Corfac members herald increased activity with industrial leading the way

Survey reveals a surge in global deal activity, with industrial real estate driving momentum

CORFAC International’s survey of global members from 75 independent commercial real estate firms conducted during the organization’s spring conference shows positive news for deal activity. When asked about the past six months of business, 67% of respondents said that deal activity had increased, compared to 35% of respondents in the last survey of 2024.

Industrial real estate continues to be the tide that lifts all boats. Nearly 70% of respondents said it was a leading driver of business so far in 2025, and 56% said they expected it to be the leading sector in the second half of the year. In addition, 72% identified warehouse and distribution centers as business drivers, buoyed by the continued growth of online commerce and last-mile delivery services.

What’s Causing Momentum?

Members from 40 markets around the world identified positive employment trends (55%), population migration into their markets (48%), and stabilizing interest rates (38%) as the three key factors that are having a positive influence on transaction activity. A few members noted that office is bouncing back, with companies taking advantage of the softer market as they push their return-to-office strategies. Others cited a more business -friendly political environment as a contributor to activity.

Top sources of new business in the prior six months were clients who were expanding, at 61%, and new clients relocating to the market, at 53%. Nearly 30% of CORFAC members received a referral from another CORFAC firm, and 42% from an existing client or allied service partner – underscoring CORFAC firms’ dedication to building trusting relationships.

What’s Holding Things Back?

The good news was tempered by some economic realities that are worrying members, including high costs of construction (66%), inflation and interest rates (60%), and local and national policies/tariffs (40%). Said one member, “Worries about tariffs are causing importers to hold off on decisions. They’re waiting for certainty and more direction over a longer time horizon.”

However, even the negative influences seem to be lessening. In the fall 2024 survey, a much higher 83% of respondents cited inflation and interest rates as a cause for concern.

Managing the Future

“We’re pleased to see the strong uptick in deal activity in the first half of the year, but we also recognize the economic volatility that’s going to require a steadying force to keep that heading upward,” said 2025 CORFAC president Daniel Shindleman, CCIM, MRICS, of Bridgemer AG/CORFAC International in Wollerau, Switzerland. “Collaboration and cross-market referrals have been the cornerstone of CORFAC’s mission since our founding and will continue to be our focus looking forward.”

With some investors and tenants waiting for a clearer picture of the economic future to make moves, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted advisor relationship. CORFAC brokers match market knowledge and a deep understanding of their clients’ needs with the backing of a global network that can help handle macro events.