The Weekly Take from CBRE

Winning isn't about persuasion, it's about connection. That's what Esther Choy, CEO of The Leadership Story Lab, believes. In her latest book, Winning Without Persuading, Choy asserts that creating genuine connection can unlock success for leaders and deal makers. Choy makes a case for how strategic silence, creative listening and storytelling can build trust and transform relationships.Shift your focus from self to understanding others for stronger business outcomes.Embrace listening to uncover unspoken needs and build trust.Utilize strategic silence and curiosity to enhance communication and influence.Develop your authentic voice; avoid AI-generated content for genuine connection.

Commercial real estate is entering a new era. CBRE Investment Management’s Julie Ingersoll explains why traditional assumptions are being challenged, where investors should focus next and what it takes to create long-term value in today's environment.

 How did a property sub-sector built around equipment and vehicle storage garner the interest of  institutional investors? Alterra Property Group’s Leo Addimando and CBRE's Will Pike discuss the evolution and growth of Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS), current market dynamics and its emergence as an increasingly mainstream institutional asset.IOS plays a key role in supporting logistics, infrastructure, construction and services businesses.Location is central to IOS value as users depend on proximity to ports, interstate highways, intermodal facilities, airports and population centers.Zoning restrictions limit IOS supply growth.Institutional capital increasingly views IOS as a traditional real estate asset, narrowing the valuation gap with other industrial properties.Tailwinds like technology and digital infrastructure-driven demand intensify competition for well-located, properly zoned IOS sites.

Before they lifted the Cup, here’s how they built an arena worthy of a champion. Raleigh has long been one of the best-performing secondary markets. Its arena district is poised to be the next engine in its growth. Carolina Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork and Greater Raleigh Chamber CEO Adrienne Cole discuss how the Lenovo Center anchors a mixed-use redevelopment on state-owned land—structured through a complex public-private partnership.In this episode:Public-Private Partnerships: The Lenovo Center anchors an 80-acre, 15-year, $1 billion arena-district redevelopment via a public-private/ground-lease structure.Talent, Talent, Talent: Raleigh’s three tier-one research universities and multi-node job base keep attracting talent, companies and capital.By the Numbers: Strong population growth (2.2 million to 2.6 million by 2027) plus low cost-of-living (around 3% below national average) signal opportunity for investors.Local Color: Lenovo Center preserves a tailgating culture while adding retail, restaurants, structured parking and year-round activation.

Sports venues can be powerful urban growth engines. Entrepreneur Larry Botel, co-owner of the Richmond minor-league baseball team, and CBRE’s Pam Strieffler discuss how mixed-use districts anchored by these venues can transform CBD-adjacent areas. They walk through strategies for attracting outside capital, navigating rising construction costs, drawing year-round visitors, and forging public-private partnerships to create districts that propel economic activity.Sports venues can anchor mixed-use developments, driving urban revitalization.Public-private partnerships and tax incentives are essential for stadium projects.Year-round venue activation draws daily traffic, crucial for surrounding businesses and real estate.Office space is vital for mixed-use success, bringing steady economic activity.Nearby universities can fuel market growth and attract outside investment.

Data centers are the hottest asset class in CRE right now. Digital Realty CEO Andy Power and CBRE's Pat Lynch discuss the sector’s dynamics, including power constraints, evolving location strategies and international markets. They also offer key insights from CBRE’s hot-off-the-presses Global Data Center Trends Report 2026.AI demand fuels near-zero data center vacancy rates in some key markets.Power availability and permitting slow new data center development.Asia and Southern Europe are seeing data center expansion.Community engagement can facilitate data center growth.

What do “higher for longer” interest rates mean for investors? CBRE Investment Management’s Achal Gandhi and Rik Eertink break down the practical ways they identify and pursue opportunities in the living, logistics, office and retail sectors across Europe, in both direct and indirect execution formats.The latest market data from Europe reveals that NOI growth remains the primary driver of investment performance.A K-shaped economic recovery is creating opportunities in both necessity-based and luxury real estate.Secondary investment opportunities in Europe offer investors access to assets at a discount and positive yield spreads.Asset operations are critical for enhancing value.A focus on niche sectors—student housing, healthcare and industrial outdoor storage—enables investors to capitalize on current demand and demographic trends.

Retail real estate requires an operator's mindset. While attending ICSC Las Vegas, CBRE's Americas Head of Retail Research, Ebere Anokute, spoke with us about the state of the market, challenging conventional wisdom and leveraging robust data to navigate an evolving retail landscape.Key Takeaways: ·     Investors should prioritize assets in secondary markets with strong population growth and limited new retail supply. These markets have lower vacancy rates and above-average rent growth.·     Retailers can benefit from repeat foot traffic and community loyalty by locating in centers anchored by grocery stores and in-demand service tenants.·     E-commerce accounts for about 16% of total retail sales. This requires retailers to balance brick-and-mortar and digital strategies to sustain growth.·     Grocery-anchored retail remains a compelling long-term investment, with stable cap rates and strong demand from other tenants.·     Service-oriented tenants—such as fitness, healthcare and personal care—are expanding, offering investors attractive income streams.·     Advanced analytics and local market data can pinpoint emerging opportunities and mitigate risks in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Futurist and author Jacob Morgan has a plan for building future-ready organizations: cultivating a thriving, accountable workforce; embracing flexibility; and applying technology to foster resilience and employee growth.Future-ready organizations track change early, plan proactively and communicate and act with clarity.Employee experience can be enhanced by setting clear expectations, providing consistent support and candidly communicating performance standards and growth paths.·      Learning and growth are essential to career security, which means investing in training and continual skills-building.·      The best leaders align support with specific employee needs and career paths rather than enacting broad policies.·      AI creates value when it helps people spend more time on high-impact work that requires judgment, creativity and communication.

Retail real estate’s comeback is undeniable. Investor Adam Ifshin details how open-air retail once again became a preferred institutional asset. Recorded at ICSC Las Vegas, Adam discusses the appeal of secondary markets, value-add strategies and the reasons why real estate operations are now the key drivers of returns.·     Open-air retail is once again an institutional asset class.·     Secondary markets offer compelling growth opportunities.·     Integrating healthcare tenants are a powerful value-add.·     Skilled operators drive higher returns, especially in tight markets.·     Limited new supply is driving long-term rent growth.

Private club entrepreneur Tommy Shuey and CBRE’s Kelly Whaley discuss how these venues fill a growing need for personalized service and engagement outside the home or office, while driving value for both property owners and local communities.·     A new “third place” is emerging: Private clubs are filling a growing desire for curated spaces where people can connect outside the home and workplace—a trend worth watching.·     Landlords stand to benefit: These venues come with specialized space requirements that can translate into enhanced asset value and differentiated tenant mixes.·     Investment opportunities are expanding: “Clubonomics” is carving out a distinct niche, especially in markets undergoing transformation and reinvention.·     Dallas offers a blueprint: The city's embrace of upscale amenities outside the traditional downtown illustrates how this trend could impact urban real estate.

Two titans of New York real estate—Larry Silverstein and CBRE’s Mary AnnTighe—reveal the vision and partnerships behind the rebuilding of the WorldTrade Center and Downtown Manhattan’s transformation into a vibrant 24/7community. They make the case for art and culture as catalysts forrevitalization, dissect the complexities of public-private collaboration andoffer insights into today’s evolving office market.

LBA Realty's John Garrigan and Eric Brown and CBRE’s Matt Carlson discuss the resilient drivers propelling growth in the San Diego market. They also make a compelling case for value-add office investments, dissect the nuances of industrial capital markets and explore the role of relationships in navigating opportunities.•      Industrial leasing is gaining momentum.•      A flight to quality still defines office demand.•      Smart value‑add strategies can restore positive leverage in certain sectors.•      In industrial & logistics, infrastructure, power and relationships are key.•      San Diego’s economic diversity lessens volatility.

Secondary investments and recapitalizations help investors find opportunity in uncertain markets. Brookfield’s Chris Reilly and CBRE's Matt White break down what returns to expect, why disciplined leverage matters and how strong operators are winning right now.·      Secondary investing lets investors buy into real estate deals midstream, with the benefit of first seeing real performance data.·      Recapitalizations are increasing as billions of real estate debt is coming due and owners need fresh capital.·      Keeping debt levels around 60% or less helps investors weather market downturns.·      Brookfield targets 12%–14% net returns in its value-add funds.·      Hands-on operating expertise matters more than financial engineering.

CBRE Global Head of Research Henry Chin discusses Q1 2026 investment performance and the prospects for the rest of the year. He opines on inflation, interest rates, resilient fundamentals, geopolitical uncertainty and key sectors to watch.

Retail’s recovery is real—and the best centers are winning through reinvention. Macerich CEO Jackson Hsieh and CBRE Retail Services Lead Todd Caruso discuss what it takes to create premier destinations today: complementary tenant mix, compelling anchors and using experience + technology to drive traffic and performance.· Retail underwriting now hinges on a small set of KPIs that illuminate performance.· Trade‑area analytics help focus capital on the right assets.· Anchor tenant strategies and discipline about occupier selection translate into pricing power.· Mobile data helps property owners maximize asset performance.· Leasing velocity drives NOI growth.

More debt capital is available for commercial real estate investment. CBRE Investment Management’s Ty Gerschick and CBRE’s Tom Burns break down what’s happening across today’s debt markets, how borrowers can navigate a more competitive lending landscape and what capital availability means for real estate investment across property types and investment strategies.·     The return of banks—particularly regional banks—has expanded financing options and increased competition across the financing landscape.·     Higher‑for‑longer interest rates are shifting investor focus toward operational performance and sustainable cash flow rather than exit‑driven returns.·     Lenders are underwriting selectively, with scrutiny of debt coverage, leverage, and asset fundamentals.·     Capital is flowing back into debt funds, CMBS and preferred equity, though competition remains intense.

Retail real estate has emerged as an increasingly attractive asset class. LBX Investment’s Phil Block and CBRE’s Chris DeCouflé discuss the strategies driving today's returns and where the smart money is headed.* Operational intensity is unlocking significant value.* Adding multifamily or event spaces to traditional retail can enhance investment returns.* Mispriced risk in retail presents opportunities for value-add and core strategies.* Incorporating grocers strategically can boost open-air center value.* Technology and data are crucial for underwriting retail real estate investments.

How did the largest office-to-residential conversion come about? Brian Steinwurtzel of GFP Real Estate offers an inside look at how lower Manhattan’s 25 Water Street, a struggling office tower that was transformed into more than 1,300 apartments. He discusses what this landmark project signals for urban resilience.· The right acquisition price and bold design and amenity choices can turn challenged office assets into world‑class residential properties.· Tax incentives can often be the deciding factor in whether a conversion is viable.· Fast execution is essential for controlling risks and costs in today’s market.· Office-to-residential conversions are highly bespoke, where building bones matter more than any rule-of-thumb formula.· Great residential conversions are redefining downtowns, but their future hinges on policy, pricing and how the next market cycle unfolds.

Two of the parking industry’s most influential leaders— LAZ Parking’s Alan Lazowski and Parkway Corporation’s Rob Zuritzky—explore parking’s role as critical infrastructure, a cash-flow-generating asset and a platform for EVs, autonomous vehicles and urban mobility innovation.* Parking is vital urban infrastructure, supporting economic growth.* Technology, like EV charging, revolutionizes parking operations.* Parking assets can deliver stable cash flow and attractive investment returns.* Parking structures of the future will become essential urban mobility hubs.

On this episode, we feature a wide-ranging discussion with Henry Chin, CBRE’s Global Head of Research—recorded at CBRE’s annual Capital Markets Symposium—where we explore global capital flows, the forces shaping investment strategies and why 2026 may be a compelling vintage for real estate investment.* 2026 offers prime investment opportunities in U.S. real estate.* Income growth, not cap rates, will drive future real estate returns.* Value-add industrial assets with access to power are positioned for strong returns.* Amenity-rich, well-located office space should continue to outperform.* Rekindled global capital inflows could boost U.S. real estate transaction volume.

Link Logistics’ Luke Petherbridge and CBRE’s John Morris dissect the powerful forces shaping industrial & logistics real estate. They explore continued e-commerce acceleration, the transformative impact of AI, driverless trucks, evolving supply chains, changing warehouse standards and much more.* Industrial real estate had its second-best leasing year ever in 2025.* New demand is being spurred by e-commerce and reindustrialization.* Prime industrial sites are being developed for data center use, contributing to a scarcity of modern warehouse facilities.* AI and automation transform operational efficiency and future warehouse design.* Driverless trucks will eventually alter supply chain networks and spatial economics.

Portugal has become an unexpected real estate powerhouse in Europe. Arrow Global’s John Calvao and CBRE's Francisco Horta e Costa discuss the revival of Portugal’s economy, surging investment in hospitality, logistics, data centers and student housing, the resilient Lisbon and Porto office markets and ways to address a chronic housing shortage.* Portugal's economic turnaround has fueled robust real estate opportunities.* Hospitality and logistics lead growth, attracting global capital.* Emerging sectors like data centers and student housing are seeing outsized growth.* Multifamily housing faces persistent supply challenges.* The Lisbon and Porto office markets are exhibiting strong performance.

AI’s massive investment surge is reshaping commercial real estate. Chemonics' Victoria Slivkoff and CBRE's Colin Yasukochi discuss AI's influence on tech talent and its role in revitalizing key office markets and driving physical infrastructure needs.* AI drives massive investment into data centers and physical infrastructure.* San Francisco's office market is experiencing an AI-driven turnaround.* The AI revolution is creating specialized talent hubs and increasing demand for sustainable energy.* AI will boost productivity and necessitate workforce adaptation.

Raleigh has long been one of the best-performing secondary markets. Its arena district is poised to be the next engine in its growth. Carolina Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork and Greater Raleigh Chamber CEO Adrienne Cole discuss how the Lenovo Center anchors a mixed-use redevelopment on state-owned land—structured through a complex public-private partnership.Public-Private Partnerships: The Lenovo Center anchors an 80-acre, 15-year, $1 billion arena-district redevelopment via a public-private/ground-lease structure.Talent, Talent, Talent: Raleigh’s three tier-one research universities and multi-node job base keep attracting talent, companies and capital.By the Numbers: Strong population growth (2.2 million to 2.6 million by 2027) plus low cost-of-living (around 3% below national average) signal opportunity for investors.Local Color: Lenovo Center preserves a tailgating culture while adding retail, restaurants, structured parking and year-round activation.

Food halls are no longer just a trend—they are a high-impact amenity for improving a property’s dwell time, leasing velocity and NOI. Recorded at Central Perk in Times Square, a quartet of experts from Colicchio Consulting and CBRE explain how the best food halls prioritize operations and programming, new beverage and evening strategies, the lowdown on operator selection and deal structures that offer better risk-sharing and returns.- Food halls aren’t food courts: Independent concepts + community + beverage drive performance.- Hybrid work has changed the operating model: Fewer office days demand longer-hour, programming-led models.- Conversions can happen everywhere: Converting buildings to their highest and best use can work for both offices and food halls, especially in suburban markets.- Alignment between operators and landlords: Vendor stall flexibility and percentage-rent leases can benefit operators and investors.- Market snapshot: Colicchio Consulting believes the sweet spot of sizing is around 10,000–15,000 sq. ft. with average buildout costs around $400/sq. ft., depending on the market.

AI is reshaping the business landscape, including commercial real estate. Data scientist and author Sandy Pentland and CBRE’s Sandeep Davé discuss how the intersection of emerging technologies and human insight is driving better decision-making for investors, occupiers and building operators.Commercial Real Estate & AI: For occupiers, AI can create significant operating efficiencies and enhance the workplace experience; for investors, increased efficiency can boost asset values.People and Technology: AI is enhancing—not replacing—human decision‑making across organizations.Data Quality: Good data management is the foundation for applying AI most impactfully.Productivity: Every organization is balancing innovation and productivity gains with responsible deployment that considers privacy, governance and human‑in‑the‑loop practicesLong-term Outlook: AI is broadening visibility across markets, helping to foresee unanticipated or exogenous events and surfacing new ideas.

Recorded at the CBRE Women’s Network Power of WE conference, this episode offers a rapid-fire, insights-rich tour of major U.S. commercial real estate markets. Our subject-matter experts provide inside views of how different regions are navigating supply, demand and economic forces—from industrial and logistics to multifamily, office and retail—and insights on where investors and occupiers may find value in 2026.National CRE outlook, including signs of asset repricing stabilization, improving liquidity and transactions momentum. Industrial dynamics in Southern California, from manufacturing fundamentals and port-driven demand to pockets of strength and ongoing vacancy challenges. Sector trends, including data centers, alternative assets, big‑box scarcity, rent trends, and how corporate occupiers are re‑entering the market. Multifamily performance across gateways, the Sun Belt and the Midwest, driven by slowing construction cycles, demographic patterns and evolving investor interest. Emerging and opportunity markets, from South Carolina’s growth to resurgent metros like San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix and smaller high-growth cities such as Boise. 

PwC’s Karl Russo and CBRE’s Henry Chin share their outlook for the U.S. economy and commercial real estate in 2026, exploring opportunities and risks to growth.Key Takeaways:The U.S. economy should remain resilient in 2026.While the labor market finds a new equilibrium, many companies are racing to upskill and retain talent as they adopt AI processes.Reshoring and infrastructure improvements are expected to drive industrial growth in secondary markets.Data centers are positioned as a leading sector amid structural undersupply.

Alex Mehran Jr., CEO of a third-generation family developer, walks us through the transformation of Bishop Ranch—a master-planned community in San Ramon, CA. Mehran shares valuable lessons on reinventing a suburban office park into a vibrant, mixed-use destination. Mixed-use suburban developments are gaining strong appeal.·      Amenity-rich office space drives tenant demand and retention.·      Short-term, flexible leases can dovetail well with corporate occupier’s needs.·      Residential conversions of obsolete suburban office parks can enhance long-term asset value.·      Planned communities thrive with diverse housing and retail integration.

 Alison Fragale, author of the provactively titled “Likeable Bad Ass," breaks down the science of status—offering practical advice on how leaders can use warmth and competence to drive respect and gain greater influence.Key Takeaways:1.        Status—being respected and regarded—leads to influence, access to resources, and career advancement.2.        People judge quickly, and have high regard for those who are well-intentioned and competent.3.        Hard work needs to be seen to ensure effort is valued.4.        You can leverage “swing thoughts” to improve your career. [SI1]  [SI1]Do not really understand this. Remind me what “swing thoughts” are

Wharton organizational psychologist and New York Times-bestselling author Adam Grant shares insights on making better business decisions, fostering innovation and how your personal "challenge network” can lead to superior products and delight your customers.1.    Encourage[SI1]  Humor and Humility: They help maintain a flexible and open-minded approach, making it easier to rethink and adapt.2.    Have Pre-Mortems: Discuss as many potential failures as possible before launching. That way you can prevent or know how to handle problems when they occur.3.    Eschew Best Practices for Better Practices: “Best Practices” implies there’s only one right way, while seeking “Better Practices” encourages people to innovate and try new things.4.    Build a Challenge Network: Maintain a group of trusted critics who provide truly honest feedback to improve your decision-making.5.    Reward Speaking Truth to Power: Encourage employees to ask questions, suggest improvements and challenge outdated ideas. [SI1]Please run these by Adam

Jamie Hodari, CBRE's CEO of Building Operations & Experience, spotlights where he sees the biggest opportunity across commercial real estate: workplace experience. He discusses how a company’s space can attract tenants and enhance the employee experience, enriching people’s lives and increasing business effectiveness. Everything is operational real estate: Real estate companies are evolving from asset focused businesses to operating platforms, requiring high-quality management relentlessly focused on workplace experience.AI and data utilization are no longer nice-to-haves: Using AI to manage and interpret data is crucial for optimizing building operations.Markets are adapting to accommodate hybrid work models with flexible office usage: Urban markets especially put significant emphasis on making downtown areas vibrant.Finance institutions are catching up: The finance industry must recognize and adapt to the operational nature of modern real estate.Flight-to-quality is expanding: The focus for landlords and occupiers will increasingly be on creating spaces that people find enriching and valuable, not just functional.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Josh Myerberg breaks down the 2026 real estate outlook, why quality assets and operational excellence matter, and where savvy investors are finding opportunity now. Don’t miss these timely insights from one of the industry’s top portfolio strategists.J.P. Morgan Asset Management is optimistic about 2026, driven by expectations of lower interest rates and resilient real estate fundamentals.Quality matters more than ever—top-performing assets and strong operators are expected to outperform, while tertiary markets and lower-tier properties carry greater risks.Retail real estate has made a strong comeback, and high-quality office space is showing positive momentum, especially in major markets like San Francisco and New York.Operational excellence and risk management—including attention to emerging risks—are critical for long-term portfolio success.Diversification remains key: even the best assets need to fit together strategically to reduce volatility and capture growth opportunities.

Shorenstein CEO Brandon Shorenstein and CBRE’s Patrick Gildea discuss why the office market is poised for a comeback. Hear what they have to say about risk-adjusted returns, property conversions, the importance of workplace amenities and more.Key takeaways on office investing: Office market is recovering: Investment activity in the office sector is rebounding with more bidders and increased debt availability. Investment strategies have shifted: Investors are focused on cash flow and downside protection, with cash-on-cash yields reaching 8%–15%. Micro-market dynamics are key amid a flight to quality: Prime assets in live-work-play submarkets are outperforming, while obsolete buildings face demolition or conversion, reducing overall supply. Conversions are limited: Selective repositioning is critical, as only a small percentage of office buildings are structurally viable for residential or hotel conversions. Occupier priorities have changed: Tenants now prioritize wellness, sustainability and experiential amenities, driving demand for high-quality spaces.

Clarion’s Brent Jenkins and CBRE’s Zaahir Syed discuss how capital raising for real estate is rapidly evolving. They provide insights on fund development, non-traded REITs, emerging opportunities in private wealth markets and more.Key takeaways on raising and deploying capital: Sourcing real estate capital is diversifying, with growing emphasis on private wealth and new opportunities to tap into the defined-contribution (DC) market.Accessing retail capital and 401k plans through DC channels is potentially a major area of growth, requiring new product structures and daily liquidity solutions.Fund managers must strategically align vehicle structures with investor objectives and market conditions for both short- and long-term capital needs.

Mortenson’s Maja Rosenquist and CBRE’s Gordon Dolven examine one of real estate’s most dynamic sectors. They discuss how AI’s growth has accelerated data center development, how site-selection strategies are evolving and the challenges posed by power constraints.  

CBRE Investment Management’s Co-CEO and CIO, Adam Gallistel, offers insights on where real assets investors can find strong return opportunities in today’s market. He discusses shifting strategies amid higher interest rates, alternative asset classes, the role of operational expertise and why Europe offers attractive relative value right now. Prioritize operations and asset selection: Gallistel emphasizes that “hope is not a strategy”—returns will come from income growth and strong asset selection rather than relying on market-driven cap rate compression. Diversification matters: Niche sectors like data centers and student housing offer non-correlated income streams and resilience compared to traditional “big four” asset classes. Europe looks compelling: Europe offers relative value and growth potential, making it an attractive complement to a U.S. property portfolio. Infrastructure and power are critical: CBRE IM is investing in solutions like battery storage and renewable energy to capitalize on growing demand for power in the digital economy. Overlooked markets show promise: Gallistel sees opportunities in U.S. Midwest real estate markets as supply dynamics shift.

Coca-Cola’s Michael Moore shares how the iconic brand activates its workplace in 82 countries. The company seizes on flexibility, local culture and innovative design to drive effectiveness, space utilization, brand impact and global growth.·     relationships and talent pools in 82 countries. ·     Coca-Cola balances global brand consistency with local cultural expression, using design to reflect community identity within the framework of corporate standards. ·     A flexible real estate strategy, favoring leased over owned space and shared offices in emerging markets, enables Coca-Cola to scale quickly while managing risk. ·     The company’s “Main Street” workplace model is intentionally designed to foster collaboration and efficiency by integrating amenities and flexible, open space. ·     Success is measured by how well the workplace supports productivity, employee sentiment and business outcomes.

Gensler’s Diane Hoskins explains the workplace design trends that are meeting the evolving needs of today’s workforce. She discusses how hybrid work shapes office plans, the importance of reflecting local culture and AI’s growing impact.Key takeaways on Gensler’s views of workplace design: ·     Workplace design is in flux: Today's offices require a rethink of the work environment, shifting from rigid layouts to flexible spaces. ·     One size doesn’t fit all:  From law firms to tech companies, bespoke design strategies—rooted in culture, function and employee satisfaction—are outperforming cookie-cutter solutions across sectors. ·     Destination workplaces are on the rise: Companies are investing in spaces that attract talent and foster collaboration, turning offices into places where people want to be. ·     AI is changing the game: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing architectural visualization, enabling real-time design iteration and deeper client engagement.

CBRE Global Head of Research Henry Chin sizes up Q3 investment activity, which was stronger than anticipated, and reveals which asset classes are best positioned for Q4 and 2026.Key Takeaways on Commercial Real Estate Investment Trends U.S. real estate is entering a prime investment window as repricing and improving fundamentals create opportunity.Retail and office sectors are attractive plays, as rents bottom out and occupier demand increases.Investors should explore value-add strategies and secondary assets. Demand should spillover as vacancy in top-tier space continues to shrink and future supply in office and retail remains constrained. Alternative assets are evolving from niche to institutional, but investors should remain disciplined about entry pricing and mindful of the needed operational expertise.With volumes poised for double-digit growth in 2026 amid a durable market recovery, investors can benefit from early positioning and data-driven conviction.

Author Jean Twenge, Ph.D., explains the implications of four different generations working together. As Gen Zers increasingly join millennials, Gen Xers and a shrinking cohort of baby boomers in the workforce, their varying needs, attitudes and aptitudes are driving workplace changes.·     Generational shifts are reshaping the workplace: Organizations are navigating the most pronounced generational transition in decades, with differing expectations around leadership styles, collaboration and work-life harmony.·     Delayed life milestones impact real estate demand: Trends like marrying later in life, postponing homeownership and having fewer children are catalyzing demand for adaptable, amenity-rich properties.·     Technology is a key driver of generational change: From smartphones to social media, tech has fundamentally altered how each generation communicates, works and interacts—creating both opportunities and challenges for office culture and productivity.·     Hybrid work reflects generational preferences: The way different generations value in-person collaboration, flexibility and autonomy gives hybrid work models staying power.·     Empathy is essential for cross-generational leadership: Understanding the distinct values and experiences of each generation, and applying that knowledge in how you communicate  and set policy, can build stronger connections with colleagues.

Author Sam Conniff argues that the boldest leaders don’t play it safe—they have a strategy for rewriting the rules. This episode explores how pirate-inspired thinking and resolute action can help executives navigate uncertainty, unlock innovation and lead with courage amid change.·     Leaders who embrace change as a strategic advantage can outperform peers.·     Championing shared values, self-governance and rule-breaking offers a provocative framework for rethinking organizational culture.·     Emotional intelligence can be a critical competency for business executives.·     Prioritizing the short-term over the long-term can cost organizations capital and credibility.·     Leaders should challenge industry “settled” truths to unlock workplace innovation.

 This week we shine a light on REITs in the U.K. Two London-based experts discuss what’s driving deal flow, investment strategies and long-term returns, especially in logistics, retail and hospitality.·      Triple-net REITs in the U.K. offer predictable income and resilience through market cycles.·      Urban logistics and convenience retail are leading sectors, driven by consumer behavior and e-commerce demand.·      Sub–£20-million lot sizes are drawing interest from family offices and regional investors focused on low-debt, high-efficiency deals.·      M&A is accelerating REIT scale and relevance, enabling cost synergies, dividend growth and greater appeal to global capital.·     Interest rate spreads and swap differentials can make U.K. real estate increasingly competitive against European and U.S. markets.

Barings’ John Lippmann and CBRE Investment Management’s Elisabeth Troni share strategies for navigating risk and unlocking value in core real estate investment portfolios. From alternatives to secondary markets, top funds are adapting to outperform in a shifting landscape.Key takeaways on evolving investor strategies: ·      Alternatives are reshaping core portfolios, with newer funds allocating heavily to data centers, seniors housing and single-family residential.·      Operational expertise is a performance driver, particularly in shorter-lease-term asset types that require service-oriented models.·      Smaller markets offer strategic upside, with investor focus shifting to high-growth, affordable areas like El Paso and West Palm Beach amid demographic and affordability trends.·      Flexible fund structures allow managers to hold through market cycles and avoid forced sales in illiquid environments.·      Benchmarking tools enhance insights into income vs. appreciation return potential and help investors measure returns.

MetLife Investment Management’s Sara Queen and CBRE’s Tommy Lee explore the shifting dynamics of commercial real estate investing. They offer seasoned insight on a range of topics, from NYC office to data centers to build-to-rent residential and much more.Key takeaways on real estate investing:  ·      High-net-worth investors are stepping in aggressively during the current market cycle, while institutional capital remains cautious and highly selective. ·      Data centers benefit from sustained strong demand, but require disciplined underwriting due to lease rollover risks and rising competition. ·      Many institutional investors prefer targeted strategies in assets like build-to-rent, industrial and retail, giving them more control and precise capital deployment.·      Office development in New York remains fundamentally attractive, but securing equity partners is challenging due to risk expectations and long completion timelines. ·      MetLife is experimenting with AI to enhance investment committee decision-making, enabling a sharpened focus on key risks and opportunities but not replacing human judgment.

Amid evolving trade dynamics, CBRE experts reveal how nearshoring, supply chain reinvention and revitalized twin-plant models are reshaping industrial markets on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Notably, demand for logistics space and construction activity is booming along the I-35 Corridor.Key takeaways on U.S.-Mexico Border Markets: ·      Port Laredo Surpasses Traditional Gateways: Currently the top U.S. import hub by value, Laredo’s rise reflects a structural shift in trade flows. Demand for modern logistics facilities near the U.S.’s southern border continues to grow. ·      Kansas City Leads for Absorption and Connectivity: With 28% leasing growth and strategically situated along I-35 with access to a newly unified Canada–Mexico rail system, Kansas City is emerging as a central node for North–South supply chains—ideal for occupiers seeking scalable inland distribution. ·      14M+ SF Under Construction in El Paso and Laredo.  These border markets are seeing major development of automation-ready cold storage and FTZ-enabled facilities. This signals long-term confidence and presents opportunities for early investment in next-gen industrial assets. ·      Twin-Plant Models Resurge: The return of dual facilities operating on both sides of the border is fueling demand for more sophisticated manufacturing and distribution space t. Occupiers should evaluate cross-border strategies to optimize labor and logistics. ·      Keen Competition to Secure Labor Cost Advantages: Border markets offer up to 70% labor cost savings vs. most U.S. cities, and have a skilled workforce. However, occupiers must act strategically to secure talent in a highly competitive market.

CBL Properties’ Stephen Lebovitz and CBRE’s Rich Frolik explain how malls are being transformed into high-performing, mixed-use assets. From casinos and hotels to pickleball and movie theaters, malls are evolving to meet modern demand.Key takeaways on the evolution of malls: ·      Malls are transitioning into multi-use destinations, integrating entertainment, hospitality and residential to diversify income and increase relevance.·      Financing is increasingly accessible for retail assets, with recent deals showing lender confidence and competitive debt structures.·      Success depends on hyper-local strategies, with redevelopment tailored to demographics, infrastructure and competitive dynamics.·      Malls in secondary markets benefit from large trade areas and limited alternatives, reinforcing their role as dominant regional retail hubs.·      Redeveloping legacy anchor spaces into formats that appeal to current customer wants and tastes can unlocks value and enhance long-term viability.

Net lease assets are attracting more institutional capital. New Mountain Capital’s Teddy Kaplan and CBRE’s Will Pike explore why this resilient, tax-efficient investment strategy is gaining favor.Attractive in volatile markets: Positioned as a hybrid asset class—part real estate and part structured finance, net lease investments offer cash flow backed by quality credit tenants.Manufacturing momentum: Production facilities are emerging as high-performing assets due to their strong cash flow and tenant investment in infrastructure.Sale-leasebacks as strategic tools: Investors and corporate occupiers are increasingly using sale-leasebacks to unlock capital, especially in sectors where considerable capital is tied up in operating assets.·      Capital market resilience: Despite macroeconomic headwinds, net lease is attracting institutional capital, with growing interest from large institutions and wealth management channels.·      Risk-adjusted returns and geographic nuance: Cap rates and valuations vary significantly by location and tenant credit quality, underscoring the importance of underwriting both real estate fundamentals and corporate financial health.

·Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS), a twist on a classic property type, is attracting institutional capital.  With sub-3% vacancy and strong rent growth, Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) is outperforming traditional industrial assets.·     Zoning and entitlement hurdles limit new IOS development, boosting demand for existing sites.·     Major investors are amassing IOS portfolios, following the path of self-storage and single-family rental.·     IOS supports logistics, construction and utilities with strategic infill locations and flexible outdoor space.·     Electrification and evolving logistics technology are reshaping IOS.