Key Takeaways
- DACA recipients CAN legally own commercial real estate in the United States — there is no federal prohibition
- Bankable funds the business that owns commercial property, with no citizenship or green card requirement
- Owning your building eliminates lease risk and builds equity — one of the best DACA wealth-building moves
- Commercial mortgage alternatives available for DACA owners locked out of traditional bank programs
- 48-hour decisions for DACA commercial property purchase capital — your business revenue qualifies you
Let's address the most important question first: Can a DACA recipient buy commercial property? Yes. There is no federal law prohibiting non-citizens, including DACA recipients, from owning real estate — residential or commercial — in the United States. DACA entrepreneurs can and do own the buildings their businesses operate in.
Why Buying Your Building Is a Powerful Move for DACA Entrepreneurs
Owning your commercial space instead of leasing it eliminates one of the most significant risks facing a DACA business: losing your location. A DACA-owned restaurant that has served its neighborhood for 10 years has built community equity that disappears if a landlord refuses to renew the lease or dramatically raises rent. Ownership ends that vulnerability.
Beyond risk reduction, ownership builds personal wealth. The equity you build in a commercial property over 10–20 years is often the most significant asset a small business owner accumulates. For DACA entrepreneurs who cannot rely on traditional immigration-based wealth building, commercial property ownership is a powerful financial foundation.
How Bankable Supports Commercial Property Purchase
Bankable funds the business entity purchasing commercial real estate — the LLC or corporation that will own the property. Our tranche capital can cover:
- Down payment contribution: Capital to reach the required down payment threshold (typically 20–30% for commercial mortgages)
- Closing costs: Appraisal, environmental assessment, title, and legal fees
- Renovation capital: Improvements to make the purchased property suitable for business operations
- Bridge financing: Short-term capital while a permanent commercial mortgage is arranged
Requirements for Commercial Property Funding
| Factor | Bankable Standard |
|---|---|
| Immigration | DACA with EAD + SSN — no citizenship or green card required |
| Business Revenue | $20,000+ monthly from the operating business |
| Business Age | 24 months of business operations for property purchase |
| Property Use | Owner-occupied commercial real estate for business operations |
| Funding Range | $50K to $5M depending on property value and business revenue |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There is no federal law prohibiting DACA recipients or other non-citizens from owning commercial real estate in the United States. Commercial property ownership is available to anyone who can complete a legal transaction.
Some lenders offer commercial mortgages to non-citizen business owners. Terms vary by lender. Bankable funds the business-side capital (down payment, closing costs, improvements) while you pursue a commercial mortgage for the primary financing.
Ownership eliminates lease risk — a landlord cannot refuse to renew, raise rent dramatically, or evict you from your own building. It also builds equity over time, creating wealth that doesn't depend on your immigration status.
Yes. Down payment capital — typically 20–30% of the purchase price — is a covered use case. We can also fund closing costs and initial property improvements.
Yes. Business entities — LLCs and corporations — can own commercial real estate. Most commercial property purchases by business owners are structured this way for liability and tax reasons.
Office buildings, retail storefronts, restaurant spaces, warehouses, industrial buildings, and mixed-use properties are all purchasable. Owner-occupied properties where your business operates are the most straightforward to finance.
No. Owning property has no effect on DACA status. DACA is based on your personal history and criminal record, not your financial assets.
Yes. Owner-occupied commercial buildings with additional tenant space are common investment structures. Rental income from other tenants can contribute to your revenue documentation for Bankable funding.
Some lenders may decline DACA owners for commercial mortgages. Bankable can provide bridge financing while you pursue alternative commercial lenders. DACA-friendly commercial mortgage brokers who specialize in non-citizen transactions exist in most major markets.
Work with a real estate attorney who has experience with non-citizen commercial transactions. Typical structure: business LLC purchases the property, business operates from the property, Bankable provides business-level capital for the transaction.