The Impact of Walkability on Commercial Real Estate Value

In the fast-paced world of real estate, it's not just about location, location, location anymore.

Now, it's all about the walkability factor – walkability is transforming the way we evaluate commercial real estate.

Strap on your walking shoes and get ready to dive into the fascinating realm of walkability and its profound impact on commercial real estate value!

The Walkability Quotient

Imagine that you leave your office building and are enjoying a trendy café's foamy cappuccino in a matter of minutes. You take a quick look around and notice people walking by carrying shopping bags, bicycles zooming by, and a vibrant energy that seems to emanate from the sidewalks themselves. This, my friend, is walkability's magic.

Walkability is a holistic concept that includes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, access to amenities, and a welcoming environment rather than just having a nice sidewalk. Consider clean sidewalks, benches to rest your aching feet, and a variety of stores, eateries, and parks that entice you to explore on foot.

Why Walkability Matters

Gone are the days when sprawling parking lots and long commutes were the norm. Modern city dwellers are yearning for convenience and a sense of community. Walkability checks all those boxes and more, and that's precisely why it's becoming a pivotal factor in determining commercial real estate value.

1. The Allure of Accessibility

Nobody enjoys sitting in traffic or looking for parking for hours, let's face it. Walkability changes the game by enabling people to give up their cars and travel by foot to their destinations. A property's desirability and value rise as a result of the convenience of accessing it to potential tenants.

2. Healthy Habits, Wealthy Value

(Photo from Fitpage)

Health is wealth, and walkability encourages people to walk instead of drive, leading to a healthier lifestyle. When a home is located in a neighborhood that is walkable, it attracts people who value the chance to stay active without having to go to the gym. Higher property values may result from this health-focused mindset.

3. The Flourish of Local Businesses

(Photo from Pedestrians First ITDP)

Imagine being able to walk to a family-run bakery, a quirky art gallery, and a charming bookstore. Communities that are easily accessible provide the ideal environment for thriving local businesses. These businesses prosper as foot traffic rises, adding to the neighborhood's distinctive character and raising the value of commercial real estate in the process.

4. A Sense of Community

(Photo from Orchard)

An energetic environment fosters a sense of community that is challenging to achieve in areas that are car-centric. And what's this? In addition to warming hearts, a strong sense of community raises property values.

5. Sustainability Speaks Volumes

(Photo from Natnavi Foundation)

Walkability shines as a beacon of sustainability in a time when environmental awareness is gaining ground. Using fewer cars results in lower emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. An additional layer of value is added to real estate by the special appeal that eco-conscious people frequently have for homes in walkable neighborhoods.

Investing in Walkability

The signs are plain for property developers and investors: spending money on walkability pays off. For a property's appeal and value, adding pedestrian-friendly features and carefully choosing the neighborhood amenities can do wonders. There are a variety of ways to increase walkability and, as a result, the profitability of your property, from developing vibrant plazas to incorporating bike lanes.

The Bottom Line

(Photo from Commercial Cafe)

Walkability isn't just a buzzword – it is a powerful force that is changing the commercial real estate market. Properties that provide easy access to necessities of life are the true gems in a time when convenience, health, and community rank highly on everyone's wish list. Don't undervalue the power of walkability, therefore, whether you're a tenant looking for new office space or an investor looking to increase your portfolio. It's more than just a leisurely stroll through the park; it's a path to increased value and a more promising real estate future.

In conclusion, the impact of walkability on commercial real estate value is undeniable. With its ability to attract tenants, foster local businesses, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create a sense of community, walkability has become a key factor in assessing property worth. As cities continue to evolve and preferences shift, the walkability quotient will likely remain a crucial consideration for investors, developers, and tenants alike. So, the next time you step into a bustling neighborhood where everything you need is within arm's reach, remember – you're not just experiencing a pleasant stroll, you're walking through a corridor of increased real estate value.

As always, we here from Transactly would like to thank you guys so, so much for taking the time to read this blog post - your continuous support is always appreciated! For all the latest real estate content, latest news, and more to fuel your daily digest, stay tuned: we'll be getting new blog posts up every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

We'd like to give credit where credit is due and list down the following websites that provided the inspiration behind this blog post - go give their articles a read!

JLL: https://www.us.jll.com/en/views/walkability-why-it-is-important-to-your-cre-property-value#:~:text=Increased%20Walkability%20%3D%20Higher%20Property%20Values,increased%20walkability%20and%20price%20appreciation.

Propmodo: https://www.propmodo.com/walkability-is-stepping-back-into-commercial-real-estate-valuation-spotlight/

NAR Realtor: https://www.nar.realtor/on-common-ground/research-shows-that-walkability-adds-value