The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) recently convened its 130th Annual event at the historic Waldorf Astoria New York. Industry leaders gathered to discuss the commercial real estate (CRE) landscape, sharing perspectives on the momentum from 2025 and its potential continuation into 2026. The discussions highlighted a mix of optimism for growth and awareness of prevailing economic challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Industry experts anticipate continued momentum in the commercial real estate sector through 2026, though macroeconomic headwinds remain a concern.
Economic Headwinds and Bullish Projections
Sam Chandan, founding director of the NYU Stern Chao-Hon Chen Institute for Global Real Estate Finance, pointed to several macroeconomic headwinds impacting the industry both locally and nationally. Despite these challenges, many leaders expressed a strong sense of optimism.
Jay Neveloff, a partner at Kramer Levin, shared a particularly bullish outlook, stating, "The momentum is going to double or triple. I think the momentum is going to take us into ’26." He also voiced hope that the incoming mayoral administration would not place the entire burden of expanding affordable housing supply on investors.
Diverse Perspectives from Industry Leaders
The event featured insights from a wide array of prominent figures in the real estate sector. Attendees heard from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Jason Haber of Compass and the American Real Estate Association, David Falk of Newmark, Kelly Mack of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, and Amy Rose and Mark Ehrlich of Rose Associates. Additionally, perspectives were shared by Bob Knakal, chairman and CEO of BKREA; Hal Fetner, chairman of Fetner Properties; Alexander Durst, chief development officer at The Durst Organization; and Christine Quinn, president and CEO of Women in Need. Their collective insights painted a nuanced picture of the CRE market’s future.