How to Sell My Apartment Building in Los Angeles?

Selling a multi-family property in Los Angeles is not the same as selling a single-family home. Between tenants, regulations, rent control, and the sheer scale of these assets, the process can feel overwhelming for property owners. At The Beverly Group, we’ve worked with countless Los Angeles multifamily owners and understand the unique challenges—and opportunities—that come with these sales.

Broadly speaking, there are three primary paths to selling an LA investment property:

1. Listing With a Broker “On Market”

This is the traditional route most Los Angeles owners consider first. A broker will list your building on public platforms (such as CoStar, LoopNet, or the MLS), prepare marketing materials, and coordinate property tours.

Advantages: Broad exposure to potential buyers and the possibility of competitive bidding if the market is strong.

Drawbacks: On-market listings usually take longer and involve much higher transaction costs - often as high as six percent of the sales price or more. They also may create ongoing tenant disruption with repeated showings. If your property has below-market rents, deferred maintenance, or regulatory challenges, being fully exposed to the open market can invite opportunistic buyers who use those issues to drive down the price.

2. Listing With a Broker “Off Market”

This approach keeps the sale quieter while still leveraging a broker’s network of investors. Instead of advertising to the public, the broker circulates details privately to select buyers in the LA market.

Advantages: More discretion, reduced tenant disruption, and some professional marketing support.

Drawbacks: Commissions and closing costs are usually the same as an on-market listing, but with fewer buyers seeing the deal, pricing can be less competitive.

3. Selling Directly to an Investor (Like The Beverly Group)

For many owners, the fastest and most straightforward option is selling their LA multifamily property directly to a seasoned investor.

Advantages:

• Speed: Transactions can close in weeks rather than months.

• Higher Proceeds: By eliminating much of the overhead and transaction costs, your net proceeds can often exceed what you’d achieve through the traditional route.

• Certainty: Direct buyers like The Beverly Group typically underwrite quickly, minimizing the risk of a deal falling out of escrow due to financing or inspection issues.

• As-Is Sales: Experienced investors are willing to purchase properties with challenges—such as outstanding code violations, deferred maintenance, low rents, or even properties in REAP. These sales can often be structured so tenants aren’t involved at all, reducing stress for both owners and residents.

• Drawbacks:Finding the right investor for your property can sometimes be challenging. Not every buyer who calls themselves an “investor” has the experience or capital to actually close. That’s why it’s critical to work with a LA real estate buyer who has a strong reputation and a track record of closing on properties similar to yours. A proven investor can save you months of wasted time and frustration.

Real Seller Stories

Over the years, property owners across Los Angeles have chosen to sell directly to The Beverly Group. These are real experiences from sellers who trusted us to purchase their multifamily buildings.

Santa Monica - 8 Units A seller in Santa Monica owned an 8-unit property with outdated building systems -aging wiring, plumbing issues, and rents well below market. After considering broker-led and off-market options, he ultimately chose to sell directly to The Beverly Group. We purchased the property completely as-is, closed on his schedule, and gave him the certainty he needed to move forward with a 1031 exchange - without the delays and uncertainty of a traditional sale.

San Fernando Valley - 32 Units Another seller had owned a 32-unit property for more than 40 years, having originally built it themselves in the early 1980s. Over time, they had sold off a larger portfolio of buildings, and this was the last remaining asset. With many long-term tenants in place, the seller’s priority was a fair price and minimal disruption. The Beverly Group ensured the closing happened discreetly and on schedule, allowing the seller to exit their final building gracefully and with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The right path depends on your priorities. If maximizing exposure is your top goal and you don’t mind higher costs or a longer timeline, listing on market with a real estate broker may be best. If discretion matters but you still want professional marketing, an off-market strategy can be a middle ground. But if speed, certainty, and simplicity are what you value most, selling directly to an experienced investor like The Beverly Group is often the most effective way forward—and in many cases, it can leave you with higher net proceeds.

Serious investors will purchase properties as-is, even with regulatory issues, estate complications, outdated systems, or rent-controlled tenants. Many transactions can be completed without involving tenants at all, offering a smoother and more predictable process than traditional sales.

👉 Thinking of selling your Los Angeles apartment building? Contact us at The Beverly Group to discuss your options and receive a tailored valuation.