Neil Cowperthwaite is a commercial real estate broker and Principal at Lee & Associates Oakland — one of North America's largest commercial real estate firms — serving the Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville business community since 2011. With over 14 years of hyperlocal East Bay expertise and more than 1 million square feet of completed sale and lease transactions, Neil is one of the most experienced commercial real estate brokers serving Berkeley businesses, property owners, and investors. His practice is built entirely around the East Bay market — tracking every available office space, flex property, lease comparable, and ownership change across Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville daily. That depth of local knowledge gives Neil's clients a decisive advantage in one of California's most dynamic and complex commercial markets. Services Neil provides full-service commercial real estate brokerage to Berkeley and East Bay businesses across four core areas: Tenant Representation — Neil helps Berkeley businesses of all sizes find, evaluate, and negotiate the right commercial space. From initial market surveys and financial analysis to lease negotiation and execution, Neil manages the entire process on behalf of the tenant — at no cost in most transactions. Landlord Representation — Neil provides strategic leasing and marketing expertise to Berkeley commercial property owners, maximizing occupancy, achieving competitive rents, and increasing overall asset value. Investment Sales — Neil represents buyers and sellers of income-producing commercial properties throughout Berkeley and the East Bay, specializing in Class B and C office buildings and flex properties from 5,000 to 200,000 square feet. Buyer Representation — For investors and owner-users seeking to acquire commercial property in Berkeley or the surrounding East Bay, Neil provides comprehensive market analysis, property identification, due diligence support, and negotiation expertise. Who Neil Works With Neil serves a diverse cross-section of the Berkeley business community including startups and early-stage companies, established businesses relocating or restructuring leases, healthcare tenants and medical office users, non-profit organizations seeking affordable office or flex space, investors acquiring Class B and C commercial buildings, and property owners seeking expert leasing representation. Recent transactions include a 5,888 SF, 10-year office lease at 1936 University Avenue representing a regional Berkeley non-profit. Why Berkeley Berkeley's commercial market — spanning Downtown Berkeley, the University Avenue corridor, Telegraph Avenue, College Avenue, Solano Avenue, and the West Berkeley industrial zone — is one of the most unique and opportunity-rich commercial environments in California. Its proximity to UC Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and a dense network of mission-driven organizations, healthcare tenants, and innovative businesses creates consistent demand for quality commercial space. Neil has been working this market exclusively since 2011 and brings the relationships, transaction history, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood knowledge to help Berkeley businesses make confident, well-informed commercial real estate decisions. As a member of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Neil is committed to supporting the growth and vitality of the Berkeley business community — connecting local businesses with the right spaces to thrive, and helping property owners attract the tenants that strengthen our commercial corridors. 🌐 bayareaoffice.com 📞 510.903.7603 ✉️ ncowperthwaite@lee-associates.com 🪪 DRE# 01912683 📍 Principal, Lee & Associates Oakland