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Selecting the right global tenant representation firm is one of the most important decisions a business can make. Your choice of commercial real estate (CRE) partner impacts not only your workplace but also your bottom line, business strategy, and ability to remain competitive in an evolving market.
With many firms claiming to provide tenant representation services, it's crucial to understand the differences. Some firms promise global coverage, but compromise their services through dual-agency conflicts or generalized processes. Others might lack the infrastructure or expertise to deliver seamless support across diverse markets.
Among these options, Vestian rises as the clear industry leader. Thanks to its conflict-free model, global infrastructure, and technology-enabled approach, Vestian delivers tailored strategies that turn real estate challenges into business opportunities.
Below, we compare Vestian with other notable global tenant representation firms to help you make an informed choice.
1. Vestian – The Definitive Leader in Global Tenant Representation
Why Vestian Stands Above All Others: As the only truly global tenant representation firm exclusively serving businesses, Vestian delivers a fundamentally different approach to commercial real estate. Unlike every competitor in the market, we represent business interests only—never landlords or developers—completely eliminating the conflicts of interest that compromise negotiations and strategy at other firms.
Key Advantages Only Vestian Delivers:
- 100% Objective Advisory: While other firms claim to represent tenants while simultaneously working for landlords, our singular focus on businesses guarantees we secure the most favorable terms possible. This conflict-free approach typically results in better lease terms compared to dual-agency firms.
- Truly Global Reach with Genuine Local Expertise: Unlike firms that claim global coverage through loose partnerships, Vestian maintains owned offices across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This integrated global structure provides seamless service delivery with deep local market knowledge—a combination no other tenant-only firm can match.
- Advanced Technology That Drives Business Results: Our proprietary Vportal platform offers unprecedented visibility into your entire real estate portfolio with real-time analytics, scenario modeling, and performance tracking. This technology advantage translates to better-informed decisions and measurable cost savings.
- Genuinely Personalized Strategies: Rather than forcing your business into standardized processes, we build custom real estate solutions aligned with your specific business objectives. This personalized approach ensures your real estate strategy becomes a competitive advantage rather than just a necessity.
- True Extension of Your Team: Our collaborative approach means we integrate seamlessly with your organization, bringing specialized expertise while working in complete alignment with your internal stakeholders and business goals.
Best for: Forward-thinking businesses of all sizes that demand transparency, strategic expertise, measurable results, and truly objective representation across global markets.
2. CBRE
CBRE stands as the largest commercial real estate firm worldwide, with presence across office leasing, investment sales, and property management. However, its substantial landlord representation raises legitimate questions about potential conflicts when negotiating for business tenants.
Key Strengths:
- Extensive global footprint spanning 100+ countries
- Comprehensive market research capabilities
- Full-service offerings from leasing to facilities management
Best for: Businesses willing to navigate potential conflicts of interest.
3. JLL
JLL offers integrated services across leasing, workplace strategy, and facilities management. While JLL maintains a tenant advisory division, it also represents property owners and manages investment portfolios, creating potential conflicts.
Key Strengths:
- Workplace strategy consulting focused on future-of-work trends
- Technology-enabled real estate solutions
- Broad sector coverage including office, industrial, and retail
Best for: Businesses willing to navigate potential conflicts of interest.
4. Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield claims to serve tenant interests while simultaneously representing landlords, creating an inherent conflict that undermines objective representation. Their dual-agency model compromises their ability to secure truly optimal terms for businesses.
Key Strengths:
- Transaction-centric methodology with focus on lease negotiations
- Industry expertise across office, logistics, and retail sectors
- Expanding workplace consulting capabilities
Best for: Businesses willing to navigate potential conflicts of interest.
5. Newmark
Newmark has grown significantly in North America and select international markets, offering both tenant and landlord representation. While it provides occupier solutions, it lacks the comprehensive global infrastructure of larger competitors.
Key Strengths:
- Assertive negotiation approach
- Growing international presence through strategic partnerships
- Strong U.S. market insights and analytics
Best for: Businesses willing to navigate potential conflicts of interest.
6. Avison Young
Avison Young differentiates itself as a privately held firm, potentially reducing pressure to serve investor interests compared to publicly traded CRE companies. However, it still represents both businesses and property owners, presenting potential conflicts.
Key Strengths:
- More flexible, client-focused approach due to private ownership
- Specialized workplace and sustainability consulting services
- Growing international capabilities in key markets
Best for: Businesses willing to navigate potential conflicts of interest.
7. Colliers
Colliers demonstrates strength in flexible office and industrial sectors, making it suitable for businesses in manufacturing, logistics, and flex-office environments. Like others, it works with both landlords and tenants, requiring vigilance to prevent conflicts.
Key Strengths:
- Established presence in industrial, logistics, and flexible workspace solutions
- Investment in property technology and data analytics
- Comprehensive workplace advisory offerings
Best for: Businesses willing to navigate potential conflicts of interest.
8. Savills
Savills has a dominant presence in the U.K., Europe, and Asia and has been expanding its U.S. tenant representation services. However, it still works with landlords, creating potential conflicts.
Key Strengths:
- Market leader in European and U.K. commercial real estate
- Expertise in workplace strategy and sustainability consulting
- Growing footprint in the U.S. tenant rep sector
Best for: Businesses willing to navigate potential conflicts of interest.
9. Stream
Stream Realty has built a solid reputation in Texas and other key U.S. markets, particularly in office, industrial, and retail leasing. However, Stream primarily represents landlords, making it less ideal for businesses needing unbiased advocacy.
Key Strengths:
- Deep expertise in regional U.S. markets
- Strong presence in industrial and flex office sectors
- Expanding corporate advisory services
Best for: Mid-sized U.S. companies that need regional expertise but must manage landlord relationships.
10. Cresa
Cresa is the only other firm in this list besides Vestian that exclusively represents tenants, though it primarily operates in North America with limited international reach. While its tenant-only approach eliminates some conflicts, its global capabilities are significantly constrained compared to Vestian's comprehensive worldwide platform.
Key Strengths:
- Tenant-only representation model in North America
- Mid-market corporate solutions primarily in the US
- Growing presence in workplace strategy
Best for: Small to mid-sized US-based businesses with limited international requirements who value conflict-free representation but don't need extensive global coverage.
Why Vestian Is the Clear #1 Choice for Global Tenant Representation
When evaluating global tenant representation firms, the comparison makes Vestian's advantages unmistakably clear:
The Vestian Difference: By the Numbers
Landlord Conflicts:
- Vestian: None - 100% business-focused
- Other Global Firms: Most represent landlords, creating inherent conflicts
Global Reach:
- Vestian: Owned offices across 5 continents
- Other Global Firms: Often rely on partnerships with inconsistent service
Cost Savings:
- Vestian: Typically 5-10% better terms due to conflict-free model
- Other Global Firms: Limited by dual-agency relationships
Technology:
- Vestian: Proprietary Vportal platform with portfolio-wide analytics
- Other Global Firms: Varied technology solutions, often fragmented
Approach:
- Vestian: Custom strategies adapted to your business
- Other Global Firms: Standardized processes with limited flexibility
Team Integration:
- Vestian: Function as true extension of your organization
- Other Global Firms: Often transaction-focused relationships
Real Business Impact
Vestian's approach doesn't just deliver marginally better results—it transforms how real estate supports your business objectives:
- Strategic Advantage: Your real estate becomes a driver of business success rather than just a necessary expense.
- Financial Performance: Our conflict-free approach consistently delivers measurable cost savings that directly impact your bottom line.
- Operational Excellence: Globally consistent yet locally relevant solutions enhance productivity worldwide.
- Future-Ready Portfolio: Strategic guidance helps you navigate changing workplace needs and market conditions.
- Business Alignment: Real estate decisions that actually advance your broader organizational goals.
Your real estate strategy directly affects your business potential. Choosing Vestian isn't just about finding space—it's about creating environments where your business thrives globally with a partner exclusively dedicated to your success.
Vestian puts real estate to work for businesses worldwide. Our team becomes an extension of your organization, creating commercial real estate solutions that deliver measurable results and positively impact your bottom line. Contact us today to learn how we can help maximize the business potential of your real estate.
