2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook: Strategies for Business Owners, Investors, Lenders, and Brokers
As we close one year and step into another, it’s the perfect time to step back, assess the market, and refine strategies for the year ahead.
After more than 40 years in commercial real estate brokerage, living through multiple market cycles, and interviewing the industry’s top economists and analysts every week on America’s Commercial Real Estate Show, I see patterns that repeat—and opportunities that emerge for those who act early.
In this 2026 outlook, I’m sharing practical, field-tested strategies for four key groups:
Business owners and corporate real estate decision-makers
Commercial real estate investors
Lenders and special assets professionals
Commercial real estate agents and brokers
These insights reflect what we’re seeing across the Southeast U.S. and nationally through Bull Realty, TCN Worldwide, and our specialty brokerage teams.
Strategies for Business Owners and Corporate Real Estate Leaders
1. Revisit Your Real Estate Strategy Every Year
One of the biggest misconceptions among business owners is that real estate only matters when a lease expires. In reality, real estate should be reviewed annually, just like staffing, capital, and operations.
Subleases, restructures, expansions, contractions, and ownership opportunities can arise well before renewal dates—and failing to evaluate them can be costly.
2. Consider Locking in a Long-Term Lease Now
Many companies have finally stabilized post-COVID and are making long-term occupancy decisions. This creates an opportunity.
With limited new office supply in many markets, especially those with job and population growth, rents are likely to rise over the next few years—even in office sectors currently under pressure.
A blend-and-extend strategy may allow tenants to:
Lower current rental rates
Secure free rent or tenant improvement allowances
Lock in long-term certainty before the next upswing
This can be especially effective in B- and C-class office buildings.
3. Ownership Can Be a Hidden Wealth Generator
If your business has predictable space needs—medical practices, professional firms, and service businesses are prime examples—owning your building can be a powerful long-term strategy.
Benefits include:
Protection against rent inflation
Control over your operating environment
Favorable financing as an owner-occupant
Long-term appreciation and principal reduction
Over the years, I’ve sold many owner-occupied buildings where business owners were surprised by the “windfall” created simply by owning their real estate while running their company.
4. Creative Capital Strategies: Sale-Leasebacks and Partnerships
Ownership doesn’t always mean tying up all your capital.
Options include:
Sale-leasebacks to unlock equity while retaining control
Investor partnerships, where your tenancy helps drive property value
Selling real estate separately from the business to maximize valuation and tax efficiency
Selling real estate independently—then leasing it back before selling the business—often produces significantly higher overall proceeds than bundling everything together.
Commercial Real Estate Investor Strategies for 2026
1. Demand-Driven Sales Create Value
Commercial real estate values are driven by supply and demand, and your broker’s marketing strategy directly affects demand.
When selecting a broker, ask:
Do they specialize in this asset class?
How deep is their buyer database?
Will the property be marketed broadly or discreetly—and why?
How do they create competitive bidding environments?
In strong markets, almost anyone can sell a property. In challenging markets, experience, specialization, and process matter.
2. Fix the Most Common Leasing Mistakes
Many landlords lose value through passive or outdated leasing strategies.
Common errors include:
No floor plans available online
“Call for rate” instead of transparent pricing
Slow response times to inquiries
Reactive—not proactive—leasing efforts
Effective project leasing requires:
Strong digital marketing
Clear pricing and floor plans
Immediate follow-up
Proactive proposals for qualified tenants
Leasing velocity directly impacts asset value.
3. 2026 Acquisition Strategy: Don’t Sit on the Sidelines
Some investors paused acquisitions due to interest rates—but today’s rates are near historic averages, and financing conditions have improved.
Combined with:
Limited new construction
Reset pricing expectations
Long-term demand fundamentals
This creates attractive buying opportunities—particularly in multifamily and office assets positioned for recovery.
Advice for Commercial Real Estate Lenders
1. Originate Loans—This Is a Strong Lending Window
Today’s loans often feature:
Lower leverage
Higher debt service coverage
Less lender competition
Reduced refinance risk at maturity
These may be some of the safest loans lenders originate for years, while also strengthening long-term client relationships.
2. Use Property Sales as a Workout Solution
In special asset situations, selling the property is sometimes the cleanest resolution for both borrower and lender.
If pursuing this path:
Require lender approval of the broker
Ensure regular reporting on offers and market activity
Confirm that the property is being actively and professionally marketed
Avoid “checkbox listings” that exist only to appease the bank.
3. REO Dispositions Require a Documented Process
If a lender takes title to a property, it’s critical to demonstrate:
A competitive, transparent sales process
Professional marketing
Clear documentation in the file
This protects against future scrutiny and fulfills fiduciary obligations.
Three Critical Tips for Commercial Real Estate Agents in 2026
1. Commit to Continuous Training
Experience alone does not equal expertise.
Top brokers train relentlessly in:
Sales and negotiation
Prospecting and objection handling
Financial analysis and underwriting
Marketing and time management
Recommended resources:
The top sales books of all time
CCIM Institute core courses
CommercialAgentSuccess.com for advanced, practical training
2. Specialize to Maximize Value
Specialization allows you to:
Know pricing, cap rates, and buyers deeply
Anticipate deal challenges before they arise
Provide insights generalists simply can’t
Whether it’s office, industrial, retail, medical, multifamily, or a niche specialty—depth beats breadth in most markets.
3. Lead with Value, Not Commissions
The most successful agents:
Put client outcomes first
Communicate clearly and often
Treat all parties professionally
Deliver more value than expected
This approach builds reputation, referrals, and long-term success.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Commercial Real Estate Market
Every market cycle creates challenges—and opportunity.
Business owners who plan early, investors who stay disciplined, lenders who lean in thoughtfully, and agents who continuously improve will be best positioned to succeed in 2026 and beyond.
If you’d like to discuss any of these strategies in more detail, feel free to reach out.
Michael Bull
📧 michael@bullrealty.com
🌐 https://www.bullrealty.com