Investors will find themselves in a commercial real estate environment that is poised for significant change in 2026. A combination of new technology, economic influences and policies will reshape how investors evaluate the market. From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in dealmaking to the impact of tariffs on site selection, here are seven key commercial real estate trends that no investor can afford to ignore in 2026:
Cashflow is king: In 2026, cashflow will be king in commercial real estate investing. With interest rates high and property values stabilizing, investors are refocusing on deals that deliver solid rental yields from the outset, rather than relying on cap rate compression and rising property values, to drive returns. Underwriters are zeroing in on properties’ current net operating income and debt coverage, ensuring an acquisition makes sense based on existing cashflows.
Transparency is also at a premium. Many inve
