What is NAICS code for real estate investment?

Knowing the right NAICS code for real estate investment, whether you’re buying or selling, is crucial. This code is essential for economic tracking, loan applications, tax purposes, and insurance. Moreover, it enhances visibility and ensures compliance with licensing, zoning, and financing requirements. 

Therefore, if you’re in the property and investment business, you need to stay informed and maximize your real estate ventures by leveraging the NAICS code system. Remember that it will help empower your business for success and navigate the dynamic world of real estate investing more smoothly.

Keep in mind that real estate investment covers many activities. And, each one has its own classification. For instance, Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) fall under NAICS code 525990 while real estate mortgage investment conduits fall under NAICS code 522294. The bottom line is that the NAICS code for real estate investment businesses varies depending on their investment purpose. In some U.S. states, disclosing your NAICS code may be voluntary, while in others, it may be mandatory.

What is NAICS code for real estate investment?

A NAICS Code is short for North American Industry Classification System Code. It’s a classification system of real estate businesses that’s jointly developed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. That is to say, it categorizes businesses into specific industry codes, aiding in economic data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Furthermore, the NAICS code system helps real estate investors analyze market trends, target specific industries for property leasing or sales, access industry data, comply with government regulations, and conduct comparative analyses across sectors and regions. All of these aid in informed decision-making and maximizing returns.

Why is NAICS code significant in the real estate industry?

Here’s why a NAICS code matters for your real estate business.

• NAICS codes help governments and researchers track economic activity, analyze growth trends, and forecast future performance accurately.
• They streamline the loan application process. Financial institutions, banks, and loan lenders often require the code when you apply for business loans. It helps them understand your industry and assess potential risks, aiding them in making informed decisions about your eligibility and loan terms.
• The code helps authorities understand the nature of your property-related business. That’s why, some localities require the code when applying for business licenses or determining property zoning. 
• NAICS codes are used by tax authorities to determine eligibility for specific tax deductions and tax credits that are industry-specific.
• They aid in calculating insurance premiums for businesses. The reason is that insurance companies use NAICS codes to assess the risk associated with your real estate business, enabling them to calculate appropriate insurance premiums.
• When you collaborate with other businesses, they usually ask for your NAICS code. This helps them understand your business, its type, and requirements better.

What is the best way to find the correct NAICS code for my business?

You can find your NAICS code (and also for other businesses) by visiting the official NAICS website. The site will give you complete information based on the keyword or industry you enter. 

For your convenience, we have listed some common NAICS codes for real estate-related businesses.

• 531110: Lessors of residential buildings and dwellings
• 531120: Lessors of nonresidential buildings (except Miniwarehouses)
• 531130: Lessors of mini-warehouses and self-storage units
• 531190: Lessors of other real estate property
• 531210: Offices of real estate agents and real estate brokers
• 531311: Residential real estate property managers
• 531312: Nonresidential property managers
• 531320: Offices of real estate appraisers
• 531390: Other activities related to real estate

Last thoughts

NAICS code for real estate investment refers to the specific numerical code assigned to classify businesses engaged in real estate investment activities. These codes help classify real estate investment businesses according to their primary activities. Moreover, they make it easier for government agencies, researchers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to analyze the real estate investment sector. 

Therefore, identifying the right NAICS code is important for you and the people you collaborate with. It serves various purposes, including business registration, regulatory compliance, and statistical reporting.

Written by Ramona Sinha. June 14, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.