Lebanon continues to be one of the most active commercial real estate markets in the Middle East. Thanks to its strategic location, developed infrastructure, and stable demand for commercial spaces, the country is an attractive place for investment. However, when choosing a location for purchasing an office, it is important to consider not only the price but also the business development prospects in the region. Factors such as transport accessibility, infrastructure, presence of international companies, and office demand determine whether an investment will be profitable. In this article, we will explore the best locations in Lebanon for purchasing commercial offices and highlight what to consider when choosing an area for investment.
Beirut: The Commercial Epicenter of the Country
Beirut is not only the capital of Lebanon but also its main business hub. Offices in Beirut are always in high demand due to their advantageous location and well-developed infrastructure. Beirut is home to international companies, banks, and organizations, making office purchases in this area a promising investment.
Demographics and Economy:
Beirut is the largest city in Lebanon, with a population of over 1.2 million people. The average age is 34 years, with a significant number of young entrepreneurs eager to grow their businesses. The average income per capita is approximately $10,500 per year.
Advantages:
Beirut offers excellent transport accessibility, high-speed internet, and business centers, all of which contribute to growing demand for commercial real estate. Its location between Africa and Asia makes the city an ideal spot for international operations. Office prices in Beirut range from $1,500 to $3,000 per m², depending on location and infrastructure. Additionally, the city’s infrastructure is continuously developing, with new projects in business center and hotel construction, further enhancing the area’s appeal.
Disadvantages:
Despite its advantages, the cost of commercial real estate in Beirut is significantly higher, making it less accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. Political and economic instability, such as protests or economic downturns, may also cause fluctuations in real estate prices.
Sabra and Jounieh: Hubs for Small and Medium Businesses with Growth Potential
Sabra and Jounieh are two areas in Lebanon that actively attract entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized businesses. In these locations, business owners can find profitable offers that reduce costs while providing access to developed infrastructure. The affordability and strategic location of these districts make them attractive for those not ready to pay high prices for renting or purchasing offices in central areas of Lebanon.
Sabra: Close to Beirut at Affordable Prices
Sabra, located to the west of Beirut, is a popular choice for businesses seeking proximity to the capital while saving on rental costs. Rent in Sabra typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per m², which is significantly cheaper than central Beirut areas. This makes the district attractive for small businesses looking to balance cost and location.
The district is convenient due to its close proximity to major city transport routes. Most offices in Sabra have good infrastructure, including easy access to public transport, supermarkets, and service facilities. With ongoing infrastructure development, Sabra is becoming an attractive location for startups that want to stay in the city center without spending large sums on real estate.
Jounieh: Economic Hub for Small Business Development
Jounieh, located north of Beirut, is another popular location for small businesses. The city has developed infrastructure and serves as an important economic center in Lebanon. Commercial real estate prices here are significantly lower than in Beirut, ranging from $700 to $1,000 per m². Jounieh attracts entrepreneurs with affordable land for commercial use and ready-made office spaces for businesses.
The city is known for its strategic location, offering direct access to Beirut and other parts of Lebanon. This facilitates communication and business partnerships. Additionally, Jounieh serves as an economic hub for trade, with national and international transport connections that allow companies to efficiently operate with other countries in the region.
Emerging but Less Popular Regions
Tripoli: A Growing Center for Trade and Manufacturing
Tripoli, the second-largest city in Lebanon located in the north, is experiencing active growth. Thanks to its developed transport infrastructure and proximity to ports, Tripoli is becoming an important trade and manufacturing center in Lebanon. Office prices in this region range from $400 to $700 per m², making it attractive for entrepreneurs who want to reduce costs without losing commercial potential.
Due to its proximity to ports and developed transport routes, Tripoli is especially attractive for businesses in export and import sectors. Various economic programs and government support, along with growing demand for commercial real estate, make Tripoli a promising location for investors.
In 2019, the city experienced noticeable growth in commercial real estate investment due to lower land and rental prices. Demand for offices in Tripoli increased by 15% compared to previous years.
Less Promoted Districts: Saida and Bikfaya
Although these districts are less popular, they are increasingly attracting entrepreneurs seeking lower office costs and opportunities to benefit from growing infrastructure.
Saida is a port city ideal for businesses involved in exporting and importing goods. Rental prices in Saida range from $500 to $800 per m².
Bikfaya is a mountainous area popular among startups and small companies, with prices ranging from $300 to $600 per m².
These regions are in demand due to low prices and the opportunity to develop businesses in a less saturated environment compared to central areas of Lebanon. With improved infrastructure and development projects, these locations could become new centers of economic activity.
Comparison of Commercial Office Prices by Location
| City | Rental/Purchase Price (per m²) | Type of Premises | Building Condition | Infrastructure Development | Parking Availability | Market Demand |
| Beirut (Central Areas) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Offices in business centers | High | High | Yes | High |
| Jounieh & Sabra | $700 – $1,200 | Offices for startups, small businesses | Medium | Medium | Yes/No | Moderate |
| Tripoli | $400 – $700 | Industrial offices, production offices | Medium | Medium | No | Growing |
| Saida | $500 – $800 | Offices for trade, warehouses | Medium | Medium | Yes | Moderate |
| Bikfaya | $300 – $600 | Offices for startups, local businesses | High | Low | No | Growing |
Conclusion
The choice of location for purchasing a commercial office in Lebanon should be based on budget, business type, and regional development prospects. Central Beirut districts offer highly developed infrastructure and access to international companies, but rental and purchase costs can reach $1,500–3,000 per m². Sabra and Jounieh attract small and medium-sized businesses due to more affordable prices — $700–1,200 per m² — and convenient transport accessibility. Tripoli is suitable for manufacturing and trade companies, with prices of $400–700 per m² and proximity to ports. Less popular but promising districts, Saida and Bikfaya, offer offices for $300–800 per m² and opportunities for business development in a less crowded environment.
Our specialists can help evaluate the market, select the optimal location, and calculate a profitable investment, taking into account infrastructure, demand, and the specifics of your business.