Business Leaders Outlook
2023 Business Leaders Outlook: Commercial Real Estate
Our inaugural survey shows commercial real estate leaders expect a recession in 2023. But they’re more optimistic than U.S. business leaders overall.
Commercial real estate professionals are slightly more optimistic about the year ahead than U.S. leaders overall, according to our 2023 Business Leaders Outlook survey.
The commercial real estate leaders surveyed hold various assets, with a concentration in multifamily. Nearly three quarters of these professionals expect increases in their revenue/sales and capital needs (both at 71%)—significantly higher rates than U.S. business leaders in general. Almost half of real estate leaders are optimistic about the global (44%) and national economy (46%). Nearly two-thirds (65%) are also optimistic about the industry’s performance in 2023, with 73% optimistic about their own company’s performance.
Leaders still anticipate challenges ahead—55% expect a recession in 2023. If an economic downturn occurs, real estate professionals were evenly divided on their first action: making strategic acquisitions (27%) or maintaining a steady state (27%).
Interest rates remain a prominent issue; 67% of respondents said rising interest rates/increased cost of capital are driving up business costs. Aside from the rate environment, leaders said the most pressing concerns facing the industry are lack of affordable housing (28%) and supply chain issues (28%).
Most respondents are also experiencing inflation challenges and rising costs (72%) but at a lesser degree than the total U.S. sample (91%). These challenges, however, may not hinder their growth; more than half of leaders plan to expand into new domestic markets.
Top takeaways
Industry performance
Nearly two-thirds are optimistic about the industry’s performance in 2023, with 73% optimistic about their own company’s performance.
Pressing issues
Aside from the rate environment, leaders’ top concerns are lack of affordable housing (28%) and supply chain issues (28%).
National outlook
Nearly half of real estate leaders are optimistic about the U.S. economy in 2023, compared to 22% of U.S. business leaders.
Economic downturn
If a downturn occurs, leaders will focus on strategic acquisitions (27%) or maintaining a steady state (27%).
Expect a recession
While 65% of U.S. business leaders believe a 2023 recession is likely, only 55% of commercial real estate leaders agree.
Treasury yield
More than a third (41%) of real estate leaders think the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield will hit 4.25% by the end of 2023.
About the survey
Started in 2011, the annual and midyear Business Leaders Outlook survey series provides snapshots of the challenges and opportunities facing executives of midsize companies in the United States.
This year, 791 respondents completed the online survey between Nov. 29 and Dec. 13, 2022. Of those respondents, 157 self-identified as working in commercial real estate. The 2023 survey captures those responses for the inaugural Business Leaders Outlook: Commercial Real Estate.
Results are within statistical parameters for validity; the error rate is plus or minus 7.9% at the 95% confidence interval.
Economic outlook and expectations
U.S. real estate leaders are more optimistic about the national and global economies than U.S. business leaders overall.
Bullish on their own businesses
Nearly two-thirds of real estate leaders expect their profits to increase in 2023. Most expect their capital needs to increase as well.
Inflation challenges
Inflation is increasing business costs. The majority of commercial real estate leaders are passing those expenses onto consumers.
Business challenges
Leaders in real estate face a litany of challenges, including rising interest rates, supply chain issues and cyberattacks.
Business growth plans
More than half of leaders are planning to expand into new domestic markets. More than a third count strategic partners/investments, new products/services and new distribution channels among their growth strategies.
Corporate responsibility
Election effects
From the regulatory environment to infrastructure, most real estate leaders feel the same or better about key issues after the midterm elections.
Survey demographics
Note: Some numbers may not equal 100% due to rounding.
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