Looking for commercial real estate in Orange County?
Orange County has evolved into one of the most prestigious and diverse commercial real estate markets in the United States. With its unique blend of tech innovation, global tourism, and luxury retail, the region offers compelling opportunities for founders, operators, and investors looking to establish or scale a business presence.
Whether you’re leasing your first office in the Irvine Spectrum, securing a retail storefront in Newport Beach, or acquiring an industrial asset in Anaheim, working with an experienced local commercial realtor can help you navigate zoning, pricing, and submarket dynamics unique to the OC. Because competition for prime real estate is fierce, having an expert partner is essential for securing the right terms.
Below are three reputable commercial real estate firms in Orange County to help you get started. Educational guidance on property types, leasing vs. buying, and local considerations follows afterward.
Cresa – Orange County
Integrated Occupier Services & Strategy Cresa maintains a strong presence in Orange County and focuses exclusively on the needs of the business tenant. They provide end-to-end services—from site selection to lease restructuring—because they want to ensure your real estate strategy supports your operational goals. They are widely respected for their advocacy so that businesses avoid common landlord-biased pitfalls.
Great for: Tech companies, professional service firms, and corporate tenants.
JLL – Orange County
Comprehensive Brokerage & Market Intelligence JLL is a global powerhouse with a massive local team in Orange County. They offer deep-dive analytics into the OC’s office and industrial markets so that clients can make data-backed decisions. They are highly regarded for their expertise in high-rise office leasing and large-scale industrial acquisitions because of their extensive local data network.
Great for: Established corporations, industrial operators, and institutional investors.
Daum Commercial
Industrial & Office Brokerage Daum Commercial is one of the oldest and most respected names in Southern California real estate. They have a specific focus on the OC’s industrial corridors but also excel in creative office leasing. They are known for their “on-the-ground” intelligence so that clients often find off-market opportunities before they hit the public sites.
Great for: Manufacturers, logistics providers, and local business owners.
Commercial real estate in Orange County is defined by its diverse economy and its distinct submarkets. Areas such as the Irvine Spectrum, Newport Center, and the Anaheim Canyon each offer unique advantages. So, it is important to choose your location based on your specific industry needs. Entrepreneurs exploring the region broadly may also find value in our Doing Business in Orange County: A Complete Guide, which outlines regional growth trends
Office properties in Orange County range from world-class high-rises in Irvine to creative campus-style spaces in Costa Mesa. The market is attracting tech and medical firms because it offers an incredible talent pool and high quality of life. Many businesses also evaluate flexible office solutions, which we break down in our guide to the best coworking spaces in Orange County.
Retail in Orange County benefits from high household incomes and a massive tourism base. The region is seeing significant investment in open-air retail and mixed-use developments. But because demand for prime locations is high, spots in areas like Fashion Island require quick action. Retailers should also ensure they are compliant with local regulations, which are covered in our Orange County business licensing resources within the broader city guide.
Industrial real estate remains a powerhouse segment in the OC. Logistics hubs and R&D facilities are concentrated in North County and near the airport, so proximity to the 5 and 405 freeways is a major factor in valuation. And because of the limited land available, these spaces remain some of the most competitive in the state.
Orange County 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 standard path for many OC startups because it preserves capital for growth. But for established local businesses.
Buying property in Orange County can be a powerful way to control long-term costs. Owning your facility provides cost stability and allows you to benefit from the region’s high property appreciation.
Zoning and permitted use play a significant role in commercial real estate in Orange County. So, before signing a lease or purchasing property, business owners should confirm that their intended use complies with specific city planning regulations.
Local considerations such as parking ratios and environmental requirements are unique to each OC city, and they 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 Orange County tax and financial services resources.
Choosing the right commercial realtor in OC goes beyond brand recognition. The most effective advisors understand specific submarkets, asset classes, and the operational realities of running a business in California . When evaluating a commercial realtor, business owners should look for the following:
Knowing the difference between the Irvine Spectrum and South County impacts your overhead and accessibility.
An agent who understands the logistics of R&D space is essential because technical needs are a priority for OC tech firms.
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 cities like Irvine or Anaheim is critical to ensuring your business opens on schedule.
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 Orange County include:
LoopNet: One of the largest commercial real estate marketplaces, offering publicly listed office, retail, industrial, and investment properties throughout Orange County
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 Orange County.
Some of the most compelling commercial real estate opportunities in Orange County 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 Orange County 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 Orange County often shape a business’s trajectory for years. So, by understanding the local submarkets and working with experienced professionals, founders can position themselves to grow sustainably in one of California’s premier economic hubs.