The Weekly Take from CBRE

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.

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.