Investing in Commercial Property for Sale in Columbus, Ohio? The Complete Beginner’s Guide! [2024]

Commercial Property for Sale in Columbus, OhioAre you a newcomer to buying commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio? Welcome to our thriving community! Not only is our neighborhood home to some of the largest U.S. retail and restaurant headquarters, but the Columbus, OH real estate and job markets have seen remarkable growth, too. As such, there is no better time than now to buy commercial real estate in Columbus, Ohio.

Now that we’ve piqued your interest in our fantastic city, it’s time to dive into commercial property investment. Whether this is your first purchase or tenth, investing in commercial properties for sale comes with unique challenges. So, with that thought in mind, we’ve created a comprehensive guide listing the top 5 tips for beginners, a due diligence checklist, and a list of pitfalls to avoid during the process. Also, find out what benefits the tax bill brings to the commercial real estate industry, particularly for Ohio investors; these benefits might motivate you to make that buy decision quicker than you thought!

Get In Touch with The Robert Weiler Company

 

JUMP TO SECTION:

 

 

The Upside (and Downside) of Buying Commercial Property for Sale in Columbus, Ohio

As with homes and vehicles, there are pros and cons to buy commercial real estate. Columbus, Ohio is a fine place to start or move your business, as you’ll read below. But there are nuances specific to buying commercial property. Buying tends to be the best choice for a business owner or investor looking for a long-term commercial property, such as a commercial building for sale; however, it comes with its risks. Naturally, as the owner, you are responsible for repairs and maintenance, as well as the health and safety of the occupants. Additionally, when you buy commercial property for sale in Ohio, significant upfront costs may be included to bring the building up to code, adhere to environmental regulations, or secure a loan or line of credit.

Nonetheless, there is a significant upside to ownership. Your commercial property is an incredible asset with increased equity and appreciation potential. Many owners of commercial real estate in Columbus, Ohio are excited when they ask, “What’s my commercial property worth?”

Consider this: According to a forecast by Zillow, the Columbus metro area is positioned to be one of the nation’s three hottest housing markets in 2024! Columbus stands out as a strong housing market due to its solid economic positioning, low inventory, ample prospective buyers, relatively high mortgage rates and prices, and steady home value expectations. The forecast is good news for commercial real estate to buy, which traditionally follows the residential market trends. In addition to the prospect of skyrocketing commercial property values, buying commercial property for sale gives you control of the real estate. It allows you to dictate usage, rental agreements, and types of tenants. But you need to know how to find commercial real estate listings; where to find commercial properties for sale in Ohio; how to choose the right available commercial property; best practices to negotiate; and how to execute the commercial real estate transaction flawlessly. These elements are vital whether you’re looking for commercial properties for sale in Ohio or anywhere.

 

Make Sure Your Commercial Real Estate Investment Property Pays Off with 5 Tips

If you are entering the world of CRE investment and purchasing commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio for the first time, remember three letters: ROI. ROI, or Return On Investment, is one of the most critical aspects of buying a commercial investment property. Having free reign over a property to call your own can be exciting; however, ownership can quickly lose its allure with sinking commercial real estate value. If “Less than what I paid.” was your answer to, “What’s my commercial property worth?” then you probably need to rethink your strategy.

With the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council naming Ohio one of the top 10 most entrepreneur-friendly states, Columbus is a great place to invest. After performing a commercial property search, ensure you understand the fundamentals of commercial property investing. Avoid the “doomsday” scenario and consider five tips before investing in Columbus commercial real estate:

Tip #1: Ensure the area surrounding the commercial space for sale suits your needs.

For first-time investors entering the commercial real estate world, start your property search for commercial real estate listings in communities you are familiar with. Many investors start by buying commercial property available in the same area they reside in because of the natural familiarity. Exposure to a specific region or city eliminates much of the research required; this typically involves knowing the area’s general population, main attractions, and major employers. If you’re conducting a Columbus, Ohio property search, you may uncover the following aspects of our great community:

  • General population: Columbus, Ohio has a population of 906,528, and Columbus Metro has 2.15 million.
  • Main attractions: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, North Market, and Columbus Museum of Art are among the most popular attractions.
  • Major employers: The Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, JPMorgan Chase, OhioHealth, and Nationwide are some of the top employers.

Having a keen sense of these factors helps commercial property or land buyers determine the predicted economic atmosphere within the coming years. If the current neighborhood does not appear optimal for a commercial real estate investment, perform the necessary research; you may find out that it’s ideal to invest in a commercial building for sale (or other available commercial property types) elsewhere.

The Buckeye State has much to offer prospective investors, ranking #3 in Swyft Filings’ “Best & Worst States For Small Businesses (2023).” Small businesses in Ohio benefit from low annual fees and taxes. Ohio is one of only four states that does not impose corporate income tax; its personal income tax rate (2.49%) is among the five lowest rates in the nation. In addition, Ohio is the eighth-best state in which to start a business, with a Business Friendliness Index Score of 61.7, according to HubScore’s “Best States to Start a Business” report.

Ohio ranks 3rd for the most SBA loans granted per capita and is among the top 15 states for business survival rates and 5-year growth in business employment. In addition, our state ranked in the top half of Midwest states with the best taxation and regulation, workforce quality, and living environment; Ohio also ranks #2 overall for the region. According to Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers (2023)” list, 96 companies in Ohio made the cut. And, Columbus leads almost all other Midwest cities (except for Des Moines, IA) by having excellent job creation and momentum, according to Forbes’ “Best Places for Business and Careers (2023)” list.  This data makes Ohio attractive to homeowners as well as large enterprises and startups looking at commercial real estate to buy.

As far as Columbus, Ohio is concerned, population growth has catapulted the city past Indianapolis to rank 14th in the country; 2nd in the Midwest after Chicago; and the third-most populous state capital. The Columbus metro population is growing 1.1% yearly, surpassing the U.S. average. Further, its growth remained stable during the peak of the pandemic, when most cities saw growth slipping.

So, when you are considering a location for commercial real estate investment, make sure you take into account some of the economic indicators above. Here are some questions to help you better assess the area in which you’re looking to invest:

  • What is the commercial real estate market climate? (Is it growing, stable, or declining?)
  • What do comparable commercial investment properties look like?
  • How is the rentability of the area?
  • Is the area a business-friendly environment? (Analyze the business climate by looking at factors such as the average revenue of local businesses and the number of businesses with paid employees.)
  • How is the local economic health of the areas you’re considering (Research the median income, housing costs, and unemployment rates for each area.)
  • How is the current job market near the commercial property for sale in Ohio? What industries are strong in the community?
  • What are the prospects for the area in which you are searching for commercial real estate listings? (For instance, what is the cost of living?)

Tip #2: Determine your capitalization (or “cap”) rate.

As a novice in buying commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio, the cap rate of a property is a critical element. Fundamentally, the cap rate is the relationship between the property’s net income and purchase price. For CRE investors, the cap rate is a way to determine the property’s ROI potential.

Commercial real estate appraisers will tell you that cap rates do not signify commercial property value. The basic equation for determining your cap rate consists of taking the annual rent of the commercial property and subtracting all yearly expenses (such as maintenance, management, and utilities). The cost of vacancy (when the commercial property may not be fully occupied, resulting in lower or zero cash flow) should also be factored in as an expense. Once net income is determined, it is divided by the purchase price.

Realtor.com describes optimal cap rate percentages as between 4 percent and 12 percent. It is worth noting that commercial properties available with high percentages (over 12 percent) can be as risky as those with low percentages (below 4 percent); therefore, looking at a set of factors instead of just the cap rate is essential.

Tip #3: Decide on your role.

“Management” isn’t just a line item expense; it is a critical part of the profitability of your Columbus, Ohio commercial real estate. As such, you must determine how involved you will be in the day-to-day administration of your property.

If you are buying commercial property for business purposes, you must be prepared to keep that space occupied. The mortgage payments, utility fees, and maintenance costs are all on your shoulders. On the other hand, if you are purchasing commercial property to lease to tenants, you have two choices regarding running the show. You can choose to act as the landlord, handling the typical day-to-day responsibilities; or you can consider hiring a commercial property manager to administrate those aspects for you.

For first-time buyers, hiring a commercial property manager is recommended. In the beginning, finding the right person to manage your commercial investment property takes work. And, while it is an extra cost, having an on-site property manager can make ownership less stressful. When searching for property managers in Columbus, Ohio, personality and experience are essential. Other criteria include ensuring that you’re both on the same page with how to screen tenants, collect rent, handle evictions, perform maintenance, and successfully market any vacancies within the property.

Tip #4: Avoid fundamental mistakes when buying commercial properties for sale.

As a buyer of Columbus, Ohio commercial real estate for sale, you might come across the term “balance sheet” in your research. The balance sheet discusses the state of the property as a whole, not just the level of cash flow but also the appreciation, equity growth, and tax benefits. Failure to address all four of these topics can result in poor utilization of your asset and hinder profits.

Another mistake – perhaps one of the more obvious (and, consequently, most detrimental) – is contracting the commercial property for sale in your personal name. From a risk management perspective, if the purchase eventually goes downhill, your private assets (e.g., retirement accounts) can be considered fair game in a lawsuit. Purchasing a commercial property with a business name, such as a limited liability company (LLC), is highly recommended to prevent this situation. Consult a Columbus commercial real estate attorney before establishing a business entity.

Tip #5: Hire a professional Ohio real estate appraiser to assess the Columbus, Ohio commercial property for sale before signing.

In addition to hiring an attorney, assemble a team of experts, particularly professional commercial property appraisers, to assess the property before signing. The U.S. Department of the Treasury increased the threshold for requiring an appraisal when obtaining financing for a commercial property for sale in Ohio or nationwide. Essentially, buyers or investors are no longer required to necessitate a certified appraisal for properties under $500,000 (compared to $250,000 previously). Despite the new ruling, commercial appraisals performed by experienced, certified real estate appraisers offer an essential and comprehensive analysis of your property and the surrounding area.

A Columbus, Ohio property appraiser will help you learn the exact size and condition of the property. They will also demonstrate how your property compares with others, which will assist you in determining your purchase price.

The sexennial statewide reassessment conducted by various counties in Ohio exemplifies the importance of commercial real estate appraisals. (Real property is reassessed/reappraised every six years, whereas property values are updated three years after each sexennial reassessment.) Franklin County, which includes Columbus, last underwent the property reassessment process in 2023. Many property owners were surprised by the subsequent tax increase determined by the County Auditor’s Office. If not for the in-depth work of independent commercial real estate appraisers in challenging the updated tax burden of their clients (the property owner), many would be unnecessarily paying increased taxes.

To summarize, it is recommended that an investor obtain a commercial appraisal regardless of guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

 

Due Diligence Checklist: A Newbie (or Seasoned) Commercial Investor’s Best Friend

During the commercial real estate due diligence process, a responsible CRE investor will spend weeks scrupulously inspecting all aspects of the commercial property for sale. They must ensure that there are minimal or zero surprises post-purchase. As such, investors must verify the seller, financials, and property obligations (i.e., zoning).

Many commercial property investors don’t realize they can also request that the due diligence period begins after the seller provides the necessary information. Seasoned commercial property investors know that money need not be spent until after performing their review.

Abiding by the checklist below will guide you in the process, thus ensuring that each document, record, regulation, and financial information does not go unnoticed.

As you embark on your purchase of commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio, you must obtain, request, or perform the following:

  • All documentation from the seller, including the financials and title policy
  • The most recent topographic study and/or ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey of the commercial property
  • An in-person tour of the commercial real estate for sale with a property or listing manager
  • The property’s Zoning Compliance Certificate, which ensures that zoning qualifications are met
  • Comprehensive environmental reports on the commercial property, including NFR (No Further Remediation) letters, appraisals, and any soil, mold, termite, or radon testing
  • Written certification ensuring that there are no other current leases on the commercial space for sale – oral or otherwise, as well as complete documentation of each written lease
  • If applicable, a full survey of rent and other income paid by the property’s tenants; this can include any delinquencies, security deposits, lease commencement and termination dates, and years of occupancy
  • Three years’ worth of the commercial property’s income and expense records; these items include tax statements, real estate tax bills, and other related documentation, as well as any protests
  • A full accounting of each service performed on the commercial property, including maintenance, operation, and repair
  • A record of insurance information, including existing policies and any pending or previous claims made against the commercial property
  • Legal documentation about the commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio; pending litigation (if any) that may affect the sale of the property should also be provided

 

The 6 Most Common Mistakes When Performing Commercial Real Estate Due Diligence

Following the above checklist doesn’t absolve you from making errors in the due diligence process. As such, awareness of these six potential issues is critical to success:

  1. Missing the mark with commercial property value. As noted within the beginner tips above, the valuation of a property is a fundamental step in commercial real estate investment. It is also where most errors often occur when investing in commercial space for sale. Property valuation may fluctuate throughout the entire process – from when you begin your commercial property search to when you accumulate information on comparable sales in the area, and then as you start performing due diligence. When you buy a commercial building for sale, you must know the most accurate commercial real estate value.
  2. Not meeting your lender’s loan requirements. For commercial real estate loans, many lenders base loan amounts on criteria such as: (1) the purchaser’s credit; (2) the physical condition of the property, both the interior and exterior; (3) comparable commercial properties for lease and commercial properties for sale in Columbus, Ohio (or wherever the property is located); (4) the intended use of the commercial space for sale; and (5) potential environmental issues. Clear communication with the lender before proceeding with due diligence is vital in avoiding wasted time.
  3. Failing to confirm the commercial property’s compliance with building codes and regulations. It is common practice for a commercial real estate investor to wait until contracting starts or a visit from a city inspector to check the work being done before reviewing the building codes. Of course, this is all after the commercial building for sale has been purchased, creating easily avoidable problems for the purchaser. When you buy commercial buildings for sale, this is a critical step. Following the checklist above will ensure full knowledge of your commercial property’s building codes.
  4. Lacking full awareness of existing tenant lease provisions. Another checklist item, obtaining existing lease agreements of a commercial rental property is highly important. Specialty lease provisions can include contracts, cancellations, and fixed rents. Problems arise when tenants try to act on these provisions while the purchaser is unaware of the legalities. If you’re looking to invest in commercial rental properties for sale, Columbus, Ohio has its own set of laws, as do other areas. Be sure to check with local state lease agreement laws.
  5. Assuming the seller has fully disclosed any issues regarding the commercial property. A good commercial real estate investment cannot rely solely on trust. When you buy commercial buildings for sale, don’t assume the seller is being straightforward. Due diligence is when the purchaser must ask all pertinent questions and obtain written documentation in response.
  6. Skimping out of the physical inspection. The purchaser should visit the property in question multiple times. Even if the seller claims they want to avoid tenant disruption, you, as the purchaser, should insist on performing a walk-through of every unit on the property. Try to speak directly with the tenants, too. Also, visit the property on various days and at different times during the day. In doing so, you will get an accurate feel for how the property is viewed and used; you will also understand the general condition of the units. This is a crucial step when looking to buy commercial buildings for sale.

 

How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Impacts Columbus, Ohio Commercial Real Estate Investors in 2024

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), also known as Public Law No. 115-97, was signed years ago. This act has since become the most transforming federal tax law implemented in the U.S. in decades. Fortunately, many aspects of the law have positively impacted those investing in commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio (and throughout Ohio). The bill has provided tax savings over both the long- and short-term. Outlined below are the significant effects of the tax law.

  • 20 Percent deduction. This provision benefits commercial real estate investors who hold property in companies registered as partnerships, LLCs, and S Corps. The law permits investors and shareholders to take advantage of a 20 percent tax deduction on that income. While there are exceptions to this rule, a tax advisor can assess your situation and guide you accordingly.
  • Increase of Section 179 expense cap. Under Section 179, taxpayers can deduct certain properties’ costs as expenses, reducing the overall tax bill. The law has doubled the cap amount, previously set at $500,000, to $1,000,000. This law aims to encourage investors to purchase more commercial properties for sale.
  • 1031 Exchanges. The tax law has preserved the ability to defer capital gains on real property alone instead of including value on personal property. Luckily, for commercial real estate investors, capital gains on the sale of a commercial property can be deferred so long as they are reinvested into another commercial property that fits the qualifications.
  • Immediate cost recovery. A commercial real estate investor who acquires a new asset can take a full property deduction within the same year. The law previously permitted commercial real estate investors to deduct 50 percent of a property’s cost in the first year of purchase and then continued depreciation in the subsequent years.

For residents and workers in Columbus and throughout Ohio, the results of the tax reform bill over the last five years have been highlighted by businesses offering higher wages, bonuses, and increased benefits. Investors in commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio have also seen opportunities to generate profit while assisting areas deemed “Qualified Opportunity Zones.” Essentially, the law incentivizes investors who purchase distressed census tracts (or properties) in low-income communities. According to the last census, there are 2,952 census tracts in Ohio, with 44 census tracts in Columbus, Ohio. These investors have been able to capitalize on TCJA incentives, including deferment or elimination of gains from stock or property.

 

Hire a Team of Professionals Before Investing in Commercial Properties for Sale

When investing in commercial real estate, it’s better to have a team of experienced professionals by your side. With each person specializing in their area of expertise, the buying process will be smoother and more cost-saving in the long run. Below are some of the experts you may want to hire:

  • Commercial REALTOR®
  • Commercial Real Estate Attorney
  • Mortgage Broker
  • Accountant
  • Commercial Property Inspector
  • General Contractor
  • Property Manager

 

Ready to Embark on Your Investment Journey? Commercial Property for Sale in Columbus, Ohio Awaits!

Having read all the tips and information above, we’re confident you’re ready to purchase a Columbus, Ohio commercial property for sale. However, if you’re not quite ready to buy, Columbus also offers many commercial properties for rent and commercial properties for lease. Regardless, it’s best to partner with an experienced commercial real estate firm to ensure you make the best decision.

With over 85 years in the Columbus, Ohio commercial real estate market, The Robert Weiler Company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including brokerage, consulting, development, appraisal, and property management. You can view some of our Columbus commercial real estate listings (Columbus, Ohio and throughout Central Ohio are key areas) directly on our site’s commercial property search page. What more can you ask for when investing in commercial property for sale in Columbus, Ohio? Contact us at 614-221-4286 to begin forging your pathway to CRE success!

 

Have a New Project? LET'S TALK