Emerging Trends in Real Estate® United States and Canada 2024

Real estate professionals have been keenly anticipating a recession, but the U.S. economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite rising rates, confounding predictions, and raising questions about when the downturn will materialize. While some concerns linger, including household savings, student loan payments, and inflation, there is an emerging view of a “soft landing” for the economy, albeit with higher interest rates, which has implications for real estate deals and space demand in a slower-growth environment. Navigating the complex interplay of these economic factors is the challenge facing industry leaders who must grapple with the reality of “higher for longer” in both the broader economy and the real estate sector.

The commercial real estate market, which thrived after the Great Financial Crisis thanks to low interest rates, is struggling with a new era of “higher for longer” rates initiated by the Federal Reserve’s actions. This shift is posing challenges for industry professionals, leading to adjustments in response to rising borrowing costs and the anticipation of slower income and rent growth. Although this transition may bring some challenges, the diverse nature of the industry still provides opportunities in certain segments, such as well-located assets and niche markets, requiring thoughtful adaptation to navigate this changing landscape.

Real estate professionals are faced with a shifting landscape in the office space sector. The consensus among experts suggests that the traditional office model is undergoing a significant reevaluation, with challenges similar to those faced by retail a decade ago. Reduced tenant demand, particularly in downtown areas, has led to a split market, with premium, modern properties gaining favor. Although there are optimistic voices and potential avenues for recovery, the economics of remote work and the impact of artificial intelligence cast doubt on a full return to pre-pandemic office norms.

Debt plays a crucial role in both the U.S. economy and the commercial real estate (CRE) market. While the nation is confronting a substantial debt load, the situation differs between government and non-government entities. Government debt, particularly the rapidly rising federal debt, is a cause for concern due to potential long-term consequences, while non-government debt appears well-managed. In the CRE market, the reduced availability of debt, higher financing costs, and a looming wave of maturing debt are challenging, but they present opportunities for private lenders as traditional lenders retreat. The overall outlook for CRE lenders is marked by opportunities for new loans but challenges in existing portfolios.

In the wake of a record-breaking summer and escalating climate events, 2023 is poised to become one of the hottest years on record, with temperatures significantly surpassing previous averages. This surge in climate-related challenges is having a profound impact on the real estate industry, with sustainability performance now tightly linked to the quality and financial returns of real estate assets. Rising insurance costs and their implications for property owners and tenants are catalyzing an urgent reevaluation of strategies, alongside mounting government regulations and increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. In this context, both residential and commercial real estate markets face the possibility of overvaluation due to inadequate consideration of climate risks, prompting a need for greater awareness and preparedness within the industry.

The housing affordability crisis has reached a critical stage in the real estate industry. The Federal Reserve’s role, marked by interest rate adjustments, has significantly impacted affordability in both for-sale and rental markets. While increased rental supply has temporarily eased rent growth, rising household formation rates and a persistent housing shortage are expected to drive rents upward. The imperative solution remains to increase housing supply, particularly affordable units for lower-income individuals, while addressing regulatory impediments and construction costs. Industry professionals are urged to explore innovative solutions to tackle this complex challenge.

Constructing a commercial real estate portfolio has become increasingly complex in the face of evolving market dynamics. Portfolio managers must now consider diversification, ESG factors, and alternative property types to replace traditional pillars like offices and retail. Additionally, they must adapt to smaller specialized sectors, and the growing importance of environmental considerations, making portfolio management a multifaceted challenge for real estate professionals in today’s market.

The paradigm shift towards remote work is profoundly reshaping property market dynamics, mirroring the historical significance of events like the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. This transformation extends beyond office spaces and touches migration patterns, housing preferences, and urban vitality. The prevalence of remote work has nearly tripled, with tech-heavy cities experiencing the most substantial increases, and the rise of remote work is ushering in a new era of property market trends, with an emphasis on suburban and smaller city markets.

In the post-pandemic landscape, there’s a consensus that a return to pre-pandemic office occupancy levels is unlikely. Larger cities are struggling with the challenges of underutilized office spaces in downtown areas. Some anticipate a potential economic decline due to reduced foot traffic, while others are more optimistic, citing cities’ historical adaptability.



To revitalize city centers, repurposing vacant office buildings, particularly into residential spaces, is pivotal. Emerging solutions include the promotion of “third places” and regulatory reforms to reshape urban environments. This transition will be challenging given its economic and infrastructural implications.

The emergence of consumer AI programs like Google’s Bard and OpenAI’s ChatGPT has propelled artificial intelligence (AI) into the real estate industry. These programs represent “generative AI,” with the ability to mimic human intelligence by analyzing data patterns and making predictions. While AI’s full potential in commercial real estate remains untapped, early applications focus on automating mundane tasks, and as the technology matures, it is poised to revolutionize various aspects of the industry. AI’s impact on employment is multifaceted, with the potential to boost productivity, create jobs, and spur economic growth, while also raising concerns about job displacement in white-collar roles. AI firms are driving demand for innovative office spaces in tech hubs, underlining the dynamic interplay between AI and the real estate sector.