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 Wake‑Up Call: Why Reading Your Policy Matters More Than You Think

Many Floridians are discovering after major hurricanes that what they assumed was covered by their insurance simply isn’t. With more than 100,000 claims denied or closed without payment and widespread confusion over gaps like flood versus hurricane coverage, experts warn that the fine print can hit harder than the storm itself. As premiums rise and policies grow more complex, understanding what’s actually protected has become essential for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.

The Strongest October Housing Market in 3 Years: What Zillow’s New Report Means for Today’s Pros

A new report from Zillow shows the U.S. just experienced its strongest October housing market since 2021, with inventory rising, affordability improving, and both new listings and pending sales up 5% year-over-year. Nineteen major markets now favor buyers—nine more than last year—as mortgage rates ease, inventory rebounds, and home values level off. For real estate professionals, especially in Florida, these shifts signal a market gaining momentum heading into 2025 and beyond.

Top Commercial Real Estate Issues to Watch in 2026

Commercial real estate is heading into 2026 with major shifts in policy, technology, investment flows, and market fundamentals. From tightening capital sources and AI-driven decision-making to nationwide housing shortages and a looming wave of maturing debt, professionals across real estate, finance, insurance, and development must adapt quickly. These trends will shape opportunities, risks, and required skills in the year ahead—making strategic education and licensing upgrades more important than ever.

Wall Street on Edge After Cyberattack Exposes Sensitive Real Estate and Mortgage Data

A major cyberattack on real‑estate data giant SitusAMC has triggered emergency responses across Wall Street, exposing sensitive loan records and legal documents tied to major banks like JPMorgan and Citigroup. While operations have been restored, the breach highlights critical weaknesses in third‑party vendors that support the nation’s real‑estate and mortgage infrastructure. Federal investigators and financial institutions are now racing to assess the fallout as experts warn of long‑term risks to the digital systems underpinning multi‑trillion‑dollar lending markets.

Australia’s Commercial Real Estate Market Is Transforming — What Professionals Need to Know Now

Australia’s commercial real estate sector is undergoing a major long‑term shift driven by hybrid work, booming logistics demand, sustainability priorities and evolving global capital flows. With the market projected to grow from USD 11.96 billion in 2024 to USD 21.03 billion by 2033, the biggest opportunities are emerging in industrial assets, ESG‑certified buildings, flexible workspaces and adaptive reuse projects. These trends echo changes developing in the U.S.—including Florida—making Australia a valuable case study for professionals watching the future of commercial real estate.

How Chat‑Based AI Is Revolutionizing Real Estate Listing Photos

A new wave of chat‑driven AI tools is transforming how agents market properties by letting them edit listing photos simply by describing what they want changed. From removing clutter to adjusting lighting or staging entire rooms, professionals can now showcase a unit’s full potential long before it’s camera‑ready. This technology boosts efficiency for property managers, enhances buyer engagement through interactive visuals, and underscores the importance of transparency as AI becomes a core part of real estate marketing.