Investing in commercial space for sale in dhaka is a high-yield strategy for corporate enterprises, business owners, and real estate investors looking to capital growth and recurring rental yields. Driven by expansion across financial services, technology firms, corporate headquarters, and retail chains, demand for well-located commercial floorplates remains robust throughout the capital. Navigating Dhaka’s commercial real estate market requires evaluating location-based pricing per square foot, occupancy trends, building infrastructure standards, legal documentation, and expected return on investment (ROI).
Commercial Real Estate Market Overview by Major Zones
Commercial space pricing in Dhaka varies based on street frontage, road width, building status (Grade A corporate tower vs. mixed-use complex), and proximity to transit corridors such as the Dhaka Metro Rail and Expressway links.
| Location / Zone Category | Price Range per Sq. Ft. (BDT) | Common Unit Sizes | Average Monthly Rent (BDT/Sq. Ft.) | Primary Business Profile |
| Gulshan & Banani (Diplomatic & Corporate Belt) | BDT 25,000 – BDT 42,000+ | 1,200 – 6,000+ sq. ft. | BDT 140 – BDT 280 / sq. ft. | Multinational headquarters, embassy offices, luxury retail showrooms, and foreign banks. |
| Dhanmondi (Satmasjid Road & Mirpur Road) | BDT 20,000 – BDT 38,000 | 1,000 – 4,500 sq. ft. | BDT 110 – BDT 220 / sq. ft. | IT firms, healthcare centers, educational institutes, and lifestyle retail brands. |
| Uttara (Sectors 3, 4, 11, 13 & Airport Road) | BDT 18,000 – BDT 28,000 | 1,500 – 5,000 sq. ft. | BDT 90 – BDT 170 / sq. ft. | Tech startups, aviation/logistics companies, corporate back-offices, and regional outlets. |
| Motijheel, Paltan & Kakrail (Financial Center) | BDT 14,000 – BDT 24,000 | 800 – 3,500 sq. ft. | BDT 70 – BDT 140 / sq. ft. | Commercial banks, insurance firms, brokerage houses, import-export, and law firms. |
| Mirpur & Tejgaon Commercial Areas | BDT 13,000 – BDT 22,000 | 1,000 – 8,000+ sq. ft. | BDT 65 – BDT 130 / sq. ft. | Media studios, light manufacturing, corporate back-offices, and customer care centers. |
Key Commercial Property Categories Available in Dhaka
Understanding space configurations helps buyers match their operational needs or investment models with the right property type:
Small Office Suites (800 sq. ft. to 1,500 sq. ft.)
Designed for startups, consultancies, law firms, and boutique agencies. These units offer manageable entry costs, lower utility overheads, and straightforward leasing to single corporate tenants.
Full Floor Commercial Units (2,000 sq. ft. to 6,000+ sq. ft.)
Targeted at mid-to-large-scale corporations, IT companies, and multinational branches requiring open-plan workstations, executive suites, conference facilities, and server rooms.
Ground & First Floor Retail Showrooms
Positioned along primary thoroughfares (such as Banani Road 11, Gulshan Avenue, or Satmasjid Road). Ground-floor spaces command the highest prices per square foot due to foot traffic, street visibility, and retail turnover potential.
Step-by-Step Purchasing Process for Commercial Space
Acquiring a commercial space for sale in dhaka requires rigorous legal and technical vetting to secure title ownership and operational compliance:
Step 1: Define Budget and Return Targets
Establish your budget accounting for property acquisition costs, registration taxes (roughly 10%–12% above agreed price), basement car parking allocations, and fit-out capital. Investors should target annual rental yields of 5% to 7.5%.
Step 2: Site Selection and Infrastructure Vetting
When evaluating commercial buildings, inspect critical infrastructure required by corporate tenants:
- Power Supply & Backup: High-capacity industrial electrical transformers, central 100% full-generator backup, and dedicated busbar systems.
- Vertical Transportation: Multiple high-speed passenger elevators and designated service/stretcher lifts.
- Safety & Security Compliance: RAJUK-approved fire safety systems, automated sprinklers, central fire staircases, smoke detectors, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance.
- Parking Allocation: Ratios guaranteeing dedicated basement car parking slots per floor or square footage block.
Step 3: Legal Due Diligence
Engage an experienced corporate land lawyer to verify property records prior to paying advance funds:
- Verify CS, SA, RS, and BS Khatian records and ensure the Mutation Khatian (Namjari) is updated under the commercial category.
- Examine the RAJUK Commercial Building Approval Plan to confirm the floor is sanctioned for commercial usage rather than residential conversion.
- Check the Non-Encumbrance Certificate (NEC) from the Sub-Registry Office to confirm the property is free of undisclosed mortgages or legal liens.
Step 4: Developer Credentials & Title Transfer
When buying from established real estate firms such as Noah Developments, bti, or Shanta Holdings, review the landowner-developer joint venture agreement, registered power of attorney, and past completion records. Execute the formal Agreement for Sale followed by title deed (Saf Kabala) registration at the Sub-Registry Office.
Financial and Documentation Checklist for Buyers
Assemble these mandatory documents to streamline the acquisition and registration workflow:
Purchaser Documentation
- National ID (NID) cards, e-TIN certificates, and passport photos of company directors or individual buyers.
- Company registration credentials (Trade License, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Form XII).
- Bank solvency certificates and 12-month business bank account statements.
Property Legal Credentials
- Registered Title Deed (Saf Kabala) and complete chain of ownership deeds.
- City Survey/BS Khatian and up-to-date Land Development Tax (Khajna) receipts.
- RAJUK-approved commercial floor plan, occupancy certificate, and fire service clearance certificate.
- Non-Encumbrance Certificate (NEC) from the relevant Sub-Registry office.
Ancillary Purchase Expenses to Budget
Beyond the base property price per square foot, buyers must budget for mandatory administrative and finishing costs:
- Property Registration Taxes: Totals approximately 10% to 12% of the registered deed value (comprising 1% Registration Fee, 1.5% Stamp Duty, 2%–3% Local Government Tax, and applicable AIT/VAT).
- Car Parking Allocation: BDT 600,000 to BDT 1,500,000 per designated basement parking slot in prime commercial zones.
- Commercial Utility Connection Charges: BDT 300,000 – BDT 800,000 for high-voltage electricity meters (DESCO/DPDC), commercial WASA connections, and fire suppression integration.
- Interior Fit-Out Costs: BDT 1,500 – BDT 3,500 per sq. ft. for glass partitioning, acoustic ceiling systems, HVAC ducting, IT cabling, and executive furnishings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average cost of commercial space for sale in dhaka?
Commercial property prices in Dhaka range from BDT 13,000 per sq. ft. in emerging hubs like Mirpur or Tejgaon up to BDT 42,000+ per sq. ft. in prime commercial belts like Gulshan Avenue and Banani Road 11.
What rental yield can I expect from a commercial space in Dhaka?
Commercial real estate in Dhaka typically yields between 5% and 7.5% annually, outperforming residential rental yields (which average 3% to 4.5%). Premium corporate offices in Banani, Gulshan, and Uttara generate high rental stability.
Can I get a commercial property loan from Bangladeshi banks?
Yes. Commercial banks and NBFIs offer commercial real estate financing, funding up to 50% to 60% of the property value for corporate entities and business owners with audited financial records.
What is the difference between purchasing commercial space vs. residential space for business use?
Operating a commercial enterprise in a residential-zoned property violates RAJUK regulations and risks utility disconnection or fines. Purchasing space in a sanctioned commercial building guarantees legal compliance, trade license renewals, and proper utility approvals.
How much extra should I budget for commercial property registration in Bangladesh?
You should budget an additional 10% to 12% over the registered deed value to cover statutory registration fees, stamp duty, local transfer taxes, advance income tax (AIT), and VAT.
Are under-construction commercial projects better for investment?
Under-construction commercial spaces offer lower initial entry prices per square foot and flexible installment schedules over 2 to 4 years. Ready-to-move commercial units require full upfront capital but yield immediate rental income and tenant returns.
