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.
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