Have you ever wondered if there are smarter real estate investments you should be making right now to grow your business with less risk and lower costs?

Real estate is one of the most powerful ways for a business to build long-term stability, gain equity, and lower taxes. But for many business owners, the biggest question is not why they should invest… it’s how. If you've ever asked yourself “how do I buy a building for my business”, you are not alone. Many owners across the U.S. want the security of owning commercial space, but the upfront capital often feels impossible.

That’s where SBA 504 real estate investments change the game.

With the help of the SBA 504 loan program, business owners can secure commercial real estate financing with low, fixed interest rates and long repayment terms. These loans are built specifically to support the best real estate purchases with a 504 loan, giving small businesses access to options they may have thought were out of reach. The 504 loan benefits for real estate are unique because they reduce upfront costs and help you grow your business faster.

This guide breaks down five real estate investments you can’t afford not to make with a 504 loan, why they matter, and how you can use them to strengthen your company’s long-term future.

Why SBA 504 Real Estate Investments Are a Smart Move Now

Before we get into the top five opportunities, it’s important to understand why SBA 504 real estate investments stand out. Traditional commercial loans often require large down payments, shorter terms, and variable interest rates. A 504 loan typically allows:

• As little as 10% down

• Fixed rates for 20–25 years

• Financing for major real estate purchases

• Lower monthly payments due to extended repayment terms

These advantages open the door to commercial real estate financing for thousands of U.S. businesses.

And here's the best part: every one of the real estate types below can offer commercial real estate tax benefits, helping your business reduce tax liability while building long-term wealth. If you’ve been asking how do I buy a building for my business, these investments will give you the clarity you need.

1. Owner-Occupied Office Buildings

One of the most common SBA 504 real estate investments is an owner-occupied office building. If your business rents space today, buying your own building can be a game-changer. It replaces rent payments with equity and creates long-term financial stability.

With commercial real estate financing, you can secure property at a much lower upfront cost. Many business owners are surprised to learn they can buy a building with only 10% down, making ownership far more realistic.

Why This Investment Works

• Stable, predictable payments with fixed rates

• Ability to customize your space for productivity

• The chance to lease out unused space

• Strong commercial real estate tax benefits

When business owners search to buy a building for their business, they are usually trying to understand the math. With a 504 loan, the math becomes simple: lower down payment + fixed rates = more room for growth.

This makes owner-occupied office buildings one of the best real estate purchases with a 504 loan.

2. Industrial Properties and Warehouses

If your business needs storage, production, or distribution space, industrial buildings are one of the smartest SBA 504 real estate investments available. Industrial real estate typically offers strong long-term value and high demand across the U.S.

These properties often come with large square footage, outdoor storage, or loading docks — upgrades that are expensive to rent but affordable to own with commercial real estate financing.

Why Industrial Real Estate Is a Top 504 Loan Choice

• Functional layouts for manufacturing or logistics

• Potential rental income for under-used areas

• Strong appreciation in many U.S. markets

• Ability to expand operations over time

• Excellent commercial real estate tax benefits

The 504 loan benefits for real estate give you the breathing room you need to scale operations while maintaining steady payments. This makes industrial properties one of the best real estate purchases with a 504 loan for growing companies.

3. Retail Buildings for Storefront Businesses

Retail space is another strong category for SBA 504 real estate investments, especially if your business relies on foot traffic, visibility, or customer experience.

Retail buildings come in many forms:

• Stand-alone shops

• Strip centers

• Showrooms

• Service-based storefronts

Owning your retail space allows full control over branding, layout, and customer flow. With commercial real estate financing, you can secure premium locations for a lower upfront cost.

Why Retail Real Estate Works Well With 504 Loans

• Build long-term local presence

• Improve customer experience with full design control

• Lock in payments and shield yourself from rising rent

• Use commercial real estate tax benefits to reduce annual costs

Retail buildings remain one of the best real estate purchases with a 504 loan because they directly support revenue generation. The 504 loan benefits for real estate make it easier for small businesses to compete with larger companies by securing high-traffic locations without breaking the budget.

4. Mixed-Use Commercial Properties

Mixed-use real estate — properties with both commercial and residential components — offers powerful advantages when paired with SBA 504 real estate investments.

These properties may include:

• Ground-floor retail with apartments above

• Office space combined with residential units

• Multi-tenant properties with stable, diverse income streams

The flexibility of these buildings often provides higher value and additional income potential.

Why Mixed-Use Is a Smart 504 Loan Opportunity

• Multiple income streams

• Lower vacancy risk

• Long-term appreciation potential

• Simplified financing through commercial real estate financing programs

• Strong 504 loan benefits for real estate, including stability and predictable payments

If your question is how do I buy a building for my business while also wanting a property that produces extra income, mixed-use buildings solve both needs at once. This is why they consistently rank as one of the best real estate purchases with a 504 loan.

5. Special-Purpose Properties for Specialized Industries

Special-use properties include buildings designed for specific professional or industry needs. Examples include:

• Medical facilities

• Dental practices

• Veterinary clinics

• Auto shops

• Breweries

• Childcare centers

These properties typically require custom layouts or equipment installation. Because they are costly to build or modify, they benefit greatly from SBA 504 real estate investments.

Why 504 Loans Are Ideal for Special-Use Real Estate

• Lower down payment helps offset customization costs

• Fixed interest rates give long-term stability

• Commercial real estate tax benefits boost affordability

• Ideal for businesses needing specialized layouts

• Strong support through commercial real estate financing partners

For many industries, these properties become the best real estate purchases with a 504 loan due to their long-term operational and financial value.

Why These 5 Investments Make Sense With 504 Loan Benefits for Real Estate

Every investment in this guide becomes more accessible with the 504 loan benefits for real estate. The program provides an affordable path to ownership, helping small businesses build stability instead of relying on unpredictable rent increases.

Let’s recap the biggest advantages:

• SBA 504 real estate investments allow ownership with low down payments

• Commercial real estate financing ensures manageable, long-term costs

• Commercial real estate tax benefits help reduce annual expenses

• The structure supports the best real estate purchases with a 504 loan

• Business owners gain control, equity, and growth potential

If your business is ready to grow, now is the time to explore these options.

Want Guidance On How to Buy a Building for Your Business?

Your business deserves stability, growth, and long-term financial strength. Whether you're exploring owner-occupied offices, industrial buildings, mixed-use properties, or specialized facilities, the 504 loan benefits for real estate give you a clear path forward.

504 Capital Corporation is proud to offer its services in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland, helping local business owners secure the property they need to grow with confidence.

So, if you've been thinking about taking the next step and want expert help answering how to buy a building for my business, why not reach out to 504 Capital today and see what opportunities are waiting for you?

Would now be a good time to contact us and explore which SBA 504 real estate investments are right for your business?