REIT Corporate Directors

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant frontier — it is a present and pressing force across industries, and real estate is no exception. From smart buildings and predictive analytics to generative design and personalized tenant services, AI has arrived with the potential to radically transform how real estate is developed, operated, and invested in. But as the sector races to adopt new tools, boards must remain clear-eyed: AI’s potential benefits for real estate firms are significant, but so too are the emerging risks. The AI revolution may bring as many new constraints as it does capabilities. In this rapidly evolving environment, directors must lead with balance — understanding not just where AI can unlock value, but also where it may strain the foundations the industry relies on, from energy infrastructure to labor markets.

Real estate company boards are navigating RTO policies by balancing financial impacts, employee preferences, and market trends. The rise of remote and hybrid work has led to underutilized office spaces and changes in tenant demand, prompting boards to explore repurposing, flexible leasing, and strategic property acquisitions. To retain talent, companies are adopting hybrid work models while carefully planning space utilization. Companies are also capitalizing on market downturns by acquiring discounted office properties to adapt to evolving business needs. As the landscape continues to shift, the question is whether boards are being bold enough to rethink the traditional office model, or are they merely reacting to short-term trends?

Real estate companies may not be the first casualties of a trade war, but they won’t emerge unscathed. With new tariffs on key building materials and potential retaliatory measures from major trade partners, the sector must prepare for rising costs, prolonged project timelines, and economic volatility. In an environment where financial resilience is paramount, boards must take a proactive approach to mitigating risks and positioning their companies for long-term success or else be caught flat-footed in a shifting global economy.