Commercial property usually refers to buildings that house businesses, but can also refer to land used to generate a profit, as well as large residential rental properties. Industrial land covers office buildings, grocery shops, manufacturing shops, shopping centres, and much more. Commercial property efficiency, including sales prices, new construction rates and occupancy rates, is often used as a proxy for business activity in a given area or economy.

Many companies prefer commercial property to rent rather than own the property they operate their business from since the real estate is not their core business they can free up capital to invest in their core business.

Commercial property has traditionally been seen as a sound investment. Initial investment costs for the building and costs associated with customization for tenants are higher than residential real estate.