Looking for commercial real estate in Los Angeles?
Hustler’s Library has curated a list of the top experts to help you find the perfect office, retail, or industrial location to launch or scale your business.
In a market as vast and competitive as Southern California, navigating commercial real estate in LA is more than just a transaction—it’s a strategic move. Whether you’re looking for a creative studio in the Arts District, tech space in Silicon Beach, or retail in the heart of Hollywood, these firms offer the localized insight and negotiation power needed to secure favorable terms.
Hughes Marino
Exclusive Tenant Representation Hughes Marino is a leader in the world of commercial real estate in Los Angeles due to its “conflict-free” model. Because they exclusively represent tenants and buyers—never landlords—they are widely praised for their aggressive negotiation on rent and tenant improvement (TI) allowances.
Great for:Startups, high-growth tech companies, and any business that wants a representative with zero ties to property owners.
NAI Capital
Full-Service Brokerage & Local Insight Ranked consistently as one of the top commercial firms in the region, NAI Capital is a powerhouse with deep neighborhood-level expertise. Their brokers help businesses navigate all aspects of commercial real estate in Los Angeles, from DTLA creative offices to industrial warehouses in the South Bay.
Great for: Established companies, industrial logistics, and retailers who need a broad range of services from property management to acquisition.
Lee & Associates
Industrial, Office, and Retail Brokerage With a massive footprint in Southern California, Lee & Associates is a broker-owned firm that emphasizes an entrepreneurial approach. They have some of the highest-rated individual agents for industrial and R&D space, providing critical data for those investing in commercial real estate in Los Angeles.
Great for: Industrial manufacturing, R&D/Life Sciences, and businesses looking for agents with an “entrepreneurial” mindset.
Commercial real estate in Los Angeles is a patchwork of distinct economies. Submarkets such as Santa Monica (Silicon Beach), the Arts District, Century City, and the South Bay each offer unique advantages. Entrepreneurs exploring the city broadly may also find value in our Guide to doing business in LA, which outlines local resources for entrepreneurs in greater LA.
Office properties range from high-rise Class A towers in Century City to creative, converted warehouses in Culver City. While coastal markets command premium prices, many firms choose commercial real estate in Los Angeles for its deep talent pool.
Businesses evaluating traditional office space often pair this with hybrid solutions, which we break down in our guide to the best coworking spaces in Los Angeles.
Retail in LA is defined by “destination” districts. From the luxury corridors of Beverly Hills to revitalized blocks in Silver Lake, retail operators must balance high rents with brand visibility. Mixed-use developments are now the standard in areas like Koreatown and West Hollywood.
Retailers should also consider the City of Los Angeles’ specific permitting requirements, covered in our business licensing resources.
Industrial real estate is currently the tightest segment of commercial real estate in Los Angeles. Logistics hubs and last-mile delivery centers are concentrated near the Port of Los Angeles. This property type is critical for e-commerce brands and manufacturing businesses scaling across the West Coast.
Los Angeles remains a premier global destination for real estate investors. Multi-family housing and industrial portfolios are commonly evaluated based on cap rates and long-term appreciation. Investors may also benefit from understanding local capital access, as outlined in our Los Angeles Tax and Financial Services resources.
Leasing is the standard choice for LA startups prioritizing agility. Lower upfront capital allows operators to pivot as the market changes.
Buying property can be a powerful wealth-building tool in California, allowing established businesses to control occupancy costs and build long-term equity.
This decision is often influenced by SBA 504 financing options. Entrepreneurs buying an existing operation may encounter this decision immediately, which we explore further in our Guide to Buying a Business in LA.
Zoning and “Permitted Use” are major hurdles for commercial real estate in Los Angeles. Before signing a lease, business owners must confirm their intended use complies with LADBS (Department of Building and Safety) regulations.
Local considerations such as Parking Requirements and “Change of Use” permits can vary significantly between the City of LA and neighboring municipalities like Santa Monica or West Hollywood.
Choosing the right advisor in LA goes beyond brand recognition. The most effective realtors understand the high-speed realities of the Southern California market:
A strong realtor understands the pricing differences between the Valley and the Westside.
Leasing a medical office is vastly different from leasing a South Bay warehouse.
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 “Red Tape” of LA’s municipal requirements 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 LA include:
LoopNet: One of the largest commercial real estate marketplaces, offering publicly listed office, retail, industrial, and investment properties throughout LA
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 Los Angeles.
Some of the most compelling commercial real estate opportunities in LA 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 LA & California. Because the platform sits upstream of many business decisions; such as expansion, relocation, acquisition, and restructuring – the Hustler’s Library team often become aware of commercial real estate opportunities before they are formally listed.
Decisions regarding commercial real estate in Los Angeles 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.