Residential vs Commercial Real Estate – How to Make the Best Choice in 2023?
One of the most critical choices you will make is while selecting your first investment property. The right asset will give you the money and expertise you will need to continue making strategic investments. Unfortunately, making the wrong decision will turn into a money-eating blunder that may drain your bank account for many years to come.
The question is quite simple: will you opt for buying a residential vs commercial real estate investment?
Well, since there is a lot that goes into the choice between residential vs commercial real estate, we want to help you by offering a free strategy call to weigh both options. Simply click the link below to book yours today.
The First & Most Important Decision in Residential vs Commercial Real Estate
As investment assets, both residential and commercial properties have advantages and disadvantages, so the question of residential vs commercial real estate can be difficult. For example, residential homes have a lower entry barrier, while commercial properties have more stable lease agreements. However, there are numerous differences between them, so this is the first decision any investor must make.
The type of occupants you want to attract to the kind of mortgage you will be eligible for entirely depends on whether you are considering buying a residential vs commercial real estate asset. As a result, you must carefully consider the advantages of each investment form against your own investment goals. Then, given your precise objectives and priorities, you must choose the best form of asset.
Have a look at the industry you are operating in. Then, gather as much information as possible about the market's existing and future states. This means that you are making a long-term strategic investment in a vehicle that will help you expand your wealth over time.
Advantages of Commercial Real Estate
For a variety of factors, many seasoned investors prefer commercial investing when faced with the question of residential vs commercial real estate. Despite the higher entry barrier associated with commercial real estate, there are several advantages to consider:
Unique Leasing Options
If you have an investment in commercial real estate properties, you might be able to provide unique lease options. A triple net lease, for example, allows you to charge your tenant for the costs of running, fixing, and maintaining the house. These arrangements are often long-term, enabling you to sit back and earn income from your triple net tenant's current arrangement. Big, national chain companies are the most common signatories to triple net lease agreements.
Higher Profit Margins
When compared together, commercial real estate investment yields considerably higher returns than residential investment. You will command higher rents and profit margins because the cost of entering the commercial real estate market is far higher. Furthermore, since your commercial building will have more rooms, you will be able to secure rental payments from a larger pool of tenants. Depending on the type of tenant you are targeting, you might be able to subdivide the existing commercial units.
Discover How To Buy Commercial Real Estate With This Step By Step Guide
Advantages of Residential Real Estate
Residential real estate is frequently the fastest and most cost-effective way for investors to enter the potential market. So let us a few advantages of investing in residential vs commercial real estate:
Low Tenant Turnover
Businesses frequently extend, close, or relocate their operations. This suggests that unless a highly favourable lease arrangement is negotiated, commercial real estate investors will face high levels of tenant turnover. Long-term tenants are much more likely to be held by residential investors. Furthermore, filling vacant residential units is much easier than filling vacant industrial units. As a result, your investment property would vacant space for short periods, resulting in a more stable cash flow in residential vs commercial real estate investments.
A Lower Entry Barrier
Entering the residential real estate market is much more cost-effective, particularly for your first purchase. A single-family home or duplex may be purchased for a reasonable price. You are more likely to pay a premium when you are going to invest in a commercial site because most commercial sites are more significant and more amenity-filled by default. Obtaining a commercial mortgage is also difficult for first-time buyers. Residential properties are more accessible to the average investor.
Financing and other Factors to Consider
It is also crucial to understand the various types of financial options available to residential vs commercial real estate investors compared to commercial real estate investors.
Mortgages
Banks and mortgage brokers offer conventional mortgage products to residential real estate buyers. Residential mortgages are usually granted to a direct buyer by a financial institution.
On the other hand, commercial real estate mortgages are usually issued by a financial institution or an experience mortgage broker. Since the property is zoned for business use, signing the mortgage as a company's agent is essential.
This will make the paperwork more challenging to complete and make it even more difficult to obtain your commercial loan benefits unless you work with an expert.
We recommend our team at LendCity Mortgages. We do both residential and commercial mortgages and can be reached at the link above or by giving us a call at 1-519-960-0370.
Financial Risk
Commercial real estate loans are considered riskier by banks than residential real estate loans. The amount of money they are putting up is higher, and the chance of failure is higher as well. They are more likely to charge higher interest rates and provide short-term loans. Commercial real estate mortgages are often more likely to have a variable interest rate, meaning if the Bank of Canada begins to increase interest rates, your profits will be affected. It all adds up to a higher level of risk for all parties involved.
Zoning
Commercial buildings are also subject to stricter zoning regulations. For example, some types of commercial operations are only permitted in specific areas. In zones designated for retail or residential use, even light industrial processes may be prohibited. Depending on local zoning regulations, you can have difficulty coordinating with local authorities to recognize businesses permitted to operate in your commercial property.
Utility Services
Since commercial property owners must purchase electricity in bulk, you would usually earn a discount on the per-kilowatt-hour price you pay to your hydro provider if you invest in a commercial property rather than a residential one.
What Decision Will You Make?
It all can be summarized to one fundamental question that any real estate investor must ask: Is it better to invest in residential vs commercial real estate?
It might be worthwhile to invest in a commercial investment property if you have the requisite resources and experience. First, attempt to locate a desirable, rising market with high-quality commercial real estate. Then, to protect yourself from danger, make sure you double- and triple-check anything.
For the time being, if you are considering your first purchase and have little liquidity, you would be best served by the residential real estate market. Nobody says you must invest in residential vs commercial real estate for the rest of your life! You can put your talents (and money) to work for something in the commercial space once you have learned the ropes in a beginner-friendly setting.
If you are still unsure if you should choose residential vs commercial real estate, let us help you make the right choice. Just click the link below to book a free strategy call and we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of residential vs commercial real estate investing.