dedicated to research, development, and innovation in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. These facilities house laboratories, research centres, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

Hospitals: Hospitals are large and complex healthcare facilities that provide a wide range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, surgeries, emergency services, and specialized treatments. Hospital real estate can include both general hospitals and specialty hospitals focused on specific medical fields.