Should You Sell, Renew, or Hold Your Commercial Property in 2026?

If you own commercial property in Maryland or Northern Virginia, this question is probably already on your mind as 2026 begins. You may also be asking:

  • Should I sell this property now?
  • Should I renew the tenant and stabilize income?
  • Or should I hold, and see how things play out? 

These questions often come up when a lease is nearing expiration, a tenant’s future is uncertain, or the return on investment starts to feel less predictable.

For many commercial property owners and investors, the challenge isn’t a lack of options. It’s sorting through those options clearly, without pressure.  Here is what commercial property owners should be thinking about in the New Year. 

When Selling Your Commercial Property Makes Sense

Suburban Office Commercial Property in Maryland

Selling is often the right move when certainty outweighs the potential upside. Most commercial property owners consider a sale when:

  • A lease is in place and provides a stable income that buyers value
  • The capital tied up in one building could be put to better use elsewhere
  • The effort required to manage the property no longer matches the return

Buyers look at more than price. Timing, lease terms, and what they’ll be responsible for after closing all factor into the decision. In many cases, small changes to lease terms or tenant communication can affect how the property is viewed in the market.

Your brokerage partner should be able to explain not only what the property might sell for today, but what would meaningfully improve or limit that outcome. 

When Renewing the Tenant is the Smarter Move

Renewing a tenant can reduce risk, protect cash flow, and provide breathing room. At the same time, renewing under the wrong terms can limit future flexibility. 

Owners often find themselves weighing questions like: 

  • How does this tenant affect a future sale?
  • Do the lease terms support income stability without limiting my options later?
  • How long of a commitment makes sense given market conditions and personal plans? 

Lease length, tenant quality, and rent structure all shape how a commercial property performs today and how it is viewed later. Renewal decisions work best when they account for future goals, not just short-term convenience.

When Holding Is the Best Strategy

Sometimes the right move is to hold. Holding makes sense when:

  • The property is performing as expected without requiring major changes
  • Lease events are far enough out to allow flexibility
  • Market conditions favor patience over immediate action

Holding should be an intentional decision, not merely a way to delay a difficult conversation.

A good brokerage partner can identify what might trigger a change, such as a lease milestone, a capital improvement, or a shift in personal or investment priorities, and explain the risks associated with each path.  

What You Should Expect From Your Brokerage Partner

Most brokerages focus on the transaction. We focus on relationships. Our goal is to guide owners and investors through all the possible scenarios before making a move. 

At Aushco, we work with property owners and investors to:

  • Understand realistic pricing and timelines
  • See how lease decisions affect future options
  • Weigh the pros and cons of selling, leasing, or holding
  • Choose a path that aligns with long-term goals

The answer isn’t always obvious, and that’s when professional guidance matters most. Our work is informed by our daily conversations with property owners, investors, and tenants across the local and regional market. 

Ultimately, the right decision depends on the property, the tenant, and how your goals fit into the broader picture. We bring clarity to that decision without forcing an outcome.

For owners and investors weighing next steps, a clear, no-pressure conversation is often the most productive place to start.

About Aushco

Aushco is a commercial real estate firm serving property owners, investors, tenants, and businesses across Maryland and Northern Virginia. We work at the intersection of brokerage, property management, and leasing, which gives us a practical view of how decisions play out over time. Our focus is on clear communication, realistic planning, and helping clients make informed choices about their properties.