Our ten key takeaways from MIPIM 2026
MIPIM 2026 opened with a noticeably positive energy. Across meetings, panels and conversations, including our own hosted breakfasts and lunches with clients and contacts, there was a shared sense that the market has found a more confident footing. Talk of transactions, lettings and development activity felt more tangible, even if optimism was tempered by awareness of global uncertainty.
Specialists from across the Forsters team were on the ground to hear what the industry had to say – here are their ten key takeaways from the week:
1. 2026 has started with a spring in its step
There was a clear sense that the year has begun on the front foot, with growing confidence around transactions, development, lettings and near‑term pipelines. Across sectors, sentiment is shifting from defensive positioning to cautious forward planning, with renewed belief in well‑structured development activity.
2. While confidence is back, it’s measured
The mood was upbeat rather than exuberant. Optimism came with a health warning, shaped by geopolitical risk, global events, and macroeconomic uncertainty. However, despite the noise, there was little evidence on the ground of transactions stalling, at least for now.
3. Resilience is becoming the norm
A recurring question was whether markets are learning to operate amid constant disruption. Many felt the industry is becoming quicker at absorbing shocks.
4. Collaboration and joint venture opportunities were high on the agenda
Collaboration and joint venture opportunities were much discussed, with the importance of local knowledge and on-the-ground expertise proving more important than ever amid uncertainty.
5. Later living was the hot topic of conversation
The later living sector was everywhere at MIPIM, and notably, not just among the usual players. Investors and developers with no prior exposure are actively exploring the sector – especially care homes – attracted by its long‑term fundamentals, strong demographics and chronic undersupply. Elsewhere, prime office development and refurbishment also look set to surge.
6. Industrial and logistics continues to prosper
There was a strong and upbeat presence from the Industrial and Logistics sector, with industry delegates reporting a robust occupier market, a focus on defence and onshoring, and continued interest in data centres.
7. Building safety uncertainty persists
There is continued hesitancy around the impact of building safety issues, driving an ongoing tendency to take a more conservative approach to risk, particularly in higher‑density and complex schemes.
8. Sustainability is seen as a core investment component
It was great to hear that forward-looking investors and funders now view sustainability as commercially intrinsic; an essential element that enhances the overall proposition. This marks a significant shift from earlier perhaps negative connotations associated with data collection and reporting burdens driven by the latest regulatory requirements.
9. Planning reform is the big unlock
There is growing anticipation that once the planning reforms truly kick in, housebuilders and residential‑led developers could return to MIPIM in force.
10. Positive signs for overseas investment into the UK
As always, MIPIM proved a great barometer for how capital flows are shifting across regions and asset classes. There were promising signs of growing momentum for overseas investment into the UK, particularly from the US and Middle East.
From our own events to the wider conversations across Cannes, MIPIM felt pragmatic: positive about opportunity, realistic about risk, and increasingly focused on sectors with long term promise. If the mood around the table at our breakfasts and lunches is anything to go by, 2026 has started with intent, and while external factors remain unpredictable, confidence is quietly rebuilding across the real estate lifecycle.
Want to learn how we can help you navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead? Please get in touch with one of our experts to discuss any requirements, questions, or projects.
Victoria Towers
Partner, Head of Commercial Real Estate
Andrew Crabbie
Partner, Commercial Real Estate
Katherine Ekers
Partner, Commercial Real Estate
Matthew Evans
Partner, Planning
Amy France
Partner, Head of Later Living
Rowena Marshall
Partner, Banking and Finance
Andrew Parker
Partner, Head of Construction Disputes
Thérèse Marie Rodgers
Partner, Construction Disputes
