When most people think of real estate investments, they think of houses. But there’s a whole other world out there—and it’s commercial.
Nashville’s commercial market is undergoing a shift, creating new opportunities not just for large corporations and institutional buyers, but for small business owners, first-time investors, and anyone with vision and a willingness to learn about it.
One of the most overlooked paths to wealth is for business owners to buy the buildings in which they operate. I’ve helped clients transition from leasing for years to owning a space that not only provides them with stability but also builds equity and leaves a lasting legacy. They’re not just running a business. They’re planting roots.
Right now, Nashville is seeing growth in several commercial sectors, such as mixed-use developments which are thriving in areas like The Nations, Wedgewood-Houston, and parts of North Nashville. Industrial spaces remain in high demand, especially near distribution routes. Retail is evolving into more experiential and service-based storefronts in walkable neighborhoods. Office space is adapting, with creative layouts and flexible leases offering unique opportunities in a post-pandemic world.
For those just getting started, here’s some good news. Financing is more accessible than you might think. Many local banks offer relationship-based lending, and SBA loans are designed specifically to help small business owners acquire their own commercial space with lower down payments and longer terms. With the right guidance, first-time commercial buyers can make it work.
The key is to start with clarity. Know your goals. Are you looking for passive income, a home for your business, or long-term appreciation? Each has a different path. Then build your team: broker, lender, attorney, and CPA. Commercial real estate has more moving parts, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Nashville is still growing. The headlines may focus on interest rates and national trends, but on the ground, there is movement. There is vision. There is an opportunity.
If you’ve been thinking about commercial real estate, this might be your moment to make a bold move.
Moren Adenubi is a real estate broker, commercial investor, and educator in Middle Tennessee. She helps business owners and investors build equity and legacy through real estate. moren@crownrealtyexperts.com.
