Commercial Listings for Rent in Washington, DC

The competition for commercial properties for lease in Washington DC can be robust, especially when it comes to prime locations in urban corridors. This is a city that has gone through a huge economic revival and boom in recent decades and that isn’t apt to slow down anytime soon.

Simply defined, commercial properties for lease are those used for businesses, such as storefronts, restaurants, coffeehouses, fitness centers, office space, warehouse distribution, automotive repair and so much more. Location is a major factor in the marketplace, as is the Metro system.

Commercial Properties for Rent

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In other words, commercial storefronts in prime urban locations that is close to Metro rail stations are  bound to attract more foot traffic. That in turn affects the potential lease rate for the property. Local economics also play a large part. An abandoned building in a rundown neighborhood certainly isn’t as attractive as a hip spot in Adams Morgan or Dupont Circle for instance.

That said, the rapid and ongoing transformation of many neighborhoods in DC can result in some great opportunities. There’s only so much real estate territory to go around in this city of approximately 660,000 residents. And, with the cost and competition for top locations so high, blighted buildings of today can become the hot spots of tomorrow.

What is the allure of leasing commercial property rather than purchasing it? It can be a lot more affordable for one thing, especially given the start-up costs of a business and the need to have available working capital. Also, leasing can provide more long term flexibility for both sides—owners and tenants.

As for the types of commercial properties for lease in Washington DC, the possibilities are endless. The historic nature of the District means that old buildings are a staple, and it also means that spaces evolve over time. For instance, old churches, schools and warehouses may no longer suit their original purpose yet their historical significance prevents their razing. These picturesque old buildings can be repurposed however, and used for commercial means.

Of course, the nation’s capital isn’t only about antiques. You’ll also find lots of new construction, especially when it comes to commercial structures. And, leasing out space is major revenue stream for the developers who build these new properties. Commercial properties for lease are, and will continue to be, a growing business in Washington DC.


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© 2024 BRIGHT, All Rights Reserved. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website appears in part through the BRIGHT Internet Data Exchange program, a voluntary cooperative exchange of property listing data between licensed real estate brokerage firms in which COMPASS participates, and is provided by BRIGHT through a licensing agreement. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than COMPASS. are marked with the IDX logo and detailed information about each listing includes the name of the listing broker.The information provided by this website is for the personal, non-commercial use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may no longer be available because they are under contract, have Closed or are no longer being offered for sale. Some real estate firms do not participate in IDX and their listings do not appear on this website. Some properties listed with participating firms do not appear on this website at the request of the seller.

Listing information last updated on April 26th, 2024 at 7:15am EDT.