The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE®) have released their highly anticipated 2026 Top Ten Issues Affecting Real Estate®, providing a clear view into the challenges and forces shaping the commercial real estate landscape. This year’s report reflects a market navigating massive structural changes—from technological disruption to demographic shifts, capital challenges, and a prolonged period of economic uncertainty.

About The Counselors of Real Estate® — and Martin’s Leadership Excellence

The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE®) is one of the industry’s most respected global organizations, composed of fewer than 1,000 real estate professionals worldwide who have demonstrated exceptional expertise, integrity, and leadership. Membership is invitation-only and recognizes individuals whose insight and judgment elevate the profession as a whole.

At Martin Commercial Properties, we are proud that our President & CEO, Van W. Martin, holds this esteemed CRE® designation. His inclusion in this elite group reflects the strategic thinking, deep market understanding, and unwavering commitment to client success that define Martin’s approach to service. It’s one more way our leadership demonstrates the trusted guidance and forward-looking perspective that has shaped our 62-year legacy.

Below is a breakdown of the ten challenges shaping real estate decisions in 2026 and beyond.

1. Fiscal & Monetary Policy: Balancing Strength and Risk

Despite a staggering $37 trillion in national debt, the U.S. economy remains resilient. Job growth, consumer spending, and inflation have held up—yet elevated uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and delayed rate cuts continue to pressure real estate. With refinancing challenges and uneven sector performance, caution is warranted as the market adjusts to long-term fiscal and monetary headwinds.

2. Portfolio Risk: A New Era of Dynamic, Data-Driven Risk Management

Risk assessment has evolved far beyond the traditional annual review. Owners, lenders, and occupiers now face a complex landscape of infrastructure, climate, financial, and operational risks. With advanced analytics and real-time building data, risk management is becoming continuous and comprehensive—informing buy/sell decisions, capex planning, refinancing strategies, and tenant retention.

3. The Changing Nature of Real Estate: Back to the Fundamentals

The decades-long tailwind of cap rate compression has come to an end. Returns will depend on income performance—not financial engineering. Investors must refocus on fundamentals: strong underwriting, exceptional asset management, strategic leasing, and selecting the right building rather than the right sector. Operational discipline is now the key competitive advantage.

4. Capital Sources & Flows: Equity Is Scarce, Debt Remains Available

Transaction volume remains sluggish, trapping institutional equity in existing funds and limiting new capital. While the “gumming up” of equity flows presents short-term challenges, debt markets remain relatively liquid. Fundraising will require clearer value propositions, stronger strategies, and patience until valuations reset and liquidity returns.

5. Technology Transformation: AI Ushers in a Golden Age of CRE

AI is creating transformational efficiencies in underwriting, site selection, building operations, and decision-making. Data centers are booming as AI infrastructure expands, while property owners must secure data access and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. With innovation moving at breakneck speed, CRE firms must adapt quickly—or risk being left behind.

6. The Future of Real Estate: Modern Thinking for a Data-Rich World

Real estate is entering a true golden age of data, computation, and analytics. Advances in AI, machine learning, and predictive tools are transforming how assets are valued, priced, and managed, enabling far more nuanced decision-making than in the past. To fully capitalize on these capabilities, real estate professionals must pair technology adoption with a shift in mindset—embracing modern statistical thinking, particularly Bayesian reasoning, to evaluate risk, update assumptions, and make disciplined decisions in an increasingly uncertain environment.

7. Global Chess: A Crisis of Confidence and Widespread Uncertainty

Unpredictable policy shifts, tariff volatility, declining transparency, and concerns about Federal Reserve independence are undermining economic stability and confidence. This environment of persistent volatility complicates long-term real estate decision-making on both the demand and capital sides. Even so, real estate’s inherent resilience—along with its long history of operating with imperfect information and relying on experienced judgment—positions the sector better than many asset classes to navigate prolonged uncertainty.

8. Housing Attainability: Friction Throughout the System

Housing affordability pressure now affects nearly every demographic group. Constraints such as restrictive zoning, high construction costs, and land scarcity have created deep-seated “stiction” across the housing ecosystem. Solutions to these challenges require incremental policy reform, public–private collaboration, and creative approaches at every step—from permitting to development to financing.

9. Pricing Risk: Debt Maturities Are Reshaping Value

With over $950 billion in loan maturities hitting annually through 2027, pricing risk is elevated. Distress is emerging gradually—not through a dramatic collapse but via slow workouts and selective discounts. As the bid–ask gap persists, holistic valuation methods are critical, incorporating access to infrastructure, resources, and workforce—not just physical assets.

10. Flow of People: Slowing Migration and Population Growth Change the Demand Map

Household formation, immigration, and domestic migration are all slowing, creating a more challenging environment for forecasting real estate demand. The once-booming Sun Belt is seeing plateaued inflows, while mobility is constrained by high mortgage rates and limited inventory. Developers must rethink assumptions about absorption, growth markets, and the “build it and they will come” model.

The post 2026 Top Ten Issues Impacting Real Estate® – The Counselors of Real Estate® first appeared on Martin Commercial.

The Greater Lansing industrial real estate market is off to a strong start in 2025, according to Chris Miller, Senior Vice President and Industrial / Investment Advisor at Martin Commercial Properties, in a recent interview with Michigan Business Beat.

Vacancy is down to 10.1%, with every submarket seeing positive absorption in the first half of the year. The West submarket is especially tight at just 1.6% vacancy, underscoring the growing need for new industrial space.

Key transactions included:

• Lanter Delivery Systems leasing 49,000 SF
• Priority Express leasing 33,000 SF

With demand outpacing available inventory, speculative development is beginning to take shape—positioning Greater Lansing to capture continued growth. Large-scale projects like the Ultium Cells battery plant and Neogen’s research campus are also fueling long-term momentum for the region’s industrial economy.

Watch the full interview here:

How Can You Benefit from Lansing’s Industrial Growth?

With vacancies at historic lows and demand continuing to outpace supply, Lansing’s industrial market is creating both challenges and opportunities. Tenants face increasing competition for space, while landlords and investors are seeing strong leasing activity and the potential for new development. For those considering expansion, relocation, or investment, timing and strategy are critical in this fast-moving sector.

At Martin Commercial Properties, our industrial advisors bring decades of experience helping tenants, landlords, and investors navigate Lansing’s evolving industrial landscape. Whether you’re evaluating space needs, weighing build-to-suit opportunities, or exploring investment options, our team can help position you for success.

The post Lansing’s Industrial Sector Shows Strong Momentum in 2025 first appeared on Martin Commercial.

Despite national retail headwinds, Greater Lansing’s retail market demonstrated strength in H1 2025, with slight improvements in vacancy and absorption.

Retail vacancy dipped to 17.9%, while absorption improved to -6,449 SF, recovering from a sharper decline in late 2024. The East Submarket continues to lead the region, with strong lease-up activity following national chain closures.

Key highlights:

• Notable closures: Jo-Ann, Party City, Big Lots, Rite Aid
• Fast backfills: Dollar Tree, Barnes & Noble, Shake Shack, Wingstop, Smoothie King
• Ashley Furniture signed for 95,000 SF in Meridian Mall (East Submarket)
• Dining and fitness concepts dominate new tenant entries across all submarkets
• Redevelopment strategies are unlocking value in vintage centers
• Delta Crossings remains a regional growth hub with major new construction underway

? With experiential retail, restaurant growth, and adaptive reuse on the rise, the local retail sector is finding new ways to thrive despite national shakeups.

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Read the full report here

The post H1 2025 Lansing Retail Market: Closures Create New Opportunities in a Resilient Landscape first appeared on Martin Commercial.

Greater Lansing’s office market showed signs of stabilization in H1 2025, as vacancy held at 22.4% and net absorption was nearly flat.

While move-outs in the CBD dragged down performance, other submarkets—including East Lansing, North, and West—recorded modest positive absorption. Employers continue to fine-tune hybrid work policies, creating steady demand for smaller, flexible office spaces and short-term lease options.

Key highlights:

• Absorption: -1,088 SF (a notable improvement from -64,140 SF in H2 2024)
• Largest leases: Deloitte (25,000 SF), Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers (11,000 SF), Spicer Group (16,000 SF)
• No new construction amid high rates and cautious demand
• Landlords remain competitive with concessions and flexibility on lease terms
• Hybrid work has stabilized, with some employers increasing in-office expectations

The office sector’s recovery is proceeding at an uneven but steady pace, shaped by evolving workplace strategies and growing demand for agile space solutions.

Read the full report here

The post H1 2025 Office Market: Stabilization and Flexibility Define the First Half of the Year first appeared on Martin Commercial.

Current Market Headwinds in CRE

• Labor and material costs remain elevated, affecting both new development and renovation projects. Delays and unpredictability in supply chains continue to stall delivery timelines.
• Workplace Strategy Evolution: The hybrid work model is here to stay. Companies are still defining their ideal work setups, which influences how much and what kind of office space they need.
• Rising Cap Rates: Higher capitalization rates are leading to declining asset values, putting downward pressure on investment appeal.
• Interest Rates & Borrowing Costs: Despite expectations, the Fed has held interest rates steady in 2025. This keeps borrowing costs high, impacting deal flow and development activity.
• Insurance Premium Spikes: Property insurance has increased up to 3x from just a few years ago. This shift has direct consequences on clauses in purchase agreements and risk management strategies.
• Recession Fears: Although the U.S. economy has avoided a full-blown recession, uncertainty persists. It’s influencing everything from investor behavior to tenant decisions.

From lease rollover issues to AI-driven disruption, high vacancy concerns, and refinancing risks, the ripple effects are significant across all asset types.

Signs of Stabilization

Despite the challenges, signs of recovery are emerging. Trophy assets in major markets like Manhattan are seeing over 90% physical occupancy. Office attendance is up, and the sector has posted three consecutive quarters of positive absorption—a strong signal that demand is stabilizing.

Flight to Quality and Right-Sizing Strategies

Tenants are optimizing their footprints while upgrading their environments. It’s a dual trend: reduce total space while increasing the quality and amenities of the space they occupy.

Key Local Examples:

• Michigan Beer and Wine downsized to 11,500 sq ft in a modern CBD facility.
• Independent Bank moved from 18,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft.
• Aetna relocated from a 30,000 sq ft suburban office to just 9,500 sq ft in a more strategic location.

Tenants are investing in high-amenity buildings, even if they pay more per square foot. The outcome is a flight to quality with right-sizing of space.

Owner-Occupier Market: Property Values Under Pressure

CRE values are under scrutiny in 2025. Even high-profile buildings are seeing massive devaluations:

These are not distressed buildings—they’re facing the hard math of a new economic reality.

What Lies Ahead for CRE

The CRE sector is in a period of redefinition. The shift from panic to planning is underway. Companies are developing real estate strategies that align with workforce evolution, economic constraints, and long-term goals.

Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, developer, or investor, success in 2025 hinges on flexibility and forward thinking. Yesterday’s benchmarks don’t define tomorrow’s opportunities.

Stay tuned as we continue tracking these shifts and supporting your commercial real estate strategy with data-driven insight and boots-on-the-ground expertise.

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Van W. Martin CCIM, SIOR, CRE Holds Prestigious CRE® Designation

Van W. Martin, President and CEO of Martin Commercial Properties, holds the prestigious Counselor of Real Estate® designation, a mark of distinction reserved for only the most accomplished real estate professionals. As one of fewer than 1,000 Counselors of Real Estate® worldwide, Martin exemplifies a deep commitment to delivering exceptional insights and innovative solutions to clients.

Mr. Martin is 1 of only 74 commercial real estate professionals with both CRE and SIOR designations in the nation.

Contact Us

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The post Navigating Commercial Real Estate in 2025: Challenges, Stabilization, and Strategic Shifts first appeared on Martin Commercial.

With office vacancy rates at a 20-year high, landlords and tenants are navigating evolving work models and excess space. In this discussion, the Martin Commercial Properties team explores how businesses are adapting, what types of companies are driving leasing activity, and the trends emerging in office property sales.

Insights from Martin’s Office ’24 Market Insights report highlight shifting tenant demand, steady leasing activity, and declining transaction values as companies opt for smaller footprints and shorter-term leases. While the market remains tenant-friendly, landlords are carefully evaluating deals amid high renovation costs and rising interest rates.

? Get the full market report here: martincommercial.com/marketinsights

? Watch the full discussion below!

The post Adapting to Change: Office Market Trends in Greater Lansing first appeared on Martin Commercial.

With industrial vacancy rates holding steady, demand in the Greater Lansing market remains strong. In this discussion, Christopher Miller explores key drivers shaping industrial real estate, how companies are adapting to supply chain challenges, and the impact of major corporate investments from GM, Neogen, and Gestamp on industrial development and investor confidence.

Insights from Martin’s Industrial ’24 Market Insights report highlight significant leasing activity, strategic investments, and shifting vacancy rates across the region. While some submarkets are experiencing increased vacancies, others—like the West Submarket—continue to thrive, showcasing ongoing demand and long-term growth potential in industrial real estate.

? Get the full market report here: martincommercial.com/marketinsights

? Watch the full discussion below!

The post Industrial Growth and Investment Trends in Greater Lansing first appeared on Martin Commercial.

Retail vacancy rates have only slightly increased despite economic pressures, signaling resilience in certain business categories. In this discussion, the Martin Commercial Properties team explores which retailers are thriving and why, the growing build-to-suit development trend, and the delicate balance between new openings and store closures in the coming year.

This conversation builds on insights from Martin’s Retail ’24 Market Insights report, which highlights key market shifts, including notable retailer expansions, major store consolidations, and emerging retail hotspots across Greater Lansing.

? Get the full market report here: martincommercial.com/marketinsights

? Watch the full discussion below!

The post Navigating the Shifting Retail Landscape in Greater Lansing first appeared on Martin Commercial.

Industrial Sector Highlights: A Beacon of Stability

The industrial sector in Greater Lansing showcased remarkable stability in the first half of 2024. The average vacancy rate for leased industrial buildings larger than 20,000 square feet decreased from 10.0% to 9.0%, reversing the trend of escalating inventory observed since the second half of 2022. This decrease in vacancy rates positions Greater Lansing as a low-risk option for investors and occupiers, with the West Submarket standing out as the strongest in tenant demand.

Noteworthy market activities include significant investments by major players: GM’s $500 million federal grant-supported funding to bolster hybrid and electric vehicle production at its Lansing Grand River plant, Neogen’s $200+ million expansion project in the Central Urban Area, and Gestamp’s $400 million commitment to renovate and expand their facility in Mason.

Office Sector Highlights: A Tenant’s Market Amid High Vacancy Rates

The office sector in Greater Lansing continues to face challenges, with the overall market vacancy remaining unchanged from the second half of 2023 and sitting at a 20-year high. This tenant-friendly market condition is expected to persist throughout 2024, providing smaller occupiers with ample leasing opportunities.

Despite the high vacancy rates, there have been notable large leases, including the Michigan Fitness Foundation (10,700 SF – East submarket), TIC International (9,400 SF – West submarket), and Creative Wellness (7,500 SF – East submarket). Major sales transactions include 415 W. Kalamazoo/400 S. Walnut ($1.875 million – CBD), 310 W. Lake Lansing ($1.167 million – East), and 431 W. Kalamazoo ($1.1 million – CBD).

Retail Sector Highlights: Surge in Build-to-Suit Development

The retail sector experienced a decline in average market vacancies, dropping from 14.3% in the first half of 2023 to 13.8% in the first half of 2024. Despite challenges such as inflated debt, land, and construction costs, development activity has been robust across all sectors of the market. The region’s vibrant and evolving dining scene is reflected in the emergence of numerous new eateries throughout the market.

While several closures impacted the market, the overall outlook remains positive, with expectations of a moderate uptick in vacancies in the coming months.

The post 1st Half of 2024 Mid-Michigan Real Estate Market Insights: Industrial Stability, Office Vacancy, and Retail Build-to-Suit Surge first appeared on Martin Commercial.

A Vision for Sustainable Manufacturing

Van Martin, President/CEO of Martin Commercial Properties, expressed enthusiasm for this development, stating, “This significant investment by GM not only enhances the value of our industrial real estate market but also signifies a transformative step towards a sustainable and innovative manufacturing landscape. We are proud to support such progressive ventures that drive economic growth and technological advancement.”

Economic and Employment Boost for Lansing

The impact of this expansion is substantial for the Lansing community. The investment will not only bolster the local economy but also create numerous job opportunities, reinforcing the city’s status as a vital hub for automotive manufacturing. The electrification of the Lansing Grand River plant promises to attract further investments and development in the region, enhancing the local industrial real estate market.

“Martin Commercial Properties is proud to be at the forefront of commercial real estate transactions for automotive suppliers supporting the local auto industry. Our team’s direct involvement in facilitating a number of these crucial deals underscores our dedication to advancing the region’s role in the growing electric vehicle industry.,” stated Mr. Martin.

Strengthening Lansing’s Industrial Market

Lansing’s industrial market continues to demonstrate remarkable strength, experiencing historically low vacancy rates, (10.2% market wide H2 2023), low inventory, and strong rental rates. This development by GM further solidifies the area’s industrial sector, attracting additional businesses and investment. The strategic move by GM positions Lansing as a key player in the future of automotive manufacturing, ensuring a vibrant and resilient industrial market.

Expanding GM’s EV Manufacturing Footprint

This investment is part of a broader initiative to strengthen GM’s North American EV manufacturing and supply chain development, with over $12 billion announced since 2020. The Lansing Grand River plant will now join other pivotal GM facilities on the EV journey, including Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center and Orion Assembly, enhancing Michigan’s position as a leader in automotive innovation.

Explore Martin’s Industrial Real Estate Expertise

To learn more about our brokerage services for industrial properties in Michigan and how we can support your business’s real estate needs, explore our Industrial Brokerage Services page. You can also view our current listings of industrial properties available for sale or lease on our Industrial Properties Listings. With our deep expertise and dedicated approach, we are committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals in this dynamic sector.

The post Martin Commercial Properties Celebrates GM’s $500 Million Investment in Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant first appeared on Martin Commercial.