Looking for commercial real estate in San Jose?
San Jose has evolved into one of the most innovation-driven commercial real estate markets in the United States. As the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley, the city offers compelling opportunities for founders, operators, and investors looking to establish or scale a business presence amidst the world’s leading technology ecosystem.
Whether you’re leasing your first office in North San Jose, securing a retail storefront in Willow Glen, or acquiring an industrial asset near the airport, working with an experienced local commercial realtor can help you navigate zoning, pricing, and submarket dynamics unique to the South Bay. Because the market is so competitive, having local representation is often the difference between a successful move and a costly delay.
Below are three reputable commercial real estate firms in San Jose to help you get started. Educational guidance on property types, leasing vs. buying, and local considerations follows afterward.
Colliers – San Jose
Comprehensive Brokerage & Market Research Colliers maintains a powerhouse presence in San Jose and offers a deep bench of specialists who understand the “tech-first” nature of the local market. They are widely respected for their data-driven approach, so they are particularly effective at helping businesses navigate the complexities of San Jose’s high-demand office corridors.
Great for: Established companies, R&D-heavy startups, and institutional investors who require sophisticated market intelligence.
Kidder Mathews – San Jose
Full-Service Independent Brokerage & Valuation Kidder Mathews is the largest fully independent commercial real estate firm on the West Coast, and their downtown San Jose office is staffed by specialists who deeply understand the local market. They provide a wide range of services including brokerage, appraisal, and asset services because they aim to be a one-stop-shop for Silicon Valley businesses. Their independence allows them to be more agile than global competitors, so clients often find they receive more personalized, high-touch representation.
Great for: Growing businesses, industrial occupiers, and private investors who want a deeply resourced but independent partner.
Ritchie Commercial
Strategic Advisory & Global Corporate Services CBRE is a global powerhouse that maintains a massive presence in the Silicon Valley, and they are widely recognized for their “leading-edge” corporate services. They specialize in finding solutions for everyone from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies because their platform offers unmatched data and market research. This means they can help you identify emerging real estate trends before they hit the mainstream, so your business stays ahead of the competition.
Great for: Companies looking to scale internationally, large-scale tech tenants, and institutional investors.
Commercial real estate in San Jose is defined by its proximity to tech giants and its diverse submarkets. Areas such as Downtown San Jose, North San Jose, and Willow Glen each offer distinct advantages, so it is important to choose your location based on your specific industry needs. Entrepreneurs exploring the city broadly may also find value in our Doing Business in San Jose: A Complete Guide, which outlines the economic infrastructure and regional growth trends of Silicon Valley.
San Jose is world-renowned for its “Flex-R&D” space. This is a hybrid of office and light manufacturing that is essential for hardware and biotech firms. While North San Jose is the hub for these campuses, Downtown San Jose is increasingly attracting tech firms because it offers a more urban, walkable environment for employees.
Retail in San Jose ranges from the upscale developments of Santana Row to the historic storefronts of Willow Glen. The city is currently seeing a surge in mixed-use projects and retail developers are focusing heavily on areas near the planned Google “Downtown West” development. But retailers must be prepared to navigate competitive rents to secure these prime spots.
Industrial real estate is incredibly sought after in San Jose, and it is primarily utilized by the electronics and semiconductor industries. Logistics centers are concentrated near San Jose Mineta International Airport, so proximity to transportation hubs is a major factor in property valuation. And because of the e-commerce boom, these spaces are currently in high demand.
San Jose remains a strong market for commercial real estate investors seeking income-producing assets. Multi-tenant office buildings, retail centers, and industrial facilities are commonly evaluated based on cash flow stability, tenant mix, and long-term growth tied to regional expansion.
Leasing is the most common path for San Jose startups because it provides the flexibility to scale rapidly or pivot as funding rounds change. But for established companies, buying property in San Jose can be a significant long-term investment.
While the barrier to entry is high, owning your facility provides cost stability and allows businesses to build equity in some of the world’s most valuable real estate.
Entrepreneurs buying an existing operation may encounter this decision immediately, which we explore further in our How to Buy a Business in Las San Jose guide.
Zoning and permitted use play a significant role in commercial real estate in San Jose. So, before signing a lease or purchasing property, business owners should confirm that their intended use complies with City of San Jose Planning and Building regulations.
Local considerations such as “Industrial Preservation” zones and parking ratios are unique to San Jose, and they should be reviewed early in the process to avoid move-in delays. Businesses navigating these steps often coordinate with local legal consultants and financial professionals, which we outline in our San Jose tax and financial services resources.
Choosing the right commercial realtor in San Jose goes beyond brand recognition. The most effective advisors understand specific submarkets, asset classes, and the operational realities of running a business in San Jose. When evaluating a commercial realtor, business owners should look for the following:
Knowing the difference between the “Innovation Triangle” and the “Financial District” can impact both your rent and your ability to attract talent.
An agent who understands the HVAC and power requirements of a cleanroom is essential for tech manufacturers because these technical needs are non-negotiable.
Commercial 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 Jose Planning Department is critical to ensuring a smooth transition into your new space.
A knowledgeable local realtor can reduce risk, improve deal terms, and ensure your commercial space supports long-term business success in San Jose.
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 Jose include:
LoopNet: One of the largest commercial real estate marketplaces, offering publicly listed office, retail, industrial, and investment properties throughout Southern Nevada.
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 Jose.
Some of the most compelling commercial real estate opportunities in San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose often shape a business’s trajectory for years. So, by understanding the local submarkets and working with experienced professionals, founders can position themselves to operate efficiently and grow sustainably in the world’s premier tech hub.