What Medical Tenants Really Need – And How Landlords Can Attract Them
September 4, 2025
Medical leasing is different.
The square footage might look the same, but the requirements, timelines, and decision-making process are a whole different equation.
As more healthcare providers move into retail centers, new developments, and freestanding sites, I’ve been having more conversations with property owners who want to attract medical tenants, but aren’t sure what they’re really looking for.
Here’s what I’ve learned from working on the landlord side of these deals:
1. Medical tenants think long-term.
Most practices are planning to stay in place for years, if not decades. That means their leasing decisions are shaped by questions like:
• Can this location support patient flow and staff operations long term?
• Will there be room to expand as we grow?
• How visible and accessible is the space for new and returning patients?
The more those questions are addressed up front, the smoother the lease-up.
2. Buildout is more complex and more critical.
Unlike standard retail or office tenants, medical groups often need:
• Specialized plumbing and electrical
• Exam room layouts
• ADA-compliant access and parking
• Privacy design considerations (HIPAA compliance, etc.)
Landlords who understand these nuances – or bring in a broker who does – will have an easier time managing expectations and timelines during negotiations.
3. Turnkey space is a huge differentiator.
While some providers are happy to build out their own space, many prefer locations that are close to move-in ready, or at least designed with medical use in mind. A well-prepped space can lead to faster occupancy, smoother permitting, and longer lease terms.
I’ve worked with landlords who took extra steps to position their space for medical leasing, and it paid off in both tenant satisfaction and retention.
4. Medical tenants bring long-term value.
They tend to be stable, well-funded, and consistent. That’s a win for any landlord – especially in markets where retail turnover is increasing.
If you’re a property owner or developer considering how to attract high-quality tenants in today’s market, medical leasing is a smart path. But it takes the right preparation and support.
Need help getting your space ready for medical use? Let’s talk.
Whether you’re in site planning or repositioning an existing asset, I can help you think through the path from proposal to patient-ready.
Author Note
Laura Saleh is a Commercial Broker with MC&G Commercial, where she specializes in leasing strategy and landlord representation across medical, retail, and office properties throughout North Carolina. She brings a people-first, detail-driven approach to every project and is proud to support property owners in building long-term value through trusted tenant relationships.
Medical leasing is different.
The square footage might look the same, but the requirements, timelines, and decision-making process are a whole different equation.
As more healthcare providers move into retail centers, new developments, and freestanding sites, I’ve been having more conversations with property owners who want to attract medical tenants, but aren’t sure what they’re really looking for.
Here’s what I’ve learned from working on the landlord side of these deals:
1. Medical tenants think long-term.
Most practices are planning to stay in place for years, if not decades. That means their leasing decisions are shaped by questions like:
• Can this location support patient flow and staff operations long term?
• Will there be room to expand as we grow?
• How visible and accessible is the space for new and returning patients?
The more those questions are addressed up front, the smoother the lease-up.
2. Buildout is more complex and more critical.
Unlike standard retail or office tenants, medical groups often need:
• Specialized plumbing and electrical
• Exam room layouts
• ADA-compliant access and parking
• Privacy design considerations (HIPAA compliance, etc.)
Landlords who understand these nuances – or bring in a broker who does – will have an easier time managing expectations and timelines during negotiations.
3. Turnkey space is a huge differentiator.
While some providers are happy to build out their own space, many prefer locations that are close to move-in ready, or at least designed with medical use in mind. A well-prepped space can lead to faster occupancy, smoother permitting, and longer lease terms.
I’ve worked with landlords who took extra steps to position their space for medical leasing, and it paid off in both tenant satisfaction and retention.
4. Medical tenants bring long-term value.
They tend to be stable, well-funded, and consistent. That’s a win for any landlord – especially in markets where retail turnover is increasing.
If you’re a property owner or developer considering how to attract high-quality tenants in today’s market, medical leasing is a smart path. But it takes the right preparation and support.
Need help getting your space ready for medical use? Let’s talk.
Whether you’re in site planning or repositioning an existing asset, I can help you think through the path from proposal to patient-ready.
Author Note
Laura Saleh is a Commercial Broker with MC&G Commercial, where she specializes in leasing strategy and landlord representation across medical, retail, and office properties throughout North Carolina. She brings a people-first, detail-driven approach to every project and is proud to support property owners in building long-term value through trusted tenant relationships.
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