Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease

Petoskey’s commercial district blends historic charm with modern opportunity. Along Howard and Lake Streets, restored brick storefronts house boutiques, galleries, and cafés that draw both locals and visitors. Easy access to US-31 and the Petoskey Municipal Airport makes the area a regional hub for retail, office, and hospitality ventures, while city façade grants and tax-increment financing encourage new development.

The broader economy—anchored by tourism, healthcare, and education—supports a diverse range of businesses. Seasonal events like the National Cherry Festival boost foot traffic, and year-round attractions such as marinas and recreational trails keep demand steady. Whether you’re seeking a prime retail corner, professional office space, or a waterfront hospitality investment, Petoskey offers a supportive community and solid returns.

Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $1.1M
Lowest Price $120K
Highest Price $5.2M
Total Listings 27
Avg. Days On Market 160
Avg. Price/SQFT $204

Property Types (active listings)


Browse Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease

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4048 Cedar Bluff Drive, Petoskey

$5,199,000

4048 Cedar Bluff Drive, Petoskey

0 Beds 11 Baths 29,086 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 475840
1701 Standish Avenue, Petoskey

$3,500,000

1701 Standish Avenue, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 64,087 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 466906
1327 N Us 31, Petoskey

$2,100,000

1327 N Us 31, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 5,120 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 476474
321 E Lake Street, Petoskey

$1,850,000

321 E Lake Street, Petoskey

0 Beds 4 Baths 7,958 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477427
2376 N Us 31 17, Petoskey

$1,800,000

2376 N Us 31 17, Petoskey

0 Beds 3 Baths 6,300 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477449
2240 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey

$1,395,000

2240 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 8,264 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477407
120 E Lake, Petoskey

$1,295,000

120 E Lake, Petoskey

6 Beds 6 Baths 3,815 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 469779
2236 E. Mitchell Road Unit 5, Petoskey

$950,000

2236 E. Mitchell Road Unit 5, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 7,000 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477880
2356 N Us 31 Highway, Petoskey

$927,000

2356 N Us 31 Highway, Petoskey

0 Beds 1 Bath 3,256 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 475729
203-207 Howard Street, Petoskey

$810,000

↓ $10,000

203-207 Howard Street, Petoskey

0 Beds 3 Baths 4,655 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 472846
320 E Lake Street, Petoskey

$799,000

320 E Lake Street, Petoskey

2 Beds 5 Baths 5,500 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477706
1105 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey

$750,000

1105 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey

0 Beds 1 Bath 5,000 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 458145
2348 N Us 31 Highway, Petoskey

$750,000

2348 N Us 31 Highway, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 4,447 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 475555
Pending
1111 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey

$699,000

1111 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey

0 Beds 1 Bath 1,700 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 1929915
322 E Mitchell, Petoskey

$695,000

322 E Mitchell, Petoskey

3 Beds 1 Bath 5,265 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477309
1780 Howard Road, Petoskey

$635,000

1780 Howard Road, Petoskey

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,344 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477033
2235 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey

$625,000

2235 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 5,015 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477406
4281 Pickeral Lake Road, Petoskey

$568,000

4281 Pickeral Lake Road, Petoskey

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 1924291
New Pending
575 W Mitchell Street, Petoskey

$500,000

575 W Mitchell Street, Petoskey

0 Beds 1 Bath 2,000 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 1931458
2489 N Us 31 Highway, Petoskey

$465,000

2489 N Us 31 Highway, Petoskey

0 Beds 1 Bath 2,700 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 476913
2376 N Us 31 9, Petoskey

$427,900

2376 N Us 31 9, Petoskey

0 Beds 0 Baths 1,800 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477448
1003 Spring Street, Petoskey

$425,000

1003 Spring Street, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 2,035 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 476921
2240 E Mitchell Road Suite 4, Petoskey

$369,900

↓ $30,000

2240 E Mitchell Road Suite 4, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 4,267 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 472131
319 W Mitchell Street, Petoskey

$365,000

319 W Mitchell Street, Petoskey

4 Beds 5 Baths 3,850 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 476297
5799 Charlevoix Road 3, Petoskey

$350,000

↓ $75,000

5799 Charlevoix Road 3, Petoskey

0 Beds 1 Bath 2,100 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477837
2405 N Us Hwy 31, Petoskey

$129,000

↓ $10,000

2405 N Us Hwy 31, Petoskey

0 Beds 0 Baths 800 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 477560
3890 Charlevoix Avenue 290, Petoskey

$120,000

↓ $59,000

3890 Charlevoix Avenue 290, Petoskey

0 Beds 2 Baths 2,150 SqFt Commercial MLS® # 473987

Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease: Unbeatable Opportunities – 10 Prime Listings

Explore top commercial properties in Petoskey, MI, with expert insights on market trends, financing, and ROI.

Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease is thriving thanks to a blend of small-town charm and robust economic growth. In this guide, we unpack everything you need—from market drivers to financing options—to make a savvy investment or secure the perfect lease.


Market Overview of Petoskey, Michigan

Market Overview of Petoskey, Michigan

The Petoskey commercial real estate market has seen steady appreciation over the last decade, fueled by year-round tourism, a growing retiree population, and expanding service industries. Located on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey combines waterfront appeal with a diverse local economy.

Economic Drivers and Tourism Impact

Tourism remains the backbone of Petoskey’s economy. With over 1.2 million visitors annually, hospitality, retail, and dining sectors flourish from May through October. However, the city’s ski resorts and winter festivals sustain demand in off-peak months, making commercial spaces viable year-round.

  • Seasonal Flux: Summer foot traffic can triple storefront visitors, while winter events like the RRC Ice Festival draw crowds to downtown shops.

  • Hospitality Growth: Boutique hotels and Airbnb-style properties have surged, boosting demand for ancillary services like restaurants and event venues.

  • Local Employers: Petoskey Regional Medical Center and Bay View Association are among the top non-tourism employers, supporting office and medical suite demand.

For detailed community statistics, visit the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce’s site: petoskeychamber.com.

Demographic Trends and Workforce Profile

Petoskey’s population of approximately 6,000 residents swells to over 30,000 in summer months. Key demographics:

SegmentPercentage
Residents 55+ 28%
Young Professionals 18%
Families with Kids 22%
Seasonal Visitors 32%

This mix supports a broad spectrum of commercial ventures, from luxury retail targeting retirees to tech-savvy co-working spaces for remote professionals.


Top Commercial Property Types and ROI Potential

retail space

Navigating Petoskey’s commercial landscape means understanding which property types yield the best returns. Here’s a breakdown:

Retail Spaces in Downtown Petoskey

Downtown Petoskey’s brick-and-mortar shops enjoy high visibility along Howard Street and Lake Street. Average cap rates here range from 6%–7%, with smaller storefronts (1,000–1,500 sq ft) commanding premium lease rates of $25–$30 PSF.

Key Features:

  • High foot traffic near the waterfront

  • Mix of national boutiques and local artisans

  • Year-round events like farmer’s markets bolster sales

Office Suites and Professional Services

Medical offices, legal practices, and creative agencies favor Petoskey’s mid-town corridors. Class A office space averages $18–$22 PSF NNN, with cap rates around 7.5%.

  • Co-Working Trend: Flexible leases and shared amenities appeal to startups and consultants.

  • Tenant Stability: Long-term leases (5+ years) common for medical tenants.

Hospitality and Hospitality-Linked Properties

With occupancy rates exceeding 75% in peak season, boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are gold-mines. Investment in historic inns can yield cap rates of 5%–6%, but offer strong appreciation and branding opportunities.

Industrial, Flex, and Warehouse Facilities

Light industrial and flex spaces near the airport and US-131 corridor remain underdeveloped, offering sub-6% cap rates and potential for redevelopment into mixed-use complexes.

Property TypeAvg. Cap RateTypical Size
Retail 6.0%–7.0% 1,000–3,000 sq ft
Office 7.0%–8.0% 2,000–10,000 sq ft
Hospitality 5.0%–6.5% 10–30 rooms
Industrial 5.5%–6.5% 5,000–20,000 sq ft

Financing Options and Local Incentives

Financing Options and Local Incentives

Securing the right financing can make or break a commercial deal. Petoskey investors benefit from multiple channels:

SBA Loans and Traditional Lending

  • SBA 504 Programs: Offer up to 40-year fixed rates for owner-occupied properties.

  • Conventional Loans: Banks like Huntington and PNC provide competitive rates (currently ~4.5%–5.5%).

Local Grants, Tax Abatements, and TIF Programs

The Emmet County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Petoskey City Council offer:

  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Can cover infrastructure improvements.

  • Historic Preservation Grants: Up to 25% of renovation costs for eligible structures.

  • Job Creation Incentives: Grants or rebates tied to employment growth.

By blending federal SBA programs with local incentives, savvy investors can lower debt service and boost cash flow.


Buying vs. Leasing: Decision Factors

Whether you buy or lease depends on your capital, risk tolerance, and business model.

Advantages of Purchasing Commercial Real Estate

  1. Equity Building: Each mortgage payment increases your ownership stake.

  2. Tax Benefits: Depreciation, interest deductions, and property tax write-offs.

  3. Control: Ability to customize the space and pass through CAM charges.

“Owning a storefront in downtown Petoskey not only secures a fixed mortgage but also locks in your occupancy costs against inflation.”—Local Broker

Pros of Leasing Commercial Space

  • Lower Upfront Capital: Minimal down payment versus 20%–30% equity for purchase.

  • Flexibility: Ability to relocate or scale up/down as your business evolves.

  • Maintenance: Landlord typically handles major repairs and capital improvements.


Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Commercial Property

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Commercial Property

Navigating the transaction process smoothly requires preparation and professional support.

Engaging a Qualified Broker

  • Interview Multiple Agents: Look for proven track records in Petoskey commercial deals.

  • Clarify Fees: Understand commission structures (2%–6% of sale price).

Negotiation and Due Diligence

  • Letter of Intent (LOI): Non-binding, outlines key terms—price, due diligence period, closing date.

  • Inspections and Surveys: Always commission a Phase I environmental and property survey.

  • Title Review: Ensure clear title; address easements or covenants.

Closing Procedures and Post-Purchase Considerations

  1. Finalize Financing: Lock rates and secure insurance.

  2. Escrow and Title Transfer: Funds and deed exchange.

  3. Build-Out and Permitting: Obtain local permits for any tenant improvements.

  4. Property Management: Consider hiring a local firm or self-manage through BrookWalsh.com.


FAQs: Common Questions about Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate

FAQs: Common Questions about Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate

Q. What is the average cap rate in Petoskey’s commercial market?

A. Cap rates typically range from 5%–8%, depending on property type and location, with retail on the waterfront at 6%–7% and industrial closer to 5.5%–6.5%.

Q. How does tourism seasonality affect commercial leases?

Landlords often include seasonal escalations or revenue-share clauses for retail and hospitality tenants to align rent with peak sales periods.

A. Are there co-working spaces available in Petoskey?

Yes—spaces like “The Hatch” offer flexible memberships, private offices, and meeting rooms, catering to entrepreneurs and remote teams.

Q. What zoning regulations should investors know?

A. Downtown Petoskey is zoned CBD (Central Business District), allowing mixed-use development. Light industrial zones lie east of US-131; check with the City Planning Department for specifics.

Q. How do I assess foot traffic for a retail location?

A. Use pedestrian counters, review city traffic studies, and survey neighboring tenants. Peak summer months can see daily counts exceeding 2,000 visitors on main thoroughfares.

Q. Can I get tax incentives for renovating historic properties?

A. Yes—through state historic tax credits and local facade improvement grants. Petoskey’s Brownfield Authority also offers TIF plans for qualified projects.


Conclusion: Why Petoskey is a Prime Commercial Destination

With its unique blend of tourism, resilient local economy, and attractive financing and incentive programs, Petoskey, MI Commercial Real Estate for Sale and Lease offers unmatched opportunities. Whether you’re an investor seeking steady cash flow or a growing business in need of a vibrant location, Petoskey delivers both charm and returns.

Continue your Northern Michigan commercial real estate search in the communities below or contact Brook Walsh for help with your search. 

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