Essex Property Trust acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages apartment communities, focusing on the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. The self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) owns more than 240 apartment communities -- mostly in Southern California -- and eight community properties under development. Essex also owns a handful of office buildings in its home state and has partial stakes in several apartment communities through joint ventures. The REIT adds to its portfolio through acquisitions and through the development and renovation of properties. Essex significantly expanded its property base after its 2014 acquisition of BRE Properties in a $4.3 billion deal.