DTLA OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT LISTINGS
Frequently Asked Questions
As a brokerage, we list a wide variety of creative office buildings in DTLA with space types ranging from commercial lofts, class-B traditional office spaces with dropped ceilings, industrial-style spaces with more of a warehouse vibe, creative studios, higher-end creative office spaces more on the class-A side, and just different types of creative spaces in general. These spaces are ideal for artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals of all kinds.
We can help you identify which of our listings that fit your budget, desired square footage, and preferred location, but the easiest way to see what we have available is by using the search options, and seeing the results yourself, which include photos of the individual unit and details on price, square feet, ppsf, and location. Post 2020 the office market has been in decline and rates have gone down significantly, so we only list properties are aggressively priced, which is also noted in the answer to the question below.
Post pandemic, polished clean creative office space in Downtown LA can range from as low as $1.25psf to $3.00psf. As a brokerage, we only list creative office spaces that are very competitively priced, because we know business owners are smart and shop around, and above all, are looking for a good deal. And most of all, as listing agents, we do not want to waste our time with above market rents!
Neighborhood location is probably the biggest factor in determining the price per square foot with the highest prices typically being in the Arts District, Financial District, and Bunker Hill. The Fashion District and Historic Core tend to offer the most competitive pricing, and many would argue, the most bang for your buck, given the available amenities nearby such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and et cetera.
One thing to consider especially is that not all price per square feet are equal. Does the rate include utilities and CAM/NNN charges? Electricity can range from $.15-$.25psf depending on your intended use of the space. CAM/NNN charges can vary widely. Landlords who have owned a property for a long time likely have lower taxes so the CAM/NNN charges are likely to be a lot lower. Where as landlords who have purchased the property recently, the CAM charges are likely to be higher. And another thing to consider with these charges, is that if the current owner sells the property, these charges can go up dramatically given the new and higher taxes the new property owner will have. These rates also can include other property expenses such as maintenance and management fees, and these rates can be adjusted up annually if the costs increase- another thing to be aware of.
Some spaces are listed with a TI (tenant improvement) allowance budgeted. Typically when you see a higher price per square foot, it is likely the landlord or broker is assuming you will want to do a buildout to customize the unit and they have budget that into their listed ppsf. If it is a lower ppsf is lower, it is likely the listing person assumes you will take the space with the current configuration as-is. As a brokerage, we like to have our listings as move-in ready as possible, and likely with no build out intended. It is best to ask the listing broker before hand.
Neighborhood location is probably the biggest factor in determining the price per square foot with the highest prices typically being in the Arts District, Financial District, and Bunker Hill. The Fashion District and Historic Core tend to offer the most competitive pricing, and many would argue, the most bang for your buck, given the available amenities nearby such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and et cetera.
One thing to consider especially is that not all price per square feet are equal. Does the rate include utilities and CAM/NNN charges? Electricity can range from $.15-$.25psf depending on your intended use of the space. CAM/NNN charges can vary widely. Landlords who have owned a property for a long time likely have lower taxes so the CAM/NNN charges are likely to be a lot lower. Where as landlords who have purchased the property recently, the CAM charges are likely to be higher. And another thing to consider with these charges, is that if the current owner sells the property, these charges can go up dramatically given the new and higher taxes the new property owner will have. These rates also can include other property expenses such as maintenance and management fees, and these rates can be adjusted up annually if the costs increase- another thing to be aware of.
Some spaces are listed with a TI (tenant improvement) allowance budgeted. Typically when you see a higher price per square foot, it is likely the landlord or broker is assuming you will want to do a buildout to customize the unit and they have budget that into their listed ppsf. If it is a lower ppsf is lower, it is likely the listing person assumes you will take the space with the current configuration as-is. As a brokerage, we like to have our listings as move-in ready as possible, and likely with no build out intended. It is best to ask the listing broker before hand.
All of the neighborhoods in DTLA offer different pros and cons. There are official districts and then there are neighborhoods that are only districts in name. The following are official districts with their included neighborhoods noted in parentheses: the South Park District (also known as the Entertainment District or the Social District), the Fashion District (also known as the Garment District and also includes the Flower District neighborhood), the Historic Core (including the Old Bank District & part of the Jewelry District neighborhoods), the Central Business District (including Bunker Hill, the Financial District, part of the Jewelry District, and the Civic Center neighborhoods), Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District. Each area offers unique benefits and atmospheres one should consider when determining the best DTLA office space for rent. As a listing brokerage, we just show our listings. So whatever units we have in the search results of the commercial lease listings, are the neighborhoods we are representing at that time.
