Real Estate 360: Sentiment, viability & the tech opportunity in 2026

Speakers: Stacy Eden, head of real estate, RSM Kelly Boorman, partner – head of construction, RSM Chair: Akanksha Soni, news editor, Estates Gazette

Real estate may be regaining confidence, but the fundamentals are shifting. We're joined by RSM to unpack the findings of its latest Real Estate 360 survey and explore what’s really driving market sentiment in 2026. With 64% optimistic about the year ahead, funding conditions easing and living sectors still leading allocations, is the recovery story finally gaining traction or are viability pressures and tax constraints still holding the sector back?

From planning delays and rising development costs to the policy levers government can, and can’t, pull, this conversation will examine the mechanics of delivery in a higher-for-longer environment.

We’ll then pivot to technology. With one-third of firms implementing AI this year and smart buildings topping the innovation agenda, how are data, automation and cyber resilience reshaping risk management and occupier experience?

If you want to understand where capital, construction and technology intersect in 2026, this is the conversation you won’t want to miss.