Show Notes
With the H1 2026 data in hand, we can see how commercial real estate is evolving in a market where AI, geopolitical events, capital discipline and a resilient economy are rewriting earlier forecasts. CBRE’s Research leaders discuss the company’s 2026 Midyear Outlook—published today—and examine what’s changed since the start of the year and the implications for occupiers, investors and the broader market.
Commercial real estate conditions have shifted since the January outlook, with geopolitical uncertainty, capital constraints and a resilient consumer shaping the market at midyear. Limited new supply is becoming an increasing theme across property sectors, creating a new dynamic for occupiers and investors. Quality is increasingly the defining characteristic of successful real estate assets. AI is influencing real estate demand beyond data centers, with implications for tech markets, office footprints, infrastructure needs and future property use. Investors are placing greater emphasis on income returns, lease durability, tenant credit and market selection.
More from The Weekly Take from CBRE
San Francisco’s office recovery has a striking contradiction: Overall vacancy remains elevated, while competition for the best workplaces is increasingly intense. We look inside the Bay Area real estate market, highlighting AI-driven demand, rising trophy rents and the reinvention of The Spear and 301 Battery.
Bob’s Discount Furniture is charting a path from 200 stores to 500-plus locations by 2035. Two company leaders enlighten us on their market expansion strategy, data-driven site selection, use of logistics and the importance of the customer experience.
Devin Chen and Rich Hill dissect Principal Asset Management’s unique “four quadrants” investment strategy. This helps to pinpoint value in sectors like multifamily, data centers and office, as well as in selective new development. They share insights on optimizing income growth and portfolio diversification.
Easterly Government Properties’ Darrell Crate and CBRE’s Marcy Owens Test explain the unique complexities and opportunities when leasing space to the U.S. government. They explore government agencies’ specialized build-out requirements, the market impacts of the federal government’s shift from ownership to strategic leasing, and other topics of interest to commercial real estate investors.
Verizon's Nicole Nicholson and CBRE's Jamie Hodari discuss how real estate, technology and human connection are strengthening business outcomes and creating competitive advantage in an AI-powered world. Learn from seasoned executives responsible for managing large, complex real estate portfolios.