2025 Year in Review: Colin Milner, CEM, CBCP, MFB, Sustainable Investment Group

What transaction, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New York CRE market this year?

The key moment that best reflected the direction of New York’s CRE market in 2025 was the surge in office-to-residential conversions. These transformations signal a strategic pivot toward adaptive reuse, driven by zoning flexibility, tax incentives, and growing housing demand. Investors increasingly prioritize assets with retrofit potential, and compliance readiness, underscoring sustainability, resilience, and adaptability as core market drivers shaping long-term value.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026?

Emerging trends shaping opportunities in 2026 include tighter Local Law 97 enforcement, and rising energy costs, which will accelerate demand for compliance-focused consulting, green building certifications, and integrated carbon and sustainability strategies. Technology-driven solutions such as AI-enabled analytics, remote commissioning, and advanced energy modeling will gain traction as owners seek measurable outcomes. Firms, like SIG, that deliver data-driven, scalable services will capture growth in a market prioritizing resilience and regulatory alignment.