2026 Forecast: Kerry Hawkins, Hobbs Brook Real Estate

What is your 2026 outlook, and which trends in your industry will influence the CRE market?
As we look ahead, the office market will continue to be shaped by intentionality. Employers are reaffirming the value of in-person and hybrid work, but they are far more selective about where they locate. Tenants are prioritizing locations that reduce commute friction, optimize workforce productivity, and deliver a differentiated, experience-driven workplace. We expect the race to quality to accelerate, with demand concentrating in assets that combine modern infrastructure, flexible design, and hospitality-level amenities to drive productivity, engagement, and long-term tenant loyalty.

What is your firm prioritizing in 2026 to stay competitive and support your clients?
Our focus remains on elevating the workplace experience through targeted capital investment in high-impact amenities, infrastructure, and tenant engagement, while enhancing our campuses with spaces designed to support how our tenants operate. Recent upgrades at 404 Wyman exemplify this approach, featuring comprehensive interior and exterior improvements. These investments reflect our “space as a service” philosophy, creating dynamic, tenant-first environments that support our partners today while attracting leading organizations in the future.