San Diego, November 22, 2025
Sony Electronics has sold its headquarters in Rancho Bernardo to LBA Properties for $67.4 million. The transaction includes a leaseback arrangement, allowing Sony to continue its operations in part of the facility. This 461,000-square-foot property, featuring an 11-story office tower, a fitness center, and parking spaces for over 1,500 vehicles, exemplifies the evolving landscape of San Diego’s real estate market. As major tech companies make significant moves, this sale marks a notable shift that could influence future investments and economic growth in the area.
San Diego, CA
Sony Electronics has sold its Rancho Bernardo headquarters to LBA Properties for $67.4 million, marking a significant shift in San Diego’s real estate market.
The 461,000-square-foot property, located at 16535 Via Esprillo, features an 11-story office tower with ocean-view terraces, a full-service commercial kitchen, and a fitness center. It also offers ample parking with 1,507 spaces across an underground garage and a separate six-story structure. The sale includes a leaseback arrangement, allowing Sony to continue occupying part of the building. This transaction is notable as it reintroduces institutional capital into a market that has seen a change in buyer profiles in recent years. The deal was facilitated by CBRE, which represented Sony in the transaction.
In 1989, Sony purchased 32 acres in the Rancho Bernardo Corporate Center for $14.32 million to expand its television manufacturing plant. The company moved its U.S. corporate headquarters from New Jersey to San Diego in 2004, consolidating its North American operations.
Rancho Bernardo is home to several major technology companies, including Petco, General Atomics, Broadcom, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Amazon. The area has been a hub for electronics and telecommunications businesses since the 1960s, contributing significantly to San Diego’s economy.
The sale of Sony’s headquarters reflects ongoing changes in San Diego’s real estate landscape, with significant transactions involving major tech companies reshaping the market dynamics.
Significance of the Sale
The sale of Sony Electronics’ Rancho Bernardo headquarters for $67.4 million marks a significant shift in San Diego’s real estate market. This transaction reintroduces institutional capital into a market that has recently seen a diversification of buyer profiles, highlighting a robust interest in commercial real estate amidst evolving economic conditions.
Property Features
The 461,000-square-foot property boasts impressive features that cater to modern business needs, including:
- An 11-story office tower with ocean-view terraces
- A full-service commercial kitchen
- A comprehensive fitness center
- 1,507 parking spaces across an underground garage and a separate six-story structure
History of Sony in Rancho Bernardo
Sony’s journey in Rancho Bernardo began in 1989 when the company purchased 32 acres in the Rancho Bernardo Corporate Center for $14.32 million, primarily to expand its television manufacturing plant. By relocating its U.S. corporate headquarters from New Jersey to San Diego in 2004, Sony consolidated its North American operations and cemented its presence in the thriving technology hub.
Technology Hub
Rancho Bernardo is not just home to Sony; it has become a thriving community for numerous tech companies. With giants like Petco, General Atomics, Broadcom, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Amazon calling this area home, Rancho Bernardo has developed into a vital center for innovation in electronics and telecommunications since the 1960s, substantially contributing to San Diego’s economic vitality.
Impact on San Diego’s Real Estate Market
The sale of Sony’s headquarters signals a prominent shift within San Diego’s real estate landscape. As large technology companies engage in significant transactions, they not only reshape market dynamics but also pave the way for further investment and development. The reallocation of assets from established companies to institutional investors can stimulate economic growth, attract new businesses, and enhance job creation.
Conclusion
The recent sale of Sony’s Rancho Bernardo headquarters is more than just a real estate transaction; it’s a reflection of the ongoing evolution of San Diego’s economy and an indicator of confidence in the region’s future. As local entrepreneurs continue to innovate and drive the market forward, supporting small businesses and fostering an environment of growth remains essential for the overall health of San Diego’s economy. Engaging with and understanding these market dynamics is crucial for anyone invested in the future success of San Diego’s business landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of Sony Electronics selling its Rancho Bernardo headquarters?
The sale of Sony Electronics’ Rancho Bernardo headquarters for $67.4 million marks a significant shift in San Diego’s real estate market, reintroducing institutional capital into a market that has seen a change in buyer profiles in recent years.
What features does the 461,000-square-foot property include?
The property features an 11-story office tower with ocean-view terraces, a full-service commercial kitchen, and a fitness center. It also offers ample parking with 1,507 spaces across an underground garage and a separate six-story structure.
What is the history of Sony’s presence in Rancho Bernardo?
In 1989, Sony purchased 32 acres in the Rancho Bernardo Corporate Center for $14.32 million to expand its television manufacturing plant. The company moved its U.S. corporate headquarters from New Jersey to San Diego in 2004, consolidating its North American operations.
Which other major technology companies are located in Rancho Bernardo?
Rancho Bernardo is home to several major technology companies, including Petco, General Atomics, Broadcom, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Amazon. The area has been a hub for electronics and telecommunications businesses since the 1960s, contributing significantly to San Diego’s economy.
How does the sale of Sony’s headquarters impact San Diego’s real estate market?
The sale of Sony’s headquarters reflects ongoing changes in San Diego’s real estate landscape, with significant transactions involving major tech companies reshaping the market dynamics.
Key Features of the Property
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 16535 Via Esprillo, Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA |
| Size | 461,000 square feet |
| Building | 11-story office tower with ocean-view terraces |
| Amenities | Full-service commercial kitchen, fitness center |
| Parking | 1,507 spaces across underground garage and separate six-story structure |
| Sale Price | $67.4 million |
| Leaseback Arrangement | Allows Sony to continue occupying part of the building |
| Transaction Facilitator | CBRE represented Sony in the sale |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
