Most people treat December as a wind-down month. But in commercial real estate, I’ve learned it’s secretly one of the best strategic windows of the year for tenants.

Landlords, lenders, and investors slow down. Internal approvals stall. Competitors hit pause. And meanwhile, opportunities appear for leverage, negotiation, planning, or simply getting ahead before budgets refresh in January.

This issue is a shorter holiday edition, but packed with insights worth acting on before year-end.

Let’s get into it.

Just like Newsletter #1, here are three high-value articles with links, summaries, and my take.

🔗 Link: https://www.us.jll.com/en/trends-and-insights/research/hybrid-work-trends-2025

Summary: JLL reports that hybrid work patterns have finally stabilized nationwide. The average employee now comes into the office 2.5–3.2 days per week, and utilization rarely exceeds 60%.

Why it matters: Most companies continue leasing space as if pre-pandemic occupancy levels still apply. That mismatch represents real savings opportunities for occupiers in 2026.

Anthony’s take: Hybrid isn’t a trend anymore. It’s the new baseline. And most companies still lease space like everyone is in the office five days a week. There’s strategy, and money, hiding in that gap.

🔗 Link: https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/us-industrial-marketflash-q3-2025

Summary: Demand has eased from its three-year surge, but vacancy remains low and rents continue climbing in most markets. Construction is slowing, which could tighten supply further by late 2026.

Why it matters: Industrial tenants should be proactive. The window to secure stable rents and expansions is still open but shrinking.

Anthony’s take: Industrial is like the one holiday gift everyone wants. It’s still hot. Just no longer a Black Friday stampede. If you need space in 2026, don’t wait for the market to “cool” — it’s not happening.

🔗 Link: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/insights/corporate-relocation-trends-2025

Summary: Companies continue migrating from high-cost, high-regulatory markets to more business-friendly regions. Drivers include taxes, workforce mobility, and quality of life metrics.

Why it matters: If hiring is tough or costs keep rising, relocation modeling is worth exploring. Many companies underestimate their optionality.

Anthony’s take: This isn’t a fad. It’s long-term. And unlike the big brokerage firms, Cresa’s advice isn’t influenced by landlord pipelines. Our job is to analyze what’s actually in your best interest, not someone else’s asset strategy.

🔗 Press Release: https://www.cresa.com/fischer-acquisition-2025

This move deepens Cresa’s occupier-only platform with additional national transaction support, portfolio analytics, and strategy capabilities.

For my clients, that means even more horsepower on execution with the same commitment to representing only the tenant.

A brief reminder for newer subscribers:

For 16 years, I was the one owning, operating, acquiring, underwriting, and developing commercial real estate. I’ve sat in every seat on the owner’s side, and I know how they think, structure deals, and create value.

Now at Cresa, I use that knowledge to protect and empower business owners, CFOs, COOs, and decision-makers.

If you want an advisor who understands exactly how landlords operate — because I am one — that’s why I’m here.

December is the perfect time to:

Send me a note anytime: [email protected]

Let’s make sure your 2026 real estate decisions are sharp, informed, and in your favor.