Parking Lot Investments – Successful Niches 101
Parking in large cities is notoriously expensive, especially in downtown regions and entertainment zones. If you are seeking a profitable, unique investment option outside of the standard real estate, you might want to think about parking lot investments. That's correct; even if your land is only a few acres, you can be a real estate investor!
Parking lot investments are a diverse asset class with relatively constant rates of return. There are various parking lot investments and alternatives available, each with its own set of costs and possible rewards.
For example, urban parking garages are often significant investments that yield the highest potential profits. Surface lots in the suburbs, on the other hand, have a lower access barrier. They do, however, frequently come with lower return rates.
The way you run your parking lot investments has an impact on both your running costs and your profits. While entirely operating your parking lot investments may necessitate more liquidity and money, it also permits you to demand larger prices than unstaffed lots. It may also assist you in ensuring that you are correctly collecting parking money from each customer.
Before we dive into the niche specifics of parking lot investments, if you are curious what would go into financing these investment properties, all you need to do is click the link below to book a free strategy call with us at LendCity and we will gladly provide you with all the information you need to know.
Benefits of Parking Lot Investments
Think again if you think parking lots are a dull investment! Parking your money in a lot has a multitude of advantages, including the following:
Lower Entry Fee
Compared to commercial and residential real estate assets, parking lots and parkades frequently have a lower entry cost. They also have fewer maintenance costs, so your annual operating budget could be much lower than with more typical real estate options.
Higher Yields
When compared to many commercial and residential properties, you can reap much higher earnings if you find an active parking asset and manage it properly. It's crucial to understand that the yields on your parking asset vary greatly based on the lot's location and management plan. You would be surprised to see how profitable are parking garages.
Less Management Intensive
When compared to residential assets, parking lot investments have much fewer management requirements. Parking lots are rarely in need of repairs or upkeep. Furthermore, unlike renters who stay in residential structures for years or even decades, clients only stay for a few hours.
Fewer Regulations
In most places of Canada, the residential rental market is heavily regulated. These rules can be complicated, and they may limit your ability to profit from your investment property. In most towns, however, parking lots are subject to significantly fewer regulatory rules.
Discover How To Develop Real Estate With This Step By Step Guide
Knowing the Market
If you are considering investing in a parking lot, take the time to learn about the market and the many segments you might choose from. Before selecting to make such a significant purchase, whether it's a tiny suburban lot or a large city center parkade, it's critical to understand how the parking market works.
There are various obstacles that potential parking lot investors should be aware of. When looking to buy a parking lot, for example, it's common to be able to get financing. This means you will have to pay cash for the asset. Parking lots, like residential and commercial real estate, are less likely to rise in value.
With the introduction of ride-hailing services, demand for parking spaces is changing; therefore, it is crucial to note that the lucrative nature of parking lot investments may change in the near future. One of the essential qualities you can develop as an investor is flexibility and innovation.
The placement of your parking lot ultimately determines your ability to recover your investment. The essential aspect of every business is its location, but it's much more critical when managing a parking lot well.
The availability of municipally maintained parking close is another barrier for parking lot investors. It's tough to compete while still making a profit if your lot is just a few blocks from a city-run parkade with subsidized prices. Before investing, it's critical to be informed of government-run parking in your target market.
In some submarkets, such as city centres and entertainment zones, parking operators may differentiate their product by adding security manpower and surveillance or even offering valet parking services. Making your clients feel more at ease while parking with you and boosting their level of convenience can help you maximize the value of your parking asset.
How to Operate a Parking Lot Business
If you are willing to take on the dangers that come with buying a parking lot, you'll need a well-thought-out business strategy. You should treat your parking lot like if it were any other type of small business. You'll need to budget for things like staffing, marketing, and accountancy.
To begin creating your parking lot business plan, write down your quarterly and annual goals and objectives. On top of the money you previously paid to buy the property, you'll have to spend a significant amount of money operating your lot. It would be best if you began making revenue as soon as possible so that you can begin reimbursing your investment.
Determine how many employees you'll need based on the services you wish to offer at your parking lot. Do you want to provide self-parking solely, or do you like to offer a full-service valet parking experience? If you are going to give self-parking, you might choose to invest in an automated fee collection system and outsource your security to a company. You will be able to avoid having to engage a salaried employee as a result of this.
To ensure that you reach potential clients, you'll need to market your parking lot widely. The most successful approach to sell parking lots is usually through street signs. Consider offering incentives for sporting events or other high-traffic events to draw people to your parking lot.
Take Another Look at Parking Lot Investments
While parking lot investments come with several different risks and cons, they are nonetheless a highly desirable investment in some instances. Start looking for parking lot investment options in your neighbourhood if you are seeking a unique method to diversify your portfolio. If you live in a city or already have real estate investments there, there could be a lot worth investing in right under your nose!
So, if you are ready to fully explore the world of parking lot investments, click the link below to book your free strategy call with us today.