Commercial Property
Explore commercial property in Canadian real estate — what it includes, how it differs from residential, and what to know as an investor or tenant.

June 09, 2025
What is Commercial Property?
Commercial property refers to real estate used for business purposes, including office buildings, retail centres, industrial warehouses, and multi-unit residential buildings with more than four units.
Why Commercial Property Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, commercial properties are governed by different zoning laws, financing rules, and tax treatments compared to residential properties.
Types of commercial property include:
- Office space
- Retail plazas and malls
- Industrial and logistics facilities
- Mixed-use and multi-residential (5+ units)
These properties are typically income-producing and require commercial leases, property management, and compliance with fire and accessibility codes.
Understanding commercial property is essential for investors, developers, and businesses seeking space for operations or rental income.
Example of Commercial Property in Action
An investor purchases a small industrial building to lease to logistics tenants, classifying it as a commercial property under municipal zoning.
Key Takeaways
- Used for business, retail, or industrial purposes
- Zoning and tax rules differ from residential
- Often income-generating
- Requires specialized leases and management
- Includes office, retail, and warehouse space
Related Terms
- Zoning
- Commercial Lease
- Property Management
- Triple Net Lease
- Building Code

7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
The phasing and overview of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the low-rise building planned for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)







Yardi
Yardi
Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 
15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)





Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)