Back/Heartland Express Portfolio Sale Highlights Demand for Veterinary Properties in Commercial Real Estate
realestate·January 6, 2026·htld

Heartland Express Portfolio Sale Highlights Demand for Veterinary Properties in Commercial Real Estate

ED
Editorial
Cashu Markets·2 min read
TL;DR
  • Highland Ventures sold its Heartland Veterinary Partners Net Lease Portfolio, comprising 18 veterinary clinic properties across 10 states.
  • The portfolio's appeal stems from geographic diversification and the stable long-term tenancy of Heartland Veterinary Partners.
  • This sale reflects Highland Ventures' commitment to disciplined ownership and the growing demand for veterinary clinic investments.

Highland Ventures Capitalizes on Growing Demand for Veterinary Properties

Highland Ventures recently completes the successful sale of its Heartland Veterinary Partners Net Lease Portfolio, which includes 18 freestanding veterinary clinic properties spread across 10 states, encompassing a total of 101,942 square feet. This transaction, facilitated by JLL Capital Markets, garners significant interest from a range of investors, particularly those focused on healthcare and institutional net lease opportunities. The appeal of the portfolio lies in its geographic diversification and the stability provided by the long-term tenancy of Heartland Veterinary Partners, a well-established organization with over 300 veterinary clinic locations nationwide. This move underscores the robust demand for commercial real estate assets within the resilient veterinary services sector.

In the current market, veterinary clinics are increasingly viewed as attractive investments due to their consistent demand and the stability of the services they provide. As pet ownership rises and more families prioritize animal care, the need for veterinary services continues to grow. Highland Ventures recognizes this trend and strategically positions its assets within this sector to capitalize on long-term value creation. Ben Hoogland, Vice President of Highland Ventures, expresses confidence in the collaboration with JLL, highlighting the significance of expanding their Legacy Commercial Property platform to foster growth and further enhance their market positioning.

The successful sale not only reflects Highland Ventures’ commitment to disciplined ownership but also showcases the competitive interest in high-quality commercial properties. With the backing of a dedicated JLL team, which includes experts like Kirby Hayes and Josh Katlin, the portfolio is recognized for its institutional quality and strong tenancy, making it an appealing prospect for investors looking for stability in uncertain economic times. Highland Ventures remains focused on its broader mission to nurture its various brands, including the Hoogland Restaurant Group and Intune Physical Therapy, further establishing itself as a leader in retail development across the Midwest and Sunbelt regions.

In addition to its recent transaction, Highland Ventures continues to innovate within its other business lines. The Hoogland Restaurant Group, for instance, dominates the market as the largest franchisee of Marco's Pizza, operating over 120 locations. This diversification not only strengthens Highland's overall portfolio but also reinforces its commitment to fostering growth and enhancing relationships across its various ventures. Such strategic initiatives highlight the company's ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic commercial landscape.