2025 felt like a pause year for property and the built environment.
2026 looks like a restart.
If there’s one thing the market taught us last year, it’s this:
waiting for “certainty” is no longer a strategy.
The CoStar year-end review described 2025 as uneven, politically noisy and slow to start — but quietly important. Pricing stabilised. Debt returned. Confidence rebuilt. And by the end of the year, deals were happening across more sectors and locations.
In other words: the groundwork has been laid for a more active 2026.
That matters for all of us working in people-led, relationship-driven businesses.
Because when markets start moving again, the people who do best are rarely the ones who suddenly “do more networking”. They’re the ones who never completely dropped the thread.
That raises a very real question I hear all the time:
How do you stay in touch without it becoming overwhelming or performative?
A few principles that consistently work:
- Think continuity, not intensity
You don’t need frequent contact — you need relevantcontact over time. - Segment your relationships
Not everyone needs the same level of attention. A small core, a wider circle, and a light-touch network is enough. - Lower the bar
A short message. An article shared. A “this made me think of you”. That counts. - Anchor contact to real moments
Budgets, moves, projects starting, policy changes, market shifts. These create natural reasons to reconnect. - Design a system that fits your energy
If it relies on willpower alone, it won’t last. Simple beats perfect.
As we head into 2026, this feels like a moment to be intentional — not louder.
The market is moving again. Relationships compound.
And small, thoughtful actions now make everything easier later.
Have a rethink about how you can stay visible, connected and relevant this year!
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Managing Partners Forum
I’m often singing the praises of the Managing Partners’ Forum
Yes, the audience is more law and accountancy firms – but for years I’ve been banging on about just how relevant their thinking is to the built environment sector – and to encourage more of you to join us!
Ready for 2026
2025 felt like a pause year for property and the built environment.
2026 looks like a restart.
If there’s one thing the market taught us last year, it’s this:
waiting for “certainty” is no longer a strategy.
Christmas 2025
Every year has its own feel, but 2025 has really been about one thing above all else: CHANGE! In the built environment, change is no longer an occasional shake-up – it’s just how things are. New structures, new ownership, new client expectations, new ways of working. And all of it playing out in a world shaped by technology, uncertainty and opportunity all at once.