Looking for commercial real estate in San Francisco?
San Francisco has evolved into one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven commercial real estate markets in the United States. With its position as the global hub for venture capital, technology, and a world-class workforce, the city offers compelling opportunities for founders, operators, and investors looking to establish or scale a business presence.
Whether you’re leasing your first office, securing a retail storefront, or acquiring an income-producing asset, working with an experienced local commercial realtor can help you navigate zoning, pricing, and submarket dynamics unique to the Bay Area.
Below are three reputable commercial real estate firms in San Francisco to help you get started. Educational guidance on property types, leasing vs. buying, and local considerations follows afterward.
Starboard CRE
Locally-Owned Full-Service Brokerage As the largest independently owned commercial real estate firm in San Francisco, Starboard provides a highly personalized “underdog” approach. They specialize in office leasing and investment sales, with a specific focus on the San Francisco “North of Market” and SoMa districts.
Great for: Small-to-mid-sized local businesses and investors who prefer working with a firm that has a 30+ year history of independent San Francisco operation.
Avison Young
Office Leasing & Tenant Representation Avison Young is a global firm with a very strong local outpost in San Francisco. They are particularly highly rated for their data-driven approach to tenant representation. Their San Francisco specialists are experts at navigating the city’s complex occupancy laws and helping firms negotiate favorable lease restructuring.
Great for: Tech companies and professional service firms that need sophisticated market analytics and aggressive representation during lease negotiations.
Cresa San Francisco
Integrated Occupier Services & Strategy Cresa is a global firm with a dedicated San Francisco office that is widely respected for its client-first approach. They specialize in a partnership model that focuses exclusively on the needs of the business occupier. By providing end-to-end services—from initial site selection to project management and lease restructuring—they ensure that your real estate strategy directly supports your operational goals.
Great for: Corporate occupiers, professional service firms, and growing businesses that require a dedicated advocate to secure the most favorable lease terms.
Commercial real estate in San Francisco is characterized by extreme density and high demand. Submarkets such as the Financial District (FiDi), SoMa (South of Market), the Mission, and the Dogpatch each offer distinct operational advantages. Entrepreneurs exploring the city broadly may also find value in our Doing Business in SF: A Complete Guide, which outlines the economic infrastructure of the Bay Area.
Office properties in SF range from iconic high-rises to industrial-chic lofts. San Francisco’s office market is currently evolving toward “amenity-rich” spaces designed to draw hybrid workforces back into the city.
Businesses evaluating traditional office space often pair this with hybrid solutions, which we break down in our guide to the best coworking spaces in SF.
Retail in SF is governed by unique neighborhood rules, including “Formula Retail” restrictions in certain districts that protect local boutiques from national chains. Those operators must balance foot traffic with complex city regulations.
Rreal estate is the rarest segment of commercial real estate in San Francisco. Most industrial and “production, distribution, and repair” (PDR) spaces are concentrated in the Dogpatch and the Bayview. These are critical for hardware startups, logistics firms, and light manufacturing businesses.
The city remains a target for global capital. Multi-family assets and medical office buildings are frequently evaluated based on long-term appreciation. Investors may also benefit from understanding local capital access, as outlined in our San Francisco Tax and Financial Services resources.
Leasing is the dominant choice for SF founders who need the ability to pivot or relocate as they hit growth milestones.
Buying property is an ambitious way to control occupancy costs and build equity in one of the world’s most valuable markets. This decision is often influenced by financing options and long-term tax considerations.
Entrepreneurs buying an existing operation may encounter this decision immediately, which we explore further in our How to Buy a Business in San Francisco guide.
Zoning and permitted use play a significant role in commercial real estate in San Francisco. Before signing a lease or purchasing property, business owners should confirm that their intended use complies with San Francisco Planning Department regulations, especially for specialized uses like biotech labs or “Formula Retail.”
Local considerations such as seismic requirements, parking ratios, and neighborhood-specific signage rules can vary by submarket and should be reviewed early in the process. Businesses navigating these steps often coordinate with local legal consultants and financial professionals, which we outline in our San Francisco tax and financial services resources.
Choosing the right commercial realtor in San Francisco goes beyond brand recognition. The most effective advisors understand specific submarkets, asset classes, and the operational realities of running a business in SF. When evaluating a commercial realtor, business owners should look for the following:
A realtor who understands the nuances of SoMa vs. the FiDi can save a startup hundreds of thousands in rent.
Knowing which neighborhoods allow “Change of Use” or PDR space is essential for avoiding legal deadlocks.
A real estate decisions impact cash flow, operations, and long-term strategy. Realtors who regularly work with business owners and investors tend to structure deals with these realities in mind.
Commercial transactions are complex. A reliable realtor explains terms clearly, flags risks early, and maintains consistent communication throughout the process.
Navigating the municipal requirements of the San Francisco Planning and Building departments is critical to avoiding move-in delays.
In addition to working directly with a commercial realtor, many business owners and investors begin their search using online commercial real estate platforms. These marketplaces provide visibility into active listings across multiple property types and submarkets. Common platforms used in San Francisco include:
LoopNet: One of the largest commercial real estate marketplaces, offering publicly listed office, retail, industrial, and investment properties throughout San Francisco.
Crexi: A data-driven platform frequently used by brokers and investors, particularly for industrial assets and income-producing commercial properties.
CommercialCafe: Often used for office and retail leasing, with tools that allow users to compare spaces by size, amenities, and submarket.
Brokerage firm websites: Many commercial brokerages like the ones mentioned at the beginning of the page publish listings directly on their own sites, including opportunities that may not yet appear on larger marketplaces.
Hustler’s Library: In addition to public listing platforms, Hustler’s Library operates at the intersection of business ownership, investment, and local market intelligence. Through its city guides, consulting relationships, and operator-focused network, the platform occasionally surfaces off-market or early-stage commercial real estate opportunities that never reach traditional listing sites.
Public platforms are a strong starting point, but they rarely capture the full picture of what is available in a market like San Francisco.
Some of the most compelling commercial real estate opportunities in San Francisco. happen off-market. These deals may involve owners quietly testing demand, businesses preparing to relocate, or investors repositioning assets without public exposure.
Off-market opportunities are most often discovered through:
direct relationships with commercial brokers
local business owners and professional advisors
private investor and operator networks
Hustler’s Library plays a unique role in this process by maintaining close relationships with business owners, consultants, bankers, and investors operating throughout San Francisco. and California. Because the platform sits upstream of many business decisions; such as expansion, relocation, acquisition, and restructuring – it occasionally becomes aware of commercial real estate opportunities before they are formally listed.
Decisions regarding commercial real estate in San Francisco often shape a business’s trajectory for years. By understanding the local submarkets and working with experienced professionals, founders can position themselves to operate efficiently and grow sustainably.