Commercial Real Estate Pros Are Almost All Bullish on 2026

Avison young 2026 cre outlook

If you’ve been feeling a subtle but undeniable shift in the commercial real estate landscape heading into 2026, you’re right in sync with the experts. According to the new Avison Young Canadian Outlook report, an astonishing 97% of CRE professionals believe market activity will rise or remain stable next year.

That level of positivity isn’t common—and it certainly isn’t random. It reflects a major leap from mid‑2025, when only 45% predicted increased activity. Now, confidence is snowballing as professionals align around a shared expectation: the comeback is real.

A Market Primed for a Surge

Among the nearly 200 CRE professionals surveyed, 64% expect activity to increase in 2026, while another 33% foresee stability. That leaves only a tiny slice predicting a downturn—arguably the boldest forecasters in the room.

Mark Fieder, Principal and President of Avison Young Canada, described the mood simply but powerfully: “Optimism is in the air.” With 2025 investment volumes matching the previous year and Q3 showing the strongest sales since 2022, the industry is gaining unmistakable traction.

Quick Pulse Check

How CRE experts feel about 2026:

  • 64% anticipate increased activity
  • 33% expect stable performance
  • A very small minority anticipate decline

What’s Driving This Optimism?

Avison Young identifies several momentum‑boosting factors:

  • Potential Bank of Canada rate cuts refreshing investor enthusiasm
  • Strong employment and manageable inflation pressures
  • Return‑to‑office efforts reviving core urban districts
  • Industrial real estate continuing to strengthen
  • Persistent demand in medical, grocery, and wellness‑focused retail

With the exception of Vancouver—which is expected to hold steady—most of Canada’s major markets are positioned for increased activity.

But Not Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

U.S. tariff policies remain one of the largest question marks. Declining exports in machinery, automotive, and related industries could create friction for various regional economies in Canada, moderating otherwise promising gains.

Multifamily outlooks remain cautiously positive, though buyer‑seller pricing gaps continue to pinch transaction volume. Industrial, on the other hand, remains a dependable star performer—poised to carry its strength straight into 2026.

Why This Matters for Today’s Real Estate Professionals

Whether you’re an investor, a broker, or a professional gearing up to advance your licensing or skillset, this rising optimism marks a significant turning point. Markets are shifting—and staying ahead requires staying sharp. Professionals across real estate, mortgage, insurance, finance, and other licensed fields continue to rely on Cameron Academy for flexible, modern, and industry‑ready education to meet the moment.

Dive deeper into the full report and explore the complete survey insights at the original source:
consulting.ca – Avison Young Outlook 2026

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Florida’s Insurance Crisis Explained: Why Coastal Risk Is Pushing the Market to Its Breaking Point

Florida’s insurance market is under intense pressure as millions of residents and trillions in property wealth cluster along hurricane‑vulnerable coastlines. This article breaks down how decades of growth in high‑risk zones created today’s crisis, why traditional pricing models can’t keep up, and what real estate and insurance professionals must do to stay ahead. It offers actionable insights on underwriting, risk communication, policy partnerships, and resilience planning—critical knowledge for anyone advising Florida homeowners or navigating the state’s evolving insurance landscape.

Sky‑High Insurance Rates Are Now Florida’s “New Normal,” Experts Warn

Florida’s homeowners insurance market may have stabilized, but not in the way residents hoped. After years of runaway increases, premiums have stopped spiking—but they’re holding at painfully high levels. Coastal properties remain the hardest hit, with some policies topping $15,000 a year, while insurers continue demanding costly upgrades and resisting calls for transparency. For real estate professionals, understanding these pricing pressures is becoming essential as insurance costs increasingly shape buyer decisions across the state.

Hurricane Insurance in Florida: The 2026 Coverage Guide Every Homeowner Needs

Florida homeowners face soaring premiums, shrinking insurer options, and storms that grow stronger each year. This article breaks down what hurricane insurance actually covers, how deductibles really work, why flood insurance is essential, and what professionals in real estate, mortgage, and insurance must understand to protect clients and properties before the next major storm hits.

The Legacy Leader Steps Down: Teresa King Kinney Retires After 33 Years Transforming MIAMI Realtors

Teresa King Kinney, one of the most influential executives in modern real estate, is retiring after 33 years as CEO of the MIAMI Association of Realtors. Under her leadership, the organization grew from 5,000 members to 60,000, became a global real estate powerhouse, and built the nation’s largest association‑owned MLS. As she transitions into CEO Emeritus, MIAMI prepares for a new era shaped by the foundation she spent decades building.

Miami’s Commercial Real Estate Surges Back as Retail Leads a 2025 Rebound

Miami’s commercial property market is heating up again, posting an 11% jump in investment volume for 2025. The surge is driven largely by a revitalized retail sector fueled by population growth, strong tourism, and new mixed‑use development. While office and industrial activity remains steady but softer, investor confidence is returning as Miami’s CRE landscape matures and buyers re‑enter the market with renewed interest in high‑traffic retail opportunities.

The Fed Signals Big Mortgage Rule Changes That Could Reshape Home Lending

The Federal Reserve is preparing major changes to mortgage regulations in an effort to pull more mortgage activity back into the banking sector. With banks losing significant market share to nonbank lenders over the past decade, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman says new proposals may ease capital requirements and make mortgage servicing more attractive for banks. These shifts could have wide‑ranging effects on real estate professionals, lenders, and borrowers as the balance of power in the mortgage market begins to shift once again.