What is a good ROI for commercial property?

When it comes to commercial property, ROI (Return on Investment) can vary widely depending on the property type, location, market conditions, and investment strategy. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Property TypeTypical ROI (Annual)Notes
Office6–12%Prime locations may be lower but stable; secondary markets can be higher but riskier
Retail6–10%Depends heavily on tenant stability and location
Industrial/Warehouse7–12%Growing e-commerce demand often boosts ROI
Multi-Family5–10%Stable cash flow if occupancy is high
Mixed-Use6–12%Combines risks and rewards of commercial and residential

What’s considered “good”:

  • 6–8% is generally a safe, moderate return in most U.S. markets.
  • 8–12% is considered strong, especially if the property is well-leased and low-maintenance.
  • Over 12% can be attractive but often comes with higher risk (e.g., in emerging markets or under-managed properties).

A solid way to evaluate is the cap rate (Net Operating Income ÷ Property Value), which gives a quick snapshot of expected ROI.

Related

How long is a commercial appraisal good for?

What does a commercial appraisal look like?

What is the most common appraisal method for commercial property?

Here’s a simple table showing good ROI benchmarks for different commercial property types:

Property TypeTypical Cap Rate / ROIWhat’s Considered Good ROI
Office6–12%7–10%
Retail6–10%7–9%
Industrial/Warehouse7–12%8–11%
Multi-Family5–10%6–9%
Mixed-Use6–12%7–10%

Notes:

  • Cap rate = Net Operating Income ÷ Property Value. Higher cap rates usually indicate higher returns but also more risk.
  • Location, tenant quality, and market trends can significantly impact ROI.
  • Always compare the expected ROI to other investments in your area and consider your risk tolerance.
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