The life science industry is breathing new life into real estate by appealing to savvy investors.

Though life science makes up only a small portion of the office market, demand for life science, research and development space is increasing, gaining the attention of property investors with its strong returns, JLL reports.

The distinct nature of the properties and the leases they require have allowed landlords to raise asking rents with great success. Many companies are willing to pay a premium for available locations that meet their standards in terms of amenities and their ability to attract elite talent.

Life science research and development companies also tend to place heavy emphasis on innovation, which means that startup companies, investment firms and patent lawyers are often attracted to the area surrounding these institutions, driving demand and rates even higher. This is all good news from an investor's perspective.