A fast-growing software company from Los Angeles has chosen downtown Raleigh as its East Coast home—and real estate investors should take note.
BuildOps, a cloud-based platform that helps commercial contractors streamline their operations, announced plans to create 291 high-paying jobs and invest more than $3.3 million in a new regional hub in Raleigh. With average salaries topping $133,000, this move underscores the Triangle’s growing appeal to technology firms—and hints at powerful demand drivers for office, retail, and housing in the downtown core.
The company is reportedly eyeing space in Smoky Hollow, the mixed-use district rising in the Glenwood South corridor. While a final lease has yet to be announced, real estate watchers are already buzzing about the ripple effects this expansion could have.
Tech Momentum in the Triangle
BuildOps is the latest in a string of tech-forward companies expanding or relocating to the Triangle region. From Apple’s RTP campus to recent AI and life sciences announcements in Durham and Holly Springs, North Carolina continues to attract innovation-driven firms seeking top talent, business-friendly policies, and an unbeatable quality of life.
Governor Josh Stein called the expansion “another strong signal that North Carolina is one of the best places in the nation to do business,” citing the region’s workforce, infrastructure, and education ecosystem as key advantages.
For downtown Raleigh—already home to Red Hat, Pendo, and a growing slate of venture-backed startups—BuildOps adds further validation to the city’s tech bona fides.
What It Means for Real Estate Investors
Job growth drives demand. And with nearly 300 six-figure earners coming to downtown Raleigh, housing, retail, and office assets near Glenwood South are poised for appreciation.
The Smoky Hollow district combines high-end residential, walkable retail, and modern office space in one of Raleigh’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It’s no surprise that a company like BuildOps, which emphasizes both innovation and quality of life, would gravitate to this area.
For real estate investors, this signals a clear opportunity:
- Multifamily properties in and around downtown will likely see higher occupancy and rent growth.
- Neighborhood retail centers catering to professionals—think boutique gyms, cafés, and health services—stand to benefit from increased foot traffic and spending power.
- Office demand may surge, not just from BuildOps but from other firms following in its footsteps.
Raleigh Remains a Magnet
Whether you’re a first-time passive investor or a seasoned pro, the message is clear: Raleigh remains a magnet for talent, capital, and growth.
At NC Capital Group, we track these trends closely. Our investments focus on exactly these kinds of inflection points—where job creation meets walkable neighborhoods, and where long-term demographic tailwinds create lasting value.
We believe that workforce housing and neighborhood retail in growing North Carolina markets offer both financial returns and community impact. BuildOps’ move to downtown Raleigh is yet another example of that story in action.
Sources
NC Department of Commerce Press Release
Eddie Coleman, CCIM, is the Principal Investment Officer at NC Capital Group. With over 40 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate in North Carolina and South Carolina, his experience spans multifamily, retail, office, historic adaptation, etc. In addition to advising clients and brokering transactions, he has extensive knowledge of North Carolina through experience in corporate site acquisition, development, capitalization, HUD financing, etc. He holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.