- Scott Gilmore
Mixed-Use Properties – Why they’re a good investment
Maybe you’ve never heard of the term mixed-use property, but we can guarantee you’ve been in one. Mixed-use properties exist all over the places – these properties are a real estate development that have different uses (retail, residential, offices, hotel, etc.). In a mixed-use property, the separate uses all compliment each other.
Mixed-use properties come in all shapes in sizes; they can be a single building or take up an entire neighborhood. Right now, there is an increasing number of real estate investors looking to invest in this type of property, and you can be one of them!
If you’re interested in investing in a mixed-use property but have little understanding or background of many different aspects of real estate, our team at HOWE Real Estate will give you a helping hand. One of the most essential services we offer is our mixed-use property services.
Investing in this type of property has several distinct benefits, but it’s best these types of investments are aided by professionals like ourselves. Although many retail businesses have gone out of business in the past few years due to online stores, mixed-use properties are still a good investment, because they attract many market segments and they can give you, the investor, a greater return on investment.
When it comes to finding and purchasing a mixed-use property, we’re always available to help, so for this article we wanted to share with you reasons why you should invest in a mixed-use property.
Reasons to Invest in Mixed-Use Properties
Buyers and renters are attracted to these properties because they offer a closeness to neighborhoods and living spaces. The Delaware State Housing Authority showed research that stated more than 50 percent of Americans would walk and bike more if given the opportunity, and mixed-use properties do that.
The different uses can work together. Office workers and hotel guests can go to the restaurants and retail shops on their breaks and meal times. Shoppers can grab a bite to eat or see a movie. You’re giving people more of what they want so they stay in your property and invest in your property.
Studies show there is a connection between walkable areas and economic viability of a town.
Mixed-use properties promote a sense of community.
Even if retail stores are closing due to the success of online retail stores, there are always businesses that can fill a mixed-use property and attract business such as: hair salons, movie theaters, clothing stores, dentist offices, doctors’ offices, coffee shops, shoe stores, and more.
You get a greater return on investment. You can charge more rent on the commercial properties and on the mixed-use development property overall. Commercial leases’ rent is 6 to 12 percent of the property’s purchase prices, while residential leases are 1 to 4 percent of the purchase price.
The younger (and large) Millennial generation (who is a big buyer group) like mixed-use developments for their environmental sustainability. Many mixed-use developments repurpose old buildings and avoids overbuilding, which is promoting sustainability. Millennials like this type of property, because they can walk to work, stores, or their favorites shops and eateries.
Senior citizens also like mixed-use developments because they want to live in smaller spaces within walking distance to stores and restaurants, so they don’t have to go far. Both senior citizens and Millennials are large markets you can attract and rely on coming to your mixed-use property.
Many of your tenants will be commercial tenants, which means they will likely keep your property highly maintained, because they need to attract the public.
The hours you need to be available for a commercial tenant are more limiting than residential tenants. Many commercial spaces operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. so you won’t get any middle-of-the-night emergencies or requests, which is easier for a landlord.
Looking for a Louisville Commercial Property for Sale?
There will always be businesses to fill a mixed-use property that attract customers. If you are currently a residential or commercial investor, or want to be, you can benefit from purchasing a mixed-use property.
Mixed-use properties can offer some of the most challenging situations for any real estate investor, so getting help is key so you are certain that you are making the right moves along the way. Let our team of professionals at HOWE Real Estate help you get started on looking for a mixed-use space. We work with buyers, sellers, lessors and lessees across all property types in and around Louisville. To contact us, send us an email or call 502-890-4475.