Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Industry Profile

Companies in this industry act as agents in the buying, leasing, and selling of commercial real estate. Major companies include CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, and Newmark Knight Frank (all based in the US), as well as Colliers (Canada), Countrywide and Savills (both based in the UK), and E-House China Holdings.

Global commercial real estate investment volume fell by 47% year-over-year to $647 billion in 2023, according to CBRE. The near-term outlook is positive, leading real estate investors to look outside their home markets for opportunities across the spectrum of locations and sectors.

The US commercial real estate brokerage industry includes about 120,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $112 billion. The industry includes sales and leasing brokers and agents for nonresidential property.

Commercial real estate management is covered in a separate industry profile. Some companies offer both brokerage and management services.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand, which is driven by the volume of commercial real estate transactions, is heavily influenced by real estate vacancy rates. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations. Large companies have advantages in performing a range of services in multiple markets. Small companies can compete effectively by specializing in local markets. The US industry is fragmented: the 50 largest firms account for about 30% of industry revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services include agent and brokerage services for the sale and rental ...