East Bay CRE Insights

Market intelligence
from ground level.

Analysis, observations, and practical advice from 14 years in the East Bay commercial market.

Oakland skyline reflected in Lake Merritt at dusk, illustrating the Oakland office market update

Market Report

Oakland Office Market Update: What the Numbers Actually Mean for Tenants and Investors

Vacancy is elevated. Rents are down. Concessions are at historic highs. Here's what the current Oakland office market actually means if you're in it.

Downtown Oakland office towers at night with the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline, illustrating buy vs. lease decisions in the East Bay

Owner-User Guide

Buy vs. Lease in the East Bay: A Practical Framework for Business Owners

The case for ownership has rarely been stronger in the East Bay. Here's how to model the decision honestly before you commit either way.

Sather Tower Campanile at sunset over Berkeley and San Francisco Bay, illustrating the West Berkeley flex space guide

Submarket Spotlight

West Berkeley's Industrial Zone: The East Bay's Best-Kept Flex Space Secret

High ceilings, open floor plates, I-80 access, and rents far below South of Market. West Berkeley's flex corridor is having a moment.

Emeryville waterfront office buildings at night, illustrating office vs. flex space for East Bay companies

Submarket Comparison

Office vs. Flex Space: Which Asset Fits Your East Bay Company?

A practical head-to-head breakdown — asset specs, rent ranges, TI availability, BART access, and power requirements. Know what you need before you start touring.

East Bay city lights at dusk from the Oakland hills, illustrating hybrid work and East Bay office demand

Market Analysis

Hybrid Work & East Bay Office Demand: What Companies Are Actually Doing

Rightsizing, subleasing, reconfiguring. How Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville tenants are restructuring their office footprint — and what it means for landlords and investors.

Renovated East Bay creative office with exposed ceilings and open workstations, illustrating commercial lease renewal negotiation

Tenant Strategy

How to Negotiate Your Commercial Lease Renewal in the East Bay Right Now

Landlords need you more than they're letting on. Here's what leverage looks like in today's Oakland and Berkeley market — and exactly how to use it before your lease expires.

Get In Touch

Tell me about
your situation.

A free consultation costs nothing and gives you a clear picture of your options. I respond to every inquiry personally, usually within one business day.

Neil Cowperthwaite, Principal at Lee & Associates Oakland

Neil Cowperthwaite

Principal · Lee & Associates Oakland

DRE# 01912683

Office

555 12th Street, Suite 1725 · Oakland, CA 94607

Markets

Berkeley · Oakland · Emeryville · Alameda · San Leandro