Commercial Real Estate Pros Are Almost All Bullish on 2026
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
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.
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!
Financial analysis remains one of the strongest career paths for professionals seeking high earnings, steady growth, and long-term stability. With median salaries above $100K, expanding demand across industries, and clear promotion tracks leading to senior leadership roles, the field offers both opportunity and resilience—even as AI reshapes the workplace. This article breaks down what analysts do, salary expectations, job outlook, industry demand, and whether this career is the right fit for you.
After losing their home in the Los Angeles wildfires, Jessica and Matt Conkle expected their insurance policy to help them rebuild. Instead, they found themselves trapped in delays, lowball offers, and endless adjuster changes — a struggle now shared by thousands across California. Their experience highlights a nationwide problem: insurers pulling back from climate‑risk areas, soaring premiums, shrinking coverage, and regulators under fire. For professionals in real estate, mortgage, and insurance, this growing instability is reshaping transactions, lending, risk assessment, and the future of homeownership in America.
Kansas City’s housing market is finally gaining momentum heading into 2026 as falling interest rates, new construction, and a renewed focus on affordable homes open the door for first‑time buyers. Economists say improved supply and softer mortgage rates could shift the market after a challenging 2025, giving real estate professionals and buyers a promising window of opportunity.
Nevada has become the first state to allow insurers to sell homeowners policies without wildfire protection—a move aimed at lowering premiums but raising concerns about consumer risk and mortgage barriers. The law introduces new wildfire‑only policies and a regulatory sandbox for insurance innovation, potentially setting a precedent for other Western states.
Investment groups across the U.S. are rapidly expanding into tax‑deferred real estate programs as demand for Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) accelerates. Major players like Blackstone, Brookfield, Denholtz, and PREP are launching new offerings fueled by stronger market certainty, a historic generational wealth transfer, and renewed confidence in 1031 exchange benefits. As DSTs move into the mainstream, real estate professionals are finding new opportunities to guide clients through advanced tax‑advantaged investment strategies.
Canada’s proptech sector is evolving fast as AI adoption accelerates and investor caution forces startups to mature. Funding has tightened, growth rounds have slowed, and companies are shifting from rapid expansion to profitability and real product‑market fit. AI‑driven platforms like Mave are gaining traction, consolidation is rising, and government housing initiatives may boost construction‑focused tech. For real estate professionals, these trends signal a new industry standard where AI tools and ongoing education are essential to staying competitive.
