2026 Fall Preview: Tal Hartstein, Saunders Real Estate

What trends or changes are having the greatest impact on your sector of commercial real estate this fall, and how are they shaping your business?

This fall, I’m seeing a shift in how businesses evaluate office space. Square footage is becoming less important than whether a location justifies its cost through the opportunities, resources, and credibility it provides. Tenants are mindful of overhead, but they also recognize the value of a professional address, a welcoming environment, and connections that are harder to establish working alone.

For owners, that means looking beyond the individual suite. A smaller footprint can meet a company’s needs when complemented by well-equipped conference rooms, thoughtful amenities, and responsive management. In Back Bay, the neighborhood adds another advantage: proximity to restaurants, transportation, and the people our occupants want to reach.

At The Saunders Building, that thinking is shaping our investment decisions. We’re expanding shared meeting areas and creating options that accommodate changing needs. The challenge is offering flexibility while maintaining the financial stability required to care for a property over time. Retention plays a central role in that balance. When someone can take their next step without leaving, both sides benefit.

As the fifth generation in my family’s business, I believe long-term ownership means knowing what to preserve and when to evolve. An established reputation may bring someone through the door, but their everyday experience is what gives them a reason to stay.