Separating things into classes (stratification) is common practice. Take the airline industry, for example. Airlines generally prefer for passengers to board based on different levels. Those in Class A go first, followed by those in Class B and so on. But classification is not so straightforward in certain industries.
Class A. Class B. Class C. How could they possibly be so different? As a commercial real estate professional, you need to know. Let’s discuss those differences and what they mean for CRE pros.
What Are Class A Buildings?
Class A buildings are the best of the best, as the title clearly suggests. These buildings, according to Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), feature “high-quality standard finishes, state of the art systems, exceptional accessibility and a definite market presence.” As such, these buildings are priced higher on average than other classes. Common elements you’ll find in a Class A building include:
- On-site parking garages
- Up-to-date HVAC and maintenance systems
- Free WiFi and other perks
- Staffed lobbies, security buildings and management buildings
- The presence of high-quality tenants within the building
When it comes down to it, a Class A building is where you want to be, but as mentioned, it does come at a price.
What Are Class B Buildings?
As you might expect, Class B buildings are a tier below Class A, and the amenities and values you’ll find in these buildings reflect that. These facilities may have been Class A buildings in the past, but their features are now dated or the quality of their location has declined. Basically, Class B buildings are beyond a minimum, no-frills space, but they’re not quite at the same caliber as a Class A building.
Other CRE Building Considerations
Buildings can also be Class C and have other important factors to consider. Class C buildings are generally considered to be basic. You should not expect premium finishes, parking garages or more than four stories. That being said, buildings in lower classes are generally more common. As a result, they can be more affordable and this means that Class C buildings, while not spectacular, are just as likely to provide for a good ROI (return on investment).
If you’re looking for Class A CRE software, then you are exactly where you need to be. Our fully integrated CRE software means that you will be able to organize and manage all data for existing and prospective properties and that data will be available to your CRE team across multiple platforms and in real time.
If you’re interested in seeing how Quarem can help you organize, view and automate data for your commercial properties and buildings, we invite you to try our demo today.
Last Updated: May 26, 2026
