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3 minute read
June 17, 2026
3 minute read
Real estate continues to evolve, not because demand has disappeared, but because how space is used has changed. In a recent conversation I had with Jack Wiggen, several clear themes emerged from what we are seeing across commercial real estate deals, leasing activity, and development projects.
Together, these insights point to a market that is adjusting with intention and creativity.
Here are five key takeaways organizations should keep in mind.
1. The Office Is Back, but Only for High-Quality Space
Organizations are returning to the office, but selectively.
Over the past year, there has been a noticeable increase in commercial office leasing. However, the demand is focused almost entirely on high-quality space. Location, amenities, and aesthetics now matter more than ever.
Office space is no longer just a place to work. It has become a recruiting tool. Companies want spaces that help attract and retain talent, whether that means proximity to restaurants and shops or simply a more impressive and functional environment.
This shift rewards landlords and tenants who think strategically about how space supports a company’s broader goals.
What this means: Investing in quality space is increasingly tied to talent strategy, not just square footage needs.
2. Adaptive Reuse Is Creating New Opportunities
One of the most significant trends in the market is the reuse of older or underutilized properties.
Vacant grocery stores, former pharmacies, and outdated office buildings are being reimagined as breweries, fitness centers, churches, and other community-oriented uses. These spaces often offer strong visibility, parking, and location advantages that remain valuable despite shifts in retail or office demand.
Economic changes have accelerated this trend, creating opportunities for creative redevelopment rather than leaving prime real estate dormant.
What this means: Flexibility and creativity are unlocking value in assets that may have been overlooked five years ago.
3. Real Estate Decisions Are Increasingly Tied to People, Not Just Property
From both a corporate and legal perspective, real estate is no longer viewed solely through a traditional operational lens. It is deeply tied to workforce strategy.
Organizations are asking new questions. Do employees need a place to gather? What environment supports collaboration? How does space reflect company culture?
This mindset shift is influencing leasing decisions, build-out priorities, and long-term planning. Real estate is being used intentionally to support how and where people work.
What this means: Real estate strategy and talent strategy are becoming inseparable.
4. Buyers Are Using More Thoughtful Risk Planning
On the transactional side, purchase and sale agreements are evolving. Buyers today are more focused on contingencies, approvals, and timing flexibility than they were even a few years ago.
This reflects tighter financing conditions and a desire to manage risk carefully. While contingency planning used to be limited to larger deals, it is now common in smaller transactions as well.
The result is a more thoughtful approach to due diligence and deal structure, with both parties spending more time upfront clarifying expectations.
What this means: Well-structured deals prioritize clarity and risk management early, rather than scrambling near closing.
5. Early Planning Leads to Smoother Outcomes
Across leasing and purchasing, one consistent theme stood out. Involving experienced advisors earlier in the process tends to lead to better results.
Early coordination allows potential issues in due diligence, financing, surveys, or operational needs to surface before they become time-sensitive problems. Even when advisors are not actively leading every step, visibility and context matter.
This approach often results in smoother closings, fewer surprises, and more predictable outcomes.
What this means: Thoughtful timing and early collaboration can reduce friction and improve efficiency.
A Market That Is Adjusting, Not Retreating
The real estate market today reflects adaptation, not contraction. Companies are using space more intentionally. Developers are finding new life in existing assets. Buyers and tenants are approaching deals with greater clarity around risk and value.
Organizations that stay flexible, plan early, and align real estate decisions with broader business goals are well positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape.
If your organization is reassessing its real estate strategy, the full video provides additional insight into how these trends are shaping decisions today. Watch the complete conversation for a deeper look here.
