Demand for employees with commercial real estate degrees is growing. Many universities have developed curriculum and established specialty programs to meet this demand.

Of the almost $1 trillion (€901 billion) spent on commercial real estate around the globe in the 12 months between the start of April 2018 and the end of March 2019, one-third involved capital from cross-border investors. In its Active Capital report for 2019, Knight Frank puts this large proportion of globe-trotting capital down to a need for large investors to both diversify risk and chase enhanced returns.

Technology and property are, in some senses, bound to be at odds, so it is understandable the real estate industry has traditionally resisted technological change. Change is being thrust upon that industry, however, by investors, tenants and employees, meaning the threat of the dreaded disruption is severe.