Your Guide to Life Science Lab Space in the Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to one of the most dynamic life science ecosystems in the world. For graduate students, early-stage founders, and growing research teams, finding the right space is often the first step toward turning an idea into impact. This Labspace Directory was built to help you navigate that process.

Here, you’ll discover available life science and lab properties across San Francisco, the Peninsula, the East Bay, and beyond. Many of the spaces featured are between 0 and 5,000 square feet - an ideal size for startups, emerging companies, and small teams ready to launch their work. These smaller footprints offer flexibility, functionality, and a manageable scale for organizations that are just beginning to grow.

Not sure how much lab space you actually need? You’re not alone. Choosing the right size space depends on your research type, team size, and growth plans. Our resources are designed to help you evaluate those factors and make an informed decision. And if your needs extend beyond 5,000 SF, our advisory team can connect you with additional opportunities throughout the Bay Area.

Because lab real estate comes with unique considerations, this site goes beyond just property listings. You’ll also find:

  • A searchable map to explore locations and filter by wet or dry lab space.

  • Terminology guides that explain industry language and building features.

  • Market insights that highlight trends in availability, pricing, and demand across the region.

Our goal is to make the search process easier, especially for those who may be evaluating lab space for the first time. Whether you’re a graduate student looking for a launchpad for your first experiments, a postdoc ready to commercialize your work into a company, or a growing team seeking flexible space, you’ll find a range of options tailored to your stage.

The Bay Area continues to attract talent, funding, and innovation in biotechnology and the life sciences. By combining curated property listings with practical resources, this directory offers a clear starting point to explore what’s available and to find the space that will support your next step forward.

  • Life Science Properties, also known as laboratory or biotech properties, are specialized commercial properties designed to support the research, development, and production of life sciences, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. These properties typically feature state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities, as well as office and shared communal space, and are often used by companies and organizations involved in research and development (R&D) activities. They are configured for either multi-tenant or single-tenant occupancy.

  • For “start-up” sized firms seeking immediate space, our clients plan on a minimum of 60 days from our service engagement to conduct a market search, orchestrate a competition among  a short-list of finalist properties, enter into a letter of intent, negotiate a lease or license agreement, move-in and start up operations. For larger firms (2,000-5,000 sf) opening or relating an existing operation, 6 months is typically a workable time from a to complete the above tasks.

  • When searching for a Life Science Property for lease, key features to look for include state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities, office space, shared and communal space and amenities such as higher structural clearances,  truck access and loading,  specialized ventilation and mechanical systems, high-capacity electrical infrastructure, emergency back-up power, and advanced security systems. The property should also be located in an area with access to top talent, research institutions, and other life sciences companies.

  • While Life Science Properties are primarily designed to support R&D activities, they can also be used for other purposes, such as manufacturing, testing, and quality control. However, the property's specialized features and equipment may limit its use for other purposes, and any modifications or renovations may be subject to regulatory approvals and compliance with industry standards.

Looking for life science lab space in the Bay Area? Our directory features available wet lab and dry lab rentals across Alameda County, Marin County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and Sonoma County. From small startup lab spaces under 5,000 square feet to larger options for growing biotech companies, you’ll find listings designed to match your team’s stage and research needs. Whether you’re exploring biotech real estate in South San Francisco, seeking flexible lab space in the East Bay, or comparing life science properties throughout Silicon Valley and the North Bay, our curated database helps you discover the right fit.