Commercial real estate (CRE) in the United States is a critical sector that plays a significant role in the nation’s economy. It involves the development, leasing, and management of properties used for business purposes such as office buildings, shopping malls, industrial complexes, and multifamily residential buildings. The industry is characterized by high capital investment, significant regulatory oversight, and the involvement of major players who have established themselves as leaders in this field. In this article, we will explore the top 10 commercial real estate companies in the USA, elaborating on their history, services, market influence, and key achievements.
Top 10 Commercial Real Estate Companies in the USA
1. CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis) is widely regarded as the largest and most influential commercial real estate services firm globally. Founded in 1906, the company has grown to operate in over 100 countries with a workforce exceeding 100,000 employees.
Services Offered:
CBRE provides a comprehensive range of services, including property sales and leasing, facilities management, project management, investment management, and valuation services. The company also offers specialized services in data center solutions, sustainability, and workplace strategy.
Market Influence:
CBRE is a Fortune 500 company and has consistently been ranked as one of the top real estate firms by revenue and market share. The company’s 2023 revenue was approximately $32 billion, making it the largest real estate services firm globally. CBRE’s ability to adapt to market trends, such as the rise of technology-driven real estate solutions, has solidified its position as a leader in the industry.
Key Achievements:
CBRE has been recognized as the top real estate brand for 20 consecutive years in the Lipsey Company’s annual survey.
The firm has a significant portfolio of high-profile projects, including managing over 6 billion square feet of commercial property worldwide.
2. JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated)
Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, commonly known as JLL, is another major player in the commercial real estate market. Founded in 1783, JLL has a rich history and operates in over 80 countries with more than 90,000 employees.
Services Offered:
JLL provides a broad array of services, including property and asset management, investment management, tenant representation, leasing, and project development. The company also has a strong focus on sustainability and technology-driven solutions, offering services like PropTech and green building certifications.
Market Influence:
JLL is also a Fortune 500 company and reported revenues of over $20 billion in 2023. The firm is known for its strong presence in the global market and its ability to cater to the needs of large multinational corporations, making it a preferred choice for global real estate management.
Key Achievements:
JLL was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for 15 consecutive years.
The firm manages over 4.6 billion square feet of property worldwide and has been involved in iconic projects like the Shanghai Tower and the redevelopment of London’s Canary Wharf.
3. Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield, founded in 1917, is a global real estate services firm that has established itself as a leader in the commercial real estate sector. The company operates in over 60 countries with a workforce of approximately 50,000 employees.
Services Offered:
Cushman & Wakefield offers a wide range of services, including tenant representation, property and facilities management, capital markets, valuation, and advisory services. The firm is known for its innovative approach to real estate solutions, particularly in areas like workplace strategy and logistics.
Market Influence:
The company generated revenues of $10.1 billion in 2023, placing it among the top three commercial real estate firms globally. Cushman & Wakefield’s strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia makes it a significant player in the global market.
Key Achievements:
Cushman & Wakefield has consistently ranked among the top three commercial real estate firms globally.
The firm has managed several high-profile projects, including the leasing of the World Trade Center complex in New York City.
See Also: Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges in the United States
4. Newmark Group, Inc.
Newmark Group, Inc., founded in 1929, is one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate services firms in the United States. The company operates in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with a workforce of approximately 6,000 employees.
Services Offered:
Newmark provides services in leasing, capital markets, property management, valuation, and advisory. The company also offers specialized services in technology and innovation, particularly through its Newmark Knight Frank (NKF) division, which focuses on tech-driven real estate solutions.
Market Influence:
Newmark’s revenue for 2023 was approximately $2.5 billion, reflecting its rapid growth and expanding market share. The company’s focus on innovation and technology has made it a strong competitor in the commercial real estate industry.
Key Achievements:
Newmark has been involved in several high-profile transactions, including the sale of the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York.
The firm has been recognized for its innovative approach to real estate, particularly in areas like data analytics and PropTech.
5. Colliers International
Colliers International, founded in 1976, is a global leader in commercial real estate services. The company operates in over 60 countries with a workforce of approximately 18,000 employees.
Services Offered:
Colliers provides a wide range of services, including property sales and leasing, project management, valuation, and advisory services. The company is known for its entrepreneurial culture and client-centric approach, which has helped it build strong relationships with clients across various industries.
Market Influence:
Colliers reported revenues of $4.5 billion in 2023, making it one of the top commercial real estate firms globally. The company’s strong presence in North America and its focus on delivering tailored solutions to clients have contributed to its success.
Key Achievements:
Colliers has been recognized as one of the top real estate firms by various industry publications.
The company has managed several high-profile projects, including the development of the Hudson Yards project in New York City.
6. Marcus & Millichap
Marcus & Millichap, founded in 1971, is a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in investment sales, financing, research, and advisory services. The company operates primarily in the United States and Canada with a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees.
Services Offered:
Marcus & Millichap provides services in property sales, financing, research, and advisory. The company is known for its focus on investment sales, particularly in the multifamily, retail, office, and industrial sectors.
Market Influence:
The company reported revenues of $990 million in 2023, reflecting its strong position in the investment sales market. Marcus & Millichap’s focus on middle-market transactions has made it a preferred choice for investors looking to buy or sell commercial properties.
Key Achievements:
Marcus & Millichap has been involved in several high-profile transactions, including the sale of major shopping centers and office complexes.
The firm has a strong research division that provides valuable insights into market trends and investment opportunities.
7. HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.)
HFF, now a part of JLL after its acquisition in 2019, was founded in 1998 and quickly became a leading commercial real estate capital markets intermediary. The company specialized in providing capital markets services, including debt placement, investment sales, and advisory services.
Services Offered:
HFF provided a wide range of capital markets services, including debt and equity placement, investment sales, and advisory services. The company was known for its expertise in structuring complex transactions and its strong relationships with capital providers.
Market Influence:
Before its acquisition by JLL, HFF was one of the top capital markets intermediaries in the United States, with revenues exceeding $650 million in 2018. The company’s integration into JLL has further strengthened JLL’s capital markets capabilities.
Key Achievements:
HFF was involved in several high-profile transactions, including the financing of major office towers and shopping centers.
The firm’s expertise in capital markets made it a preferred choice for investors and developers seeking financing solutions.
See Also: 10 Best Universities in the USA for Criminology
8. Eastdil Secured
Eastdil Secured, founded in 1967, is a leading real estate investment banking firm that specializes in capital markets services. The company operates in North America, Europe, and Asia with a workforce of approximately 500 employees.
Services Offered:
Eastdil Secured provides services in investment sales, debt placement, and equity capital markets. The company is known for its expertise in structuring large and complex transactions, particularly in the office, retail, and hospitality sectors.
Market Influence:
Eastdil Secured is known for its strong presence in the high-end real estate market, where it has been involved in some of the largest transactions in the industry. The company’s focus on providing tailored solutions to institutional investors has made it a leader in the capital markets space.
Key Achievements:
Eastdil Secured has been involved in several high-profile transactions, including the sale of the Willis Tower in Chicago and the General Motors Building in New York.
The firm’s expertise in capital markets has made it a trusted advisor to some of the largest real estate investors globally.
9. NAI Global
NAI Global, founded in 1978, is one of the world’s largest commercial real estate brokerage networks. The company operates in over 55 countries with a network of more than 7,000 professionals.
Services Offered:
NAI Global provides a wide range of services, including property sales and leasing, tenant representation, property management, and advisory services. The company is known for its strong local market knowledge and its ability to deliver customized solutions to clients.
Market Influence:
NAI Global’s network of independently owned and operated offices allows it to have a strong presence in local markets while benefiting from the resources of a global organization. The company’s focus on client service has made it a preferred choice for businesses seeking commercial real estate solutions.
Key Achievements:
NAI Global has been involved in several high-profile transactions, including the leasing of major office buildings and industrial complexes.
The company has been recognized for its strong client relationships and its ability to deliver results in competitive markets.
10. Avison Young
Avison Young, founded in 1978, is a Canadian-based commercial real estate services firm that has expanded significantly in the United States. The company operates in North America, Europe, and Asia with a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees.
Services Offered:
Avison Young provides a wide range of services, including property sales and leasing, project management, valuation, and advisory services. The company is known for its collaborative approach to real estate solutions and its focus on sustainability.
Market Influence:
Avison Young’s revenue has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting its successful expansion into the U.S. market. The company’s focus on client service and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions have contributed to its growth.
Key Achievements:
Avison Young has been involved in several high-profile projects, including the development of major office buildings and industrial parks.
The company has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
Conclusion
The commercial real estate industry in the United States is characterized by the presence of several key players who have established themselves as leaders in the field. These companies, ranging from global giants like CBRE and JLL to specialized firms like Eastdil Secured and Marcus & Millichap, offer a wide range of services that cater to the diverse needs of clients in the commercial real estate market. Their ability to adapt to changing market conditions, leverage technology, and deliver innovative solutions has solidified their positions as the top commercial real estate companies in the USA. As the industry continues to evolve, these firms will likely continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of commercial real estate in the United States and beyond.
You Might Be Interested In:
