Latest news with #CRE
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LightBox CRE Activity Index Dips Amid Tariff Turbulence and Market Uncertainty
IRVINE, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LightBox, a leading provider of commercial real estate (CRE) data and technology, reported the first decline of 2025 in its CRE Activity Index, which fell slightly to 105.5 in May from 109 in April—a clear sign that early-year momentum is beginning to taper amid rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Despite the month-over-month decline, May's Index remains 22% higher than one year ago, underscoring a market that continues to move forward—albeit at a more measured pace. The pullback reflects mounting caution among lenders and investors as the CRE market adjusts to the ripple effects of new tariffs, persistent inflation concerns, and evolving interest rate expectations. "After a fast start to the year, May's Index confirms that the market is starting to tap the brakes," said Manus Clancy, head of Data Strategy at LightBox. "The investment community isn't retreating, but it is recalibrating. Lenders are becoming more selective, and underwriting timelines are stretching out as everyone reassesses risk." The LightBox CRE Activity Index measures national activity across commercial property listings, environmental due diligence, and appraisals—three functions that underpin CRE transactions and serve as a leading indicator of market velocity. The Index is normalized to account for business day variations and seasonality. In May, the three core components of the Index moved in divergent directions: Commercial property listings rose 1% from April and 47% year-over-year, showing continued seller engagement. Phase I environmental site assessments (ESAs), a key signal of lender and buyer due diligence, were flat month-over-month but up 7% from last May. Lender-driven commercial appraisal volume dropped 19% from April and 12% below year-ago levels—marking the most notable sign of cooling deal velocity. "The sharp drop in demand for commercial real estate appraisals signals a clear shift toward lenders taking a more cautious posture," said Dianne Crocker, research director at LightBox. "Appraisal activity closely tracks capital slow, so this pullback is an early indicator of tightening lender sentiment." While environmental due diligence remains steady, and listings continue to rise, the report notes the slowdown in valuations is consistent with broader indicators of a moderating cycle. Inflation signals have been mixed, interest rates remain elevated, and growth forecasts for the second half of 2025 are being revised amid tariff-related uncertainty. "Deals are still closing, but market participants report more drawn-out negotiations, wider bid-ask spreads, and intensified risk assessments," said Clancy. "Investors are pursuing opportunities, especially in high-quality urban assets and distressed scenarios, but the bar for underwriting and capital deployment is getting higher." The May Index also arrives as broader macroeconomic sentiment remains in flux, the report states. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the PCE, came in below expectations, easing fears of runaway inflation. However, the commentary highlights that lenders and investors continue to weigh a complex mix of variables—from construction costs and tenant demand to looming CRE loan maturities and global economic pressure. "As the market absorbs the initial shock of tariffs and adjusts to heightened volatility, the next few months will reveal whether this is a brief pause or the beginning of a more sustained slowdown," said Crocker. "June's Index will be critical in determining which way the momentum is headed." Explore the full May CRE Activity Index numbers About LightBox At LightBox, we are at the forefront of delivering advanced and precise solutions for commercial real estate intelligence. Our dedication to innovation propels real estate professionals forward by providing them with the essential tools required to navigate complex decisions, minimize risk, and boost productivity across the spectrum of real estate operations. LightBox is renowned for its commitment to promoting excellence and fostering connections in the industry, serving an extensive clientele of over 30,000 customers. Our diverse client base spans commercial and government sectors, including but not limited to brokers, developers, investors, lenders, insurers, technologists, environmental advisors, appraisers, and other businesses that depend on geospatial information. To discover more about how LightBox can illuminate the path to informed real estate solutions, visit us at: Media inquiries: media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE LightBoxRE Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia rises as key hub for future-ready workspaces: Knight Frank
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is emerging as a key Southeast Asian hub for multinational corporations seeking resilient and future-ready workspaces, amid shifting global corporate real estate (CRE) trends, according to Knight Frank's recently published (Y)OUR SPACE 2025 global report. The report highlights that 50 per cent of global occupiers plan to expand their real estate footprint over the next three to five years, driving demand for more than 104 million square feet of new workspace worldwide. It also points out that enhancing operational efficiency and resilience has surpassed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance and innovation as the top focus for CRE leaders globally. Knight Frank partner and head of global occupier research Dr Lee Elliott said companies are shedding legacy portfolios but are not retreating from physical space altogether. "They are moving to better space and into more locations as they regionalise their portfolios," he said. Malaysia's growing prominence is driven by heightened interest in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Penang, key regions that appeal to global occupiers, particularly in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and regional headquarters setups. Knight Frank reported increased attention from multinational corporations seeking to establish regional headquarters, high-specification industrial hubs, and sustainable logistics infrastructure within these locations. The group managing director Keith Ooi said Malaysia offers a compelling value proposition for global occupiers. "What truly sets us apart now is the growing quality of our industrial and office spaces — they are being designed with resilience, ESG-readiness, and long-term adaptability in mind," he said. A survey showed that 38 per cent of global CRE leaders prioritise operational efficiency and resilience above other factors — reflecting what the firm describes as a "flight to functionality". This trend indicates a strong preference among occupiers for hybrid-ready layouts, shorter leases, and locations offering diversified talent access. Knight Frank senior executive director of office strategy and solutions Teh Young Khean said the country's value proposition extends beyond traditional cost advantages. "Our strong multilingual workforce, growing tech talent base, and increasing ESG focus make us one of the most versatile markets for regional operations. The flight to quality is real, and Malaysia is ready," he said. Knight Frank director of office strategy and solutions Naythan Chong noted that workplace design is now driven by outcomes rather than occupancy alone. "In Malaysia, we're seeing increasing demand for spaces that are not only efficient but also enable collaboration, culture-building, and tech integration. Occupiers are asking us for spaces that empower teams, not just house them," he said. The report further highlighted that 63 per cent of global respondents now prioritise purposeful, adaptable amenities over prestige-focused features, underscoring a shift towards practical, performance-oriented design. Malaysia's newer commercial properties are also aligning with this shift, increasingly being built to green and wellness-certified standards. Knight Frank partner and global head of occupier strategy and solutions Tim Armstrong said corporations are looking to build in optionality as they commit to new spaces.
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- Epoch Times
AI in Schools Would ‘Dehumanise' Classroom Interactions, Education Specialist Warns
An education specialist has warned the use of artificial intelligence in schools would dehumanise classroom interactions and increase children's digital overload. Christopher McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education (CRE), told The Epoch Times that educators tend to embrace technology because they see it as an improvement; however, they have not fully considered the implications of education-enhanced AI. Some of these concerns involve how it would reduce the elements of human interaction that are integral to the learning experience. 'AI dehumanises the traditional classroom interaction between a teacher and the children, but also between the children themselves. That's all taken away,' McGovern said. McGovern, a retired head teacher and former adviser to the policy unit at 10 Downing Street, made the comments in the context of the education sector exploring the ways in which AI can aid pupils in the classroom and teachers with administration. The Ada Lovelace Institute (ALI), a research centre which aims to ensure that technology works for the benefit of society, Related Stories 5/7/2025 4/28/2025 David Game College, a private school in London, Children Could Reject AI Younger generations who have have grown up in a world of technology would reasonably be expected to be the most open to AI taking over the classroom. But according to the ALI, that is not necessarily going to be the case. In its 'The importance of the pupil-teacher relationship matters as much to the pupil as it does to the teacher,' the think tank observed. Similarly, teachers who were invited by the DfE to test a proof-of-concept AI marking tool '[Pupils] want you to read their work. They want you to know and understand who they are as an individual. They want to impress you often. They want to interest you in who they are,' one secondary school teacher said in feedback to the department. Tech Overload McGovern said he does recognise that AI can be used constructively in certain situations and has the capacity to match learning tasks to the individual needs of pupils. However, he said that if schools are going to introduce AI into a classroom, the use of technology needs to be reduced elsewhere. The educator warned that AI would contribute to the 'massive overload' of technology that is already impacting children, not least since smartphones and social media have become such a prominent part of young peoples' lives. 'It's an overdose of AI which is going to be the problem. As we are going further along the path overdosing our children, they become increasingly addicted to their screens,' he said, adding it could be a further detriment to children's mental health. Teachers Already Using AI Despite there being few education-specific AI tools available, teachers are using generic AI products like ChatGPT in administrative tasks. In 2023, 42 percent of teachers in England File photo of a maths exam in progress at Pittville High School, Cheltenham, England, on March 2, 2012. David Davies/PA Wire ALI has pointed out that using generic products comes with its own problems, including generating content that is not age-appropriate or relevant to the curriculum. AI can also 'hallucinate,' producing inaccurate outputs that it presents as facts. The DfE has Schools can also set their own rules on AI use—including whether and how pupils can use it—as long as they follow legal requirements around data protection, child safety, and intellectual property. The DfE is already supporting Concerns Over Cheating Last month, a survey of school support staff who belong to the GMB union Cheating is not a new phenomenon, but educators have said that generative AI has made it much easier for children to do so, particularly in non-supervised assignments like coursework. Education specialist Tom Richmond told The Epoch Times, 'Coursework was already recognised as an unreliable form of assessment well before ChatGPT came along, but it is now abundantly clear that unsupervised assignments cannot be treated as a fair and trustworthy form of assessment.' Richmond, the former director of the EDSK think tank, said that it is not possible to say with certainty how many children are using AI to cheat, as there are no reliable detection tools available to schools and colleges. He added, 'No form of assessment is immune to cheating, but some assessments are much harder to manipulate than others.' 'The most obvious way to reduce cheating is for schools to change the types of tasks and assessments that they set for pupils. Any task and assessment completed at home without supervision is now wide open to cheating, so schools can switch to more in-class assessments to prevent cheating,' he added. File photo of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, dated Feb. 03, 2025. Lucy North/PA Wire An EDSK report from 2023 £1 Million for EdTech The government has a wider strategy to advance the usage of AI, including in education. On Monday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson In her speech at the Education World Forum, she confirmed that the department's new Content Store Project will see curriculum guidance, teaching resources, lesson plans, and anonymised pupils' work made available to AI companies to train their tools 'so that they can generate top quality content for use in our classrooms.' However, she emphasised that EdTech 'can't replace great teachers' and that 'AI isn't a magic wand.' She also said the DfE will be working closely with international partners in the development of global AI guidelines for generative AI in education, in order to shape 'the global consensus on how generative AI can be deployed safely and effectively to boost education around the world.' The UK will host an international summit on generative AI in education in 2026.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disrupting Real Estate: Josef Pipoly Targets the Industry's Most Expensive Weakness
Josef Pipoly, CEO and Co-Founder of BrikMate, discusses with host Karla Jo Helms the inefficiencies in commercial real estate lease management. By leveraging AI, BrikMate is solving unstructured data challenges, replacing outdated workflows, and delivering real-time insights, sparking an AI-driven supercycle in the industry. TAMPA BAY, Fla., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The commercial real estate (CRE) sector is on the brink of transformation, with businesses increasingly investing in technology. According to Deloitte, 81% of CRE executives plan to prioritize data and technology spending this year. (1) Meanwhile, the AI market in real estate is expected to grow by 36.1% by 2025, reaching $303.06 billion. (2) One major challenge in the industry is managing lease agreements, often plagued by disjointed formats and unstructured data. Josef Pipoly, CEO and Co-Founder of BrikMate, is tackling this head-on with an AI-powered solution. Joining host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) on the Disruption Interruption podcast, Pipoly unveiled how traditional lease workflows hinder the efficiency and scalability of property firms. "The lease is the core data component of any commercial real estate business," says Pipoly. "But the contracts are unstructured and constantly changing, creating inefficiencies, errors, and excessive costs for firms managing them." The Unstructured Reality of Real Estate Commercial lease management, despite being critically central to CRE operations, remains riddled with inefficiencies stemming from bespoke agreements. Contracts vary by asset class, legal scope, geographic location, and deal structure, making it exceedingly difficult to organize and manage them at scale. "This status quo limits a firm's ability to unlock value from data, slows decisions, and creates financial bottlenecks," said Pipoly. He elaborated, "Time-consuming processes like lease abstraction can take hours to complete and often result in human error or missed renewal options, costing firms significant amounts annually." Manual, siloed workflows, combined with outdated systems, exacerbate the problem for property managers and institutional owners alike. Employers are further bogged down by repetitive, administrative tasks, reducing staff satisfaction and retention. As Pipoly notes: "the inefficiencies in this broken system hold back an industry that powers the global economy." BrikMate Paves the Way with AI BrikMate is purpose-built to address the chaos of lease management in CRE. Unlike horizontal AI platforms, BrikMate's vertically-integrated solution is tailored specifically to the domain, making it highly specialized for real estate operations. "At BrikMate, we leverage AI models to structure, analyze, and automate lease data," Pipoly explained. "Our goal is not to overhaul businesses but to give teams tools that make their work simpler, more accurate, and highly scalable." The benefits of BrikMate's disruptive technology speak for themselves. Property managers are seeing 80% workflow enhancements, saving up to $300,000 annually for companies generating $3 million in revenue. Additionally, the automation of mundane tasks lets employees focus on high-value activities, igniting creativity and productivity. "To fundamentally disrupt the antiquated systems in real estate, you need AI technologies fine-tuned to industry-specific challenges," Pipoly asserted. "We aren't trying to cram diverse industries into one-size-fits-all software, but instead enable firms to streamline operations while retaining their bespoke ways of doing business." Links Disrupting Commercial Real Estate: Josef Pipoly's AI Eliminates the Industry's Biggest Bottleneck, with Josef Pipoly LinkedIn: Company Website: Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption. Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify. About Disruption InterruptionTM Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at About Josef Pipoly Josef Pipoly is a visionary entrepreneur reshaping the future of commercial real estate through technology. As the Co-Founder and CEO of BrikMate, he is disrupting a traditionally analog industry by introducing AI-driven solutions that automate the ingestion, structuring, and analysis of complex lease data. BrikMate's conversational platform replaces error-prone manual workflows with real-time insights—solving labor inefficiencies and unlocking operational scalability for property managers, brokers, and institutional owners. With over a decade of experience across commercial real estate, private equity, and finance, Josef brings a unique blend of strategic capital structuring and deep domain expertise. Prior to launching BrikMate, he held leadership roles at Bridgewater and Ebee Management Group, where he oversaw more than $600 million in development projects and pioneered creative financing strategies, including C-PACE solutions for industrial and municipal clients. His early career at New State Capital Partners sharpened his skills in middle-market investments, M&A, and value creation across sectors such as Automotive OEM, Healthcare Manufacturing, and Biofuels. Beyond his role at BrikMate, Pipoly is committed to advancing innovation in both real estate and emerging technology. He actively mentors aspiring founders and angel invests in high-growth startups in the healthtech and fintech sectors. Driven by a passion for streamlining antiquated processes through automation, Pipoly continues to be a thought leader in the digital transformation of real estate. About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References 1. Deloitte. "2025 Commercial Real Estate Outlook." Deloitte Insights, 2025,. 2. AI in Real Estate Global Market Report 2025. "The Business Research Company." Jan. 2025, Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JOTO PR™ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SitusAMC Releases ValTrends Quarterly Report, "Fog on the Tracks," as CRE Investors Pause Amid Uncertainty, Signal Optimism on Resilient Sectors
NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SitusAMC is pleased to announce the release of its latest quarterly research report, ValTrends, offering data-driven insights into commercial real estate (CRE), valuation trends, space market fundamentals, and investor sentiment. The quarter's report, titled Fog on the Tracks, explores how ongoing economic uncertainty, volatility in public markets, and a pullback in deal activity are shaping investor behavior. While CRE investors pause for the fog to clear, certain indicators point toward green shoots on the track, especially for quality multifamily property. The report, authored by Peter Muoio, PhD, Head of SitusAMC Insights, and Jen Rasmussen, PhD, Vice President, SitusAMC Insights, combines proprietary market research with exclusive survey data from institutional investors to provide a comprehensive analysis of capital market conditions and current state of CRE valuations. Key takeaways include: Investor Sentiment & Market Outlook: While investors consider CRE a safe haven, widespread economic uncertainty and erratic equity market performance have led them to adopt a cautious, wait-and-see approach. Even though deal activity continues to slow, making valuations more challenging, early signs of recovery are emerging. Select CRE sectors are showing improving returns and tapering supply, setting the stage for potential rebound in rent growth. Capital Market Trends: Signs of Stability Emerge Investor sentiment toward CRE improved in Q1 as the asset class was increasingly viewed as a safe haven following early April policy announcements and equity market chaos. Debt and equity capital became more disciplined amid heightened policy uncertainty and after a relaxing of standards in 2024. CRE cap and discount rates did not move much; remained flat in Q1. After signs of a market thaw in 2024, investor recommendations to hold assets jump amid the current state of political and economic uncertainty. Sector Preferences: As investors seek stability amid ongoing market ambiguity, preferences are shifting sharply. Apartments surged to the top of investor rankings with the strongest sentiment recorded in over a decade, buoyed by low new supply and consistent returns. Apartments have seen four consecutive quarters of positive returns. Retail followed behind, viewed as a steady performer insulated from economic uncertainty. Office remained at the bottom of investor rankings. "The quarter's findings illustrate a CRE market in flux," said Muoio. "Investors are prioritizing resilience and stability as they navigate an uncertain market environment. Apartments stand out as a favored asset class thanks to limited supply and sustained demand. Meanwhile, office continues to struggle, though early signs of stabilization are appearing in some sectors." The full report also includes in-depth assessment performance data for all sectors, including total return, occupancy change, and rent growth, as well as anonymized commentary from institutional investors and strategic insight to help market participants make informed decisions for their investments. The release of this thought leadership report reinforces SitusAMC's commitment to providing deep insights, analysis, and intelligence that power the full lifecycle of real estate finance. The report is invaluable to those seeking to stay informed and competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. The report can be downloaded here: SitusAMC ValTrends 1Q25 About SitusAMCSitusAMC is a leading independent provider of strategic outsourcing, advisory, talent, and technology solutions to the commercial and residential real estate finance industries. The company helps clients identify and capture opportunities in their real estate businesses through industry-leading solutions that drive operational efficiency, increase business effectiveness, and improve market agility across the entire lifecycle of their global real estate activity. For more information visit Press Contacts:Great Ink CommunicationsRoxanne DonovanEric WatersFrancisco MirandaJimmy Lappas212-741-2977395594@ SitusAMCAndy Garrett Head of Marketing 395594@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SitusAMC
