💼 Commercial Property 101: Understanding the 5 Core CRE Asset Classes 💰

🏙️ The Top 5 Types of Commercial Real Estate You Need to Know 🏢

October 14, 2025•3 min read

🏙️ The Top 5 Types of Commercial Real Estate You Need to Know 🏢

💼 Commercial Property 101: Understanding the 5 Core CRE Asset Classes 💰

Top 5 Types of Commercial Properties Explained 🏢

When it comes to building wealth through commercial real estate (CRE), understanding the different property types is the foundation for making smart investment decisions. Each asset class comes with its own risk profile, tenant base, and financing options. Whether you're an investor, developer, or business owner, knowing where your property fits in the CRE landscape can unlock long-term opportunities.

Let’s break down the five main types of commercial real estate — and how each can fit into your investment strategy.

1. Office Buildings 🏢

Office properties range from high-rise towers in urban centers to suburban office parks. They’re typically classified into Class A, B, or C — with Class A representing the highest-quality buildings in prime locations.

Why it matters: Office demand is evolving as hybrid work reshapes leasing trends. Investors in markets like Houston and Katy are seeing opportunities in smaller, flexible spaces and medical office conversions.

Financing tip: SBA 504 or traditional CRE loans are ideal for owner-occupied offices.

2. Retail Centers 🛍️

Retail real estate includes strip centers, standalone stores, and large shopping malls. In suburban areas like Fulshear and Brookshire, open-air retail mixed with dining and entertainment is outperforming traditional malls.

Why it matters: Retail centers thrive on location and visibility. The best-performing assets mix daily-use tenants (like grocery and pharmacy) with lifestyle anchors.

Financing tip: Non-recourse or CMBS loans are common for stabilized, income-producing retail properties.

3. Industrial & Logistics Facilities 🏗️

This sector has been booming, especially in West Houston along I-10. Industrial includes warehouses, distribution centers, flex space, and industrial outdoor storage (IOS).

Why it matters: E-commerce, AI manufacturing, and logistics companies are driving sustained demand. Long-term NNN leases and low vacancy rates make this a favorite for investors.

Financing tip: DSCR loans and bridge-to-agency programs provide flexibility for acquisition or expansion.

4. Multifamily Properties 🏘️

Multifamily includes apartments, duplexes, and mixed-use residential developments. As housing affordability tightens, demand for rentals in Katy and Richmond continues to rise.

Why it matters: Multifamily investments balance risk and return with steady cash flow. They're also among the easiest to finance, even in volatile markets.

Financing tip: Agency loans (Fannie/Freddie) or DSCR loans are investor favorites for this asset class.

5. Land & Development Sites 🌎

Raw land or entitled development sites are often overlooked — yet they form the foundation of every future commercial project.

Why it matters: In high-growth areas like Fulshear, strategic land banking offers potential for appreciation and resale to developers. Infrastructure projects like the Grand Parkway amplify value.

Financing tip: Land loans or construction-to-perm financing options are best suited for investors planning new builds.

Final Thoughts

Each commercial property type serves a different investor profile — from stable income generators like industrial warehouses to high-upside plays like land development. The key is aligning your goals, financing strategy, and market timing to maximize returns.

📞 Bill Rapp | Viking Enterprise Team at eXp Commercial
Serving Katy, Fulshear, and West Houston
👉 www.HoustonRealEstateBrokerage.com

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Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clients’ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specific’s business’s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

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