14+Years

1M+SF

19+Deals

Contact

Phone

510.903.7603

ncowperthwaite@lee-associates.com

Office

555 12th Street, Suite 1725
Oakland, CA 94607

License

DRE# 01912683

Background

14 years. 1 million
square feet. One market.

Neil Cowperthwaite is a commercial real estate broker and Principal at Lee & Associates Oakland, specializing in office, flex, and investment properties across Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville since 2011.

Neil's practice is built entirely around the East Bay market. He and his team track every available office space, flex property, lease comparable, and ownership change across more than 38 million square feet of East Bay commercial inventory daily. That depth of local knowledge gives my clients a decisive advantage — whether they are signing their first commercial lease, negotiating a renewal, acquiring an investment property, or disposing of a commercial asset.

As a Principal at Lee & Associates Oakland — one of North America's largest commercial real estate firms — Neil combines national resources, institutional-grade transaction support, and an extensive investor and tenant network with the personal attention and local expertise of a dedicated East Bay specialist.

Core Markets

Oakland CBD, Uptown, Jack London Square, Old Oakland, Temescal, Airport Market; Berkeley Downtown, West Berkeley, Telegraph & College Avenues; Emeryville Powell Street, Hollis Corridor, Park Avenue District.

Property Specialties

Office — Class B & C

Flex / R&D buildings

Medical office & healthcare facilities

Credentials

Principal, Lee & Associates Oakland

California Licensed Real Estate Broker — DRE# 01912683

Member, Berkeley Chamber of Commerce

B.A., Saint Mary's College of California

Free Consultation View My Track Record

Services

Full-service brokerage for every
stage of your real estate journey.

Tenant Representation

I manage the entire process on your behalf — from initial market survey through signed lease — at no cost to you in most transactions. My hyperlocal knowledge of Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville means I know what's available before it hits the market.

Market survey and financial analysis
Property tours and space evaluation
Letter of intent negotiation
Lease review and negotiation support
TI allowance and concession strategy
Renewal and restructuring advisory

At no cost in most transactions

In most commercial lease transactions, tenant representation is paid by the landlord — expert representation at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Who I represent

Startups, established businesses, healthcare tenants, non-profits, schools, public institutions, and corporations evaluating East Bay locations.

Landlord Representation

Strategic leasing and marketing expertise to commercial property owners throughout the East Bay — maximizing occupancy, achieving competitive rents, and increasing the overall value of your asset.

Strategic leasing and marketing plans
Targeted tenant outreach
Competitive market positioning
Lease negotiation and tenant selection
Tenant retention strategies
Vacancy reduction advisory

Current market conditions

The East Bay office market presents real opportunities for landlords who position their assets correctly. I help owners navigate elevated vacancy with targeted outreach and competitive concession strategies.

What sets my approach apart

I don't just put a sign in the window. I bring targeted tenant outreach, accurate market pricing, and 14 years of East Bay relationships to every listing assignment.

Investment & Building Sales

Buyer and seller representation for income-producing commercial properties throughout the East Bay. Class B and C office buildings, flex properties, and mixed-use investment assets from 5,000 to 200,000 square feet.

Property valuation and market analysis
Financial analysis and underwriting support
Purchase versus lease evaluation
1031 exchange advisory
Due diligence coordination
Full transaction management through close

The East Bay opportunity

Distressed assets are moving through the market. Investors who act now can acquire quality East Bay commercial properties at favorable pricing before ownership resets tighten the market.

What I bring to every transaction

Full valuation, financial analysis, and transaction management from listing or offer through close — with deep knowledge of every submarket in Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville.

Buyer Representation & Owner-User Sales

Whether you're an investor acquiring income-producing property or a business owner ready to buy the building you occupy, I provide the market intelligence and negotiation expertise to make every acquisition strategically sound.

Market analysis and off-market opportunity sourcing
SBA 504 and SBA 7(a) loan eligibility assessment
Comparative analysis and pricing strategy
Property identification across Berkeley, Oakland & Emeryville
Due diligence support and coordination
Negotiation representation and closing support

Owner-user advantage

SBA financing allows as little as 10% down. Elevated vacancy in the current East Bay market gives buyers real negotiating leverage right now.

The long-term advantage

Every lease payment is gone. Every mortgage payment builds equity. For businesses with stable occupancy needs, ownership is often the smarter financial decision.

Neil Cowperthwaite

14 years. 1 millionsquare feet. One market.

Full-service brokerage for everystage of your real estate journey.