The commercial real estate industry stands at a pivotal moment as it anticipates potential shifts in federal policy. With the Trump administration preparing to take over, industry stakeholders are analyzing how various policy changes could reshape property markets across the United States.

7 potential areas of impact for commercial real estate

From financing and development to property operations, the implications could be far-reaching. This analysis examines the key areas that could significantly impact commercial real estate markets, offering insights into both opportunities and challenges that may emerge.

1. Regulatory environment and development

A significant focus will likely be placed on streamlining regulatory processes affecting commercial real estate development. The administration’s approach to regulation could manifest through expedited permitting processes for construction projects, potentially reducing development timelines and costs. This could particularly benefit developers in markets where regulatory hurdles have historically constrained new supply.

Reduced environmental review requirements for commercial projects could accelerate project timelines but may create tension with ESG-focused investors and tenants. Additionally, the opening of federal lands for development could create new opportunities in markets adjacent to federal holdings.

2. Banking and finance landscape

The Trump administration’s approach to banking regulation could significantly impact CRE financing availability and terms. Potential pushback against Basel III Endgame implementation could affect bank capital requirements, potentially maintaining more flexible lending conditions for commercial real estate projects.

Changes to banking oversight might influence regional banks’ appetite for CRE lending, particularly important given these institutions’ traditional role in commercial real estate financing. Furthermore, modifications to Dodd-Frank regulations could affect CMBS markets and other structured finance vehicles crucial to CRE funding.

3. Trade policy implications for construction

Trade policy decisions could have substantial implications for development costs and project feasibility. The most significant impacts could come through three key channels:

• Potential tariffs on construction materials could increase development costs, particularly affecting steel, lumber and other key inputs
• Supply chain restructuring in response to trade policies could affect industrial and logistics property demand
• Construction labor availability could be impacted by immigration policies, potentially affecting project timelines and costs

4. Tax policy and investment incentives

The tax environment for commercial real estate could see significant changes under the new administration. Preservation or expansion of 1031 exchange provisions would likely provide continued support for transaction activity and portfolio repositioning strategies. Additionally, individuals designated as real estate professionals may receive new tax benefits or extensions of existing ones to aid their real estate endeavors.

The industry should also watch for potential modifications to opportunity zone programs, which could affect investment in designated development areas and create new opportunities for tax-advantaged investments. Changes to depreciation schedules and carried interest treatment could influence investment structures and return profiles.

5. Housing policy impact on commercial markets

While primarily focused on residential markets, housing policy changes could have substantial spillover effects on commercial real estate. Efforts to increase housing supply through regulatory reform could affect mixed-use development opportunities and retail property demand in residential growth areas.

Changes to affordable housing requirements would likely influence mixed-income development strategies and market-rate multifamily positioning. Additionally, modifications to housing finance policies could significantly impact mixed-use project feasibility and development financing structures.

6. Environmental and energy policy

Shifts in environmental policy could meaningfully affect building operations and development standards. A potential rollback of federal environmental regulations could reduce compliance costs but might create challenges in markets with strong local environmental requirements.

Changes to energy policy would likely affect operating costs and influence building system design decisions. Market-specific sustainability requirements might gain increased importance as federal standards shift, particularly in environmentally conscious markets.

7. Market-specific implications 

Different markets could experience varying impacts based on their economic composition.

• Gateway markets might see shifts in international investment patterns based on trade and immigration policies.
• Secondary and tertiary markets could benefit from infrastructure investment and regulatory streamlining.
• Markets with significant federal presence might experience changes in office demand based on federal workforce policies.

Strategic considerations for industry stakeholders

Commercial real estate professionals should consider several strategic adjustments in preparation for potential policy changes:

• Review investment underwriting assumptions to account for potential policy-driven cost changes
• Evaluate development pipelines and timing in light of possible regulatory changes
• Assess financing strategies considering potential changes to banking regulation and capital markets

The path forward for commercial real estate under a Trump administration will likely feature reduced regulatory burdens alongside potential cost pressures from trade policies. Success will require careful navigation of these competing forces while maintaining focus on fundamental market drivers and property-level performance. Industry participants should prepare for various scenarios while remaining attentive to local market conditions and property-specific factors that ultimately drive asset performance.

How BPM can help you

As the commercial real estate landscape evolves under potential policy shifts, having knowledgeable advisors becomes crucial for navigating both opportunities and challenges. BPM’s real estate professionals help stakeholders optimize their commercial real estate investments and operations through detailed market analysis, regulatory guidance and strategic planning.

Whether you’re looking to evaluate your current portfolio, explore new development opportunities or restructure your financing approach, our team can provide the insights needed to make informed decisions in this dynamic environment. Contact BPM’s real estate team today to discuss how we can help position your investments for success.