Amenities play an important role in the appeal and value of commercial properties. Some key amenities include:

• Parking: Adequate parking with designated handicap spots, loading zones, and traffic flow that suits the needs of tenant businesses and their customers or clients. Off-street parking with charging stations for electric vehicles is increasingly desirable. Parking convenience significantly impacts property desirability and occupancy rates.


• Lighting: Sufficient interior and exterior lighting for safety, security, and visibility. Includes spotlights, floodlights, recessed lights, streetlights, etc. with automatic timers or sensors. Emergency lighting with backup power generators in case of outages is preferred for some properties.


• Signage: Clearly visible business signage, directional signs, and general property signage to help visitors easily navigate to and within the property. Signage should have a professional, cohesive design in line with municipal regulations and permitting. Digital signs are optional.


• Connectivity: High-speed internet access and mobile connectivity throughout the property including service provider options for tenant use as well as public wifi in common areas. Fiber optic infrastructure is most robust. Some properties also have on-site business centers with additional connectivity and work facilities for tenants.


• Common areas: Lobby, waiting areas, hallways, bathrooms, courtyards, etc. that are shared between multiple tenants and visitors. Should be well-designed, spacious, comfortable, and regularly cleaned. May include additional features like lounges, service counters, vending machines or package delivery lockers.


• HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to maintain suitable temperature and air quality in all areas of the property based on local climate and year-round use. Commercial-grade systems with high energy efficiency are preferred. Optional supplementary features like humidifiers, air purifiers or solar panels may be included.


• Security: Locked entrances, security cameras, access control systems, on-site personnel, perimeter fencing, etc. to monitor access and mitigate property crime or damage. Level of security varies depending on tenant types, location, and exterior exposure. Security with periodic patrols is most robust.


• Maintenance: Regular and emergency maintenance procedures to ensure all amenities, utilities, and infrastructure are functioning optimally with minimal downtime. Includes landscaping, waste management, pest control, janitorial, plumbing, electrical, structural, and mechanical services either via in-house staff or external contractors.


• Loading docks: Designated areas for commercial vehicles to load and unload deliveries, supplies, and products with easy access to tenant units and elevators as applicable. Should include ramps, wide doors, protective shelters, and separate access from customer parking. Important for retail, warehouse and industrial properties.

A well-rounded mix of amenities tailored to the needs of target tenants and visitors plays an important role in determining the desirability, viability, and valuations of commercial real estate. Properties should aim to provide amenities that set a high standard of quality, functionality, convenience, and experience for all users. While specific amenities differ based on commercial property types, connectivity, security, and maintenance are universally important.