LoopNet is the largest online marketplace for commercial real estate in the US: offices, retail, industrial buildings, land, multifamily, hotels, restaurants and more, for sale or for lease. It’s owned by CoStar Group, which also owns BizBuySell. For side hustlers with capital, it’s where many commercial property deals start, whether you’re buying to rent out, to flip or to house a business.
At a glance
| What it is | A marketplace for commercial property for sale and lease |
| How you earn | Buying property to rent, improve or resell |
| Scale | Over 300,000 active listings and 13 million monthly visitors, by its own count |
| Listing costs | Free basic listing; paid tiers for more visibility |
| Who it’s for | Investors, brokers, owners and business tenants |
| Where it works | USA, plus LoopNet sites for the UK, Canada, Spain and France |
How it works
Owners and brokers list properties with photos, price or lease rate, size, cap rate where relevant and details on tenants and zoning. Buyers and tenants search by location, property type, size and price, save searches and get alerts. Deals happen off-platform with brokers, lenders and lawyers. Many listings come from brokers, so you’ll often be dealing with a listing agent.
Listing costs
A basic listing is free, but it gets little visibility. Paid listing tiers, from Silver up to Diamond, raise a property’s placement and exposure. LoopNet doesn’t publish standard prices; costs depend on market, property type and tier, and contracts often run for a year. Owners selling one property should compare the cost with simply using a local broker.
“Flipping” commercial property
The old idea of flipping commercial real estate on LoopNet oversimplifies a capital-heavy business. Commercial deals involve big sums, financing, inspections, leases, zoning and long timelines. Most investors buy to hold and rent, or to add value through renovation, re-leasing or changing use, then sell years later. It can be very profitable, but it isn’t a quick side hustle.
How investors use LoopNet
Many use it as a deal source and a research tool: watching asking prices, cap rates and days on market in their target area. Smaller investors often start with small retail units, mixed-use buildings, small multifamily or land. LoopNet also publishes market research on trends and the best cities for different property types.
Avoiding scams
Fake listings with below-market prices or rents do appear on big platforms. Verify the broker’s licence with the state, ask for proof of the listing agreement, never send deposits outside proper escrow and check ownership through public records.
Getting started
Set your budget, property type and target markets, and create saved searches and alerts. Build a team early: a commercial broker, a lender and a real estate attorney. Analyse deals on net operating income and cap rate, not just price.
Financing and due diligence
Commercial purchases usually need larger down payments than homes and loans based on the property’s income. Lenders look at net operating income, occupancy and the strength of tenants. Before buying, review leases, rent rolls, operating expenses, inspections, environmental reports and zoning. Small mistakes in these areas can wipe out years of returns.
Lease or buy?
For a business needing space, leasing keeps capital free. Buying builds equity, but ties up money and adds responsibility for repairs and vacancies.
Owen’s take
LoopNet is where commercial property is shopped, but this is investing, not a weekend hustle. If you have capital and patience, it’s a useful window on the market. Start small, lean on professionals and run the numbers before you fall for a building.
Who it suits
It suits investors with capital, financing and time for due diligence, and businesses looking for space. It suits less well anyone looking for a low-cost or quick side income.
Similar options
- BizBuySell is CoStar’s marketplace for buying small businesses.
- Fundrise offers real estate exposure with a small investment.
- New Silver lends on real estate for accredited investors.
- Neighbor lets you earn from unused space you already own.
More options are in Business Marketplaces and Passive Income.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest US commercial real estate marketplace
- Great for market research and alerts
- Free basic listings for owners
Cons
- Capital-heavy and slow deals
- Opaque pricing for paid listing tiers
- Scam listings to watch for
FAQ
Is LoopNet free to use?
Searching is free. A basic listing is free for owners; paid tiers add visibility.
Who owns LoopNet?
CoStar Group, which also owns BizBuySell.
Can I buy property directly on LoopNet?
LoopNet connects you with sellers and brokers; the purchase happens off-platform with your own advisors.
Is flipping commercial property a good side hustle?
It needs significant capital and expertise. Most investors buy to hold and add value over time.
Does LoopNet cover countries outside the US?
Yes. It runs sites for the UK, Canada, Spain and France.
