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.
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34:21
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34:21
Tomorrow Is Today: What is the future of core funds?
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.
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37:46
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37:46
Rise Up: MetLife’s View from the Top
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.
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31:30
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31:30
Crossroads: Industrial & Logistics Opportunities in U.S.-Mexico Border Markets
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.
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23:40
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23:40
Right Here, Right Now: Reinventing the American Mall
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.
What matters most right now in Commercial Real Estate. Business leaders join economic, industry and subject matter experts to share their distinct views and latest thinking. The Weekly Take is hosted by Spencer Levy, CBRE’s Senior Economic Advisor and Global Client Strategist. More at cbre.com/TheWeeklyTake
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