When “Turnkey” Isn’t Enough: What Healthcare Tenants Really Want in 2025

Yesterday we talked about what makes a medical office truly turnkey—but let’s go a step deeper. Because in today’s market, simply being “move-in ready” isn’t always enough to get a deal done.

Healthcare tenants—especially those expanding fast or backed by private equity—are getting more intentional about what they expect from a space. It’s not just about paint, sinks, and square footage. It’s about functionality, growth potential, and patient experience.

Let’s say a space has the basics. That’s great. But now the tenant wants to know:

• Can we expand here if we grow?

• Is there room to add imaging, a lab, or surgical capacity later?

• Does the layout support patient flow and provider productivity?

• Are we in a location with strong referral patterns and payer mix?

  
  

In other words, they’re not just looking at the lease—they’re projecting five years ahead. They want to know if this space helps them scale, serve, and stay compliant as regulations shift and patient expectations evolve.

That’s why understanding operator priorities is key to positioning and valuing a healthcare asset. A site may check all the traditional boxes, but if it doesn’t support efficient staffing or meet specialty care needs, it’s a pass.

This is especially true in behavioral health and outpatient services. The bar is higher now. A building that worked for general practice five years ago may not cut it for an IOP program or a hybrid primary/mental health care model.

So what’s the move for owners and investors? Know your tenant. Think beyond the floor plan. Understand what they need today—and what they’ll want tomorrow. That’s how you attract the right operators and drive long-term value.

📅 Book a call if you’re rethinking how your property fits into the evolving healthcare landscape.

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