Real Estate Statistics
Average Price | $682K |
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Lowest Price | $70K |
Highest Price | $1.4M |
Total Listings | 19 |
Avg. Price/SQFT | $226 |
Property Types (active listings)
Browse Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease
- All Listings
- Under $100,000
- $100,000 - $200,000
- $200,000 - $300,000
- $500,000 - $600,000
- $600,000 - $700,000
- $700,000 - $800,000
- $900,000 - $1,000,000
- Over $1,000,000
Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease: Exclusive 8 Opportunities
Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate offers investors eight exclusive properties—retail, office, industrial, and land options—in a thriving Northern Michigan market.
Market Overview of Harbor Springs Commercial Real Estate
Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease sits at the heart of a vibrant Northern Michigan economy. Nestled on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, this lakeside town has long attracted entrepreneurs seeking both lifestyle and profitability. In 2025, Harbor Springs presents a rare blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal market for commercial investment.
According to the latest data from Emmet County Economic Development, total commercial transactions in Harbor Springs increased by 12% in 2024 compared to the prior year. Local businesses—from boutique retailers to tech startups—contributed to a healthy rise in demand for office and retail spaces. Recreational tourism, buoyed by year-round events like the HarborFest and winter snow-shoe races, injects a steady stream of foot traffic into downtown while also underpinning robust lodging and restaurant sectors.
Key Economic Drivers in Emmet County
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Tourism & Hospitality
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Seasonal peaks: Summer yachting and winter sports drive occupancy rates above 85%.
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Event calendar: Festivals and regattas bring thousands of visitors annually, bolstering retail and dining revenues.
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Healthcare & Education
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Medicare expansion: Northern Michigan Hospital’s satellite clinic in Harbor Springs has grown by 25% in patient volume over two years.
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Charter Schools: Innovative educational programs attract young families, spurring demand for office space.
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Small-Business Ecosystem
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Start-up incubator: Backed by an Emmet County grant, new ventures receive subsidized rents and mentorship.
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Artisan community: Local makers’ markets highlight craft retail, creating niche retail leasing opportunities.
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Historical Sales & Lease Trends
Year | Avg. Sale Price (per sq ft) | Avg. Lease Rate (NNN) |
---|---|---|
2022 | $120 | $18.50 |
2023 | $128 | $19.75 |
2024 | $135 | $21.00 |
Over the past three years, average sale prices have jumped 12.5%, while triple-net lease rates climbed 13%. These figures reflect a market increasingly confident in long-term growth. Investors looking at Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease should note the upward trajectory in both capital appreciation and rental income—a combination that supports solid cash flow and equity gains.
Prime Commercial Neighborhoods in Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs may be small—just under 1,400 residents—but its commercial districts pack a punch. Whether you’re aiming to open a waterfront café or a light-manufacturing facility, understanding each neighborhood’s unique character is key to finding the right property.
Downtown Harbor Springs
Downtown is the town’s beating heart. Lined with Victorian storefronts and modern boutiques, the main thoroughfare sees an average of 5,000 pedestrian visits per weekend in peak season. Retail rents here command a premium—often $25+ per square foot triple-net—yet the captive audience and high sales volumes make the trade-off worthwhile.
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Foot Traffic: Year-round events and art walks.
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Available Spaces: 500–2,000 sq ft storefronts, many with upper-floor office potential.
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Typical Tenants: Fashion boutiques, gallery spaces, artisan studios.
Waterfront District
Stretching along Little Traverse Bay, the Waterfront District blends awe-inspiring views with prime commercial land. Recent mixed-use projects have introduced luxury condos above ground-floor retail and dining, commanding sale prices north of $200 per square foot.
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Amenity Access: Marinas, public docks, and walking trails.
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Zoning: Mixed-use (MU), allowing retail, office, and hospitality.
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Key Opportunity: Restaurant spaces with outdoor seating and bay vistas.
Industrial Zones Near US-31
For light industrial and flex-space needs, the corridor along US-31 offers larger footprints at lower price points—often $85–$95 per square foot sale price.
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Infrastructure: High-load electrical service, rail spur access 5 miles north.
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Typical Uses: Warehousing, wood-working shops, small-scale manufacturing.
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Lot Sizes: Parcels ranging 0.5 to 5 acres, suitable for build-to-suit projects.
Types of Commercial Properties Available
Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease spans a diverse mix of property types. Below is a breakdown to help investors zero in on the asset class that best aligns with their goals.
Retail Spaces
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Size Range: 400–3,000 sq ft
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Key Features: Glass storefronts, high ceilings, proximity to parking.
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Typical Lease Rates: $20–$28 NNN per sq ft.
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Example Use Cases: Coffee shops, artisanal boutiques, seasonal pop-ups.
Office Buildings
Building Name | Sq Ft Available | Lease Rate (NNN) | Notable Tenant |
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Harbor Professional | 1,500 | $22.00 | Regional law firm |
Bay View Offices | 2,800 | $20.50 | Insurance brokerage |
Alpine Executive Ctr | 5,300 | $18.75 | Medical practitioners |
Modern office buildings come fully wired for high-speed internet, feature communal meeting rooms, and offer shared café spaces—ideal for professional services.
Industrial & Flex Spaces
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Flex Units: 1,000–10,000 sq ft, ceiling heights 18–24 ft.
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Lease Rates: $12–$16 NNN.
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Sales Price Range: $90–$105 per sq ft.
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Utility Access: 3-phase power, heavy-duty loading docks.
Land Opportunities
Vacant land parcels present a blank canvas for ground-up development:
Parcel ID | Acres | Zoning | Price (per acre) |
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L-HSP-001 | 0.75 | MU | $350,000 |
L-HSP-002 | 2.10 | IND | $220,000 |
L-HSP-003 | 1.50 | RS-C | $275,000 |
Investors can pursue mixed-use developments, build-to-suit warehouses, or boutique hotel concepts under current zoning regulations.
Investment & Leasing Strategies
Navigating Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease means weighing both acquisition and lease-up strategies. Here are best practices to maximize returns.
Buying vs Leasing Considerations
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Equity Growth: Purchasing offers appreciation potential—2024 saw a 5% year-over-year increase.
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Flexibility: Leasing reduces upfront capital, shifts maintenance to landlord, and allows faster entry.
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Tax Benefits: Ownership grants depreciation deductions and interest expense write-offs.
Financing Options & Incentives
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Conventional Loans: 70–75% LTV at sub-5% fixed rates for qualified borrowers.
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SBA 504 Programs: Long-term, fixed-rate financing for owner-occupied properties with 10% down.
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Local Grants & TIF: Emmet County’s façade improvement grants up to $20,000; Tax Increment Financing for downtown redevelopment.
ROI & Cap Rate Analysis
Property Type | Avg. Cap Rate (2024) | Target ROI |
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Retail | 6.2% | 8–10% |
Office | 6.8% | 8–9% |
Industrial | 7.4% | 9–11% |
Land | N/A | 12–15% |
By aligning cap-rate targets with risk tolerance and hold-period goals, investors can structure deals—purchase price, debt coverage, and lease terms—to hit desired returns.
Working with Brook Walsh at BrookWalsh.com
When you’re ready to explore Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease, partnering with a seasoned local expert makes all the difference.
Tailored Property Management Services
Northern Michigan Escapes, led by Brook Walsh, offers full-spectrum management:
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Tenant Screening & Onboarding
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24/7 Maintenance Coordination
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Financial Reporting & Distributions
Marketing & Listing Exposure
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SEO-Optimized Listings on BrookWalsh.com
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Targeted Digital Ads to High-Net-Worth Investors
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Professional Photography & Virtual Tours
Why Choose Northern Michigan Escapes?
With over $500M in closed transactions and deep roots in Northern Michigan, Brook Walsh combines technology-driven marketing with hands-on local expertise. Whether buying or leasing, you’ll gain access to off-market opportunities and bespoke deal structuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What types of commercial properties are most in demand in Harbor Springs?
A. Retail and light industrial spaces currently lead demand, driven by tourism and small-business growth. Office vacancies remain below 6%, reflecting steady professional services activity.
Q. How do I finance a commercial purchase?
A. Options include conventional bank loans, SBA 504 programs, and county incentives. Typical down payments range 10–25%, depending on occupancy levels and borrower profile.
Q. What are the average cap rates in Harbor Springs?
A. Cap rates vary by asset class: retail around 6.2%, office 6.8%, and industrial 7.4%. Land deals target higher ROI—often 12–15% via ground-lease or build-to-suit arrangements.
Q. Can out-of-state investors buy property here?
A. Yes—Michigan imposes no residency requirements. Many out-of-state and international buyers purchase through LLCs to optimize tax and liability considerations.
Q. What zoning regulations should I be aware of?
A. Downtown is zoned B-1 (business), allowing retail, office, and residential above ground floor. Industrial zones along US-31 permit light manufacturing, warehousing, and flex uses.
Q. How long does it take to close a commercial lease?
A. Typically 45–60 days, including due diligence, lease negotiation, and tenant improvements. Owner-occupied property purchases often close in 60–90 days.
Conclusion
Harbor Springs, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease represents a compelling investment frontier in Northern Michigan. From historic downtown storefronts to modern industrial parks, the market offers eight exclusive opportunities primed for growth. By understanding local economic drivers, district nuances, and financing pathways, investors can confidently pursue assets that align with both cash-flow and equity-growth objectives. Partner with Brook Walsh at BrookWalsh.com to unlock off-market listings, secure optimal lease terms, and streamline property management—ensuring your Harbor Springs venture thrives for years to come.
Continue your Northern Michigan commercial real estate search in the communities below or contact Brook Walsh to help you with your search.
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