Commercial real estate refers to properties used specifically for business or income-generating purposes. The four main classes of commercial real estate include: office space; industrial; multi-family rentals; and retail. Commercial real estate provides rental income as well as the potential some capital appreciation for investors.

Commercial property includes office buildings, medical centers, hotels, malls, retail stores, multifamily housing buildings, farm land, warehouses, and garages. In many states, residential property containing more than a certain number of units qualifies as commercial property for borrowing and tax purposes.