Operating margins are stabilizing across the commercial real estate industry, while capital markets remain uneven and artificial intelligence adoption continues to accelerate, according to RCLCO’s “2026 C-Suite Outlook.”
The outlook is based on responses from more than 150 senior executives and examines operating performance, talent, capital markets and technology heading into the year ahead.
According to the survey, 78 percent of firms held operating margins flat or improved them, reversing the margin compression reported in 2026.
Capital markets showed a more mixed picture. Debt financing conditions have eased, while equity fundraising remains selective.
Artificial intelligence adoption also has expanded significantly, with 97 percent of firms reporting some level of AI use. Nearly one-quarter of respondents said their organizations have reached enterprise-wide deployment.
