2026 industry forecasts from the JLL Spark team

Welcome to the new year!  

Ask three experts for a forecast and you’ll likely get four answers. And so it is with any forward-looking statements, any point answer is almost by definition wrong, but wisdom is to be found by comparing a range of answers to discern likely trends. Absent any black swan events, the knowledge of the crowd will prevail, and from our crowd to yours we hope you find our predictions to be of value. 

Raj.

We polled the JLL Spark team for their industry outlook in 2026 with the following queries: 

1. How will AI transform CRE in 2026? 
2. Where will the industry stand with tech adoption and implementation in 2026? 
3. What do you expect in terms of exits in 2026?

AI’s transformation of CRE in 2026 

The consensus among the team points to 2026 as a pivotal year when AI moves from experimentation to meaningful operational integration across commercial real estate, with perspectives ranging from cautious optimism to measured skepticism. 

• Critical shift from pilots to production – Growth Principal Carolyn Trickett describes “emerging solutions achieving widespread deployment,” while Growth Principal Arnaud Bouzinac notes the transition “from pilot programs to more intentional integration.” Growth Principal Daniel Correa reinforces this with data showing 88% of firms piloting AI, though only 5% achieve full goals. Chief-of-Staff Sonia El-Sherif and Partner Laurent Grill both highlight the move from experimentation to operational integration becoming “standard practice.” 
• AI’s immediate impact on routine operations – Investor Erlinda Arriola envisions property transactions compressed from months to weeks through automated document analysis and regulatory processing. Laurent points to AI “automating documentation, cleaning data, and speeding up deal cycles.” 
• Workflow integration over point solutions Both Principal Ajey Kaushal and Daniel stress the evolution toward “comprehensive integration within core operational processes” rather than isolated applications, specifically mentioning integration with rent roll management, leasing operations, underwriting processes, deal sourcing, underwriting, and debt advisory workflows. 
• Implementation challenges – Arnaud notes that while 80% of companies have AI pilots, “only 20% see meaningful results yet.” Sonia identifies “data quality and legacy systems” as persistent constraints. Laurent mentions “limitations of AI holding back significant efficiency increases.” 
• Outlying opinions – Managing Partner Raj Singh is skeptical of AI’s impact, predicting 2026 as “the year of disappointment that AI doesn’t do everything we want,” though he maintains optimism for longer-term impact. Principal Sean Wright offers the most dramatic prediction with “Your property manager will be an AI Agent,” suggesting more radical transformation than the incremental progress most others anticipate. Growth Partner Danny Klein provides a market-focused perspective, warning that “valuations may moderate” as reality checks against “projected potential,” offering a financial markets lens that others don’t address. 

Technology adoption in CRE – Moving toward strategic integration 

The JLL Spark team anticipates 2026 as a watershed moment when CRE technology adoption becomes more mature, strategic, and results-driven, moving decisively away from experimental approaches toward integrated platforms that deliver measurable business outcomes. 

• From experimentation to strategic implementation toward disciplined, ROI-focused adoption – Sonia describes “more disciplined and strategic” technology adoption with firms prioritizing “fewer, better-integrated solutions.” Ajey reinforces this with his emphasis on ROI as the driving force, stating that technologies with “clear, demonstrated profit increasing capabilities will see continued strong adoption.” 
• Platform integration over point solutions – Daniel expects “integrated platforms — not point solutions — to become the norm,” while Erlinda envisions the transition “from fragmented point solutions to integrated technology platforms that connect deal sourcing, underwriting, asset management, and investor reporting in real-time.”  
• Data infrastructure as foundation – Arnaud specifically mentions “the data fundamental needs to be addressed to pave the way for meaningful tech adoption.” Laurent highlights how “cloud migration, standardized data, and integrated systems” have laid the groundwork for mature deployment. Danny focuses on “data-driven occupancy analysis” replacing “anecdotal observations.” 
• Competitive differentiation through technology – Carolyn sees “unprecedented openings for agile startup companies” while established players face “technical debt” and “integration challenges.” Laurent emphasizes how early digital investors like JLL “will lead in capturing efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage.” 
• Outlying opinions – Raj stands out as notably skeptical, predicting only “incremental improvement at best” and suggesting major improvement depends on external factors like economic growth and industry talent influx. Laurent expresses the highest confidence in near-term impact, emphasizing current “readiness” and infrastructure maturity.  

Exit activity expectations for 2026 

Industry experts anticipate a significant uptick in exit activity for 2026, driven by improving market conditions and a maturing startup ecosystem of sustainable businesses that have endured challenging periods and are now positioned to benefit from improved market receptivity and strategic buyer interest. 

• Market recovery and improved conditions – Danny highlights “the most robust IPO activity since 2021” and “renewed market confidence,” while Sean notes the NASDAQ’s 50%+ surge and investment bankers working “feverishly to get deals ready.”  
• Maturation of startup ecosystem – Raj specifically mentions “a maturing crop of startups that debuted seven to 10 years ago.” Erlinda describes startups that have “successfully navigated recent market challenges while demonstrating efficient operations,” and Daniel references “growth of established companies becoming more disciplined.” 
• Strategic M&A as primary exit path – Ajey predicts “increased pressure from private investors to have their companies exit through M&A,” while Sonia states “strategic acquisitions will dominate.” Daniel foresees “reasonable amount will come through strategic M&A, particularly for platforms with defensible data sets and entrenched workflows.” Raj mentions potential for “private equity roll-ups.” 
• Emphasis on profitability and sustainable business models – Erlinda mentions companies with “proven business models and sustainable growth.” Raj adds the condition that startups must “deliver profit and demonstrate impact.” 
• Risk factors identified – Ajey mentions AI bubble concerns and stagflation risks, while Raj highlights economic downturn possibilities. However, the overall sentiment suggests these risks are manageable given improving fundamentals and the maturity of companies seeking exits.

Predictions and opinions provided by the JLL Spark team.

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