Irish News

Geopolitical instability and the property market

By Brian Lavery, Managing Director, CBRE NI Whilst we often express frustration in Northern Ireland at political inactivity and its impact on economic progress, we are by no means insulated from wider geopolitical forces. Geopolitical and geographic instability have become defining influences on the global real estate market. They are fuelling uncertainty and prompting a shift in strategy, away from...

The future of shopping centres amid repositioning and new investment

By Brian Lavery, Managing Director, CBRE NI Shopping centres have been part of our lifestyle in Northern Ireland since the 1970s, playing a critical role in the retail market and society at large. They helped create modern-day town squares sheltered from the elements and became vibrant gathering places for shopping and other entertainment experiences. Before the property crash of 2007, they were the...

Repurposing secondary offices for housing

By Brian Lavery, Managing Director, CBRE NI We are all aware that the Covid-19 pandemic challenged the traditional office model, with UK office occupancy currently averaging just 37% compared to 60-80% occupancy in 2019. In the years following the pandemic, many companies made the decision to downsize or redesign their offices to better suit a hybrid working environment, with many moving to more...

Time to Change the Mindset on Sustainability to Unlock Long-Term Value in Commercial Real Estate

By Brian Lavery, Managing Director, CBRE Northern Ireland In the ever-evolving landscape of business and investment, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal determinant of success, particularly within the commercial real estate sector. As we navigate a world fraught with economic and environmental uncertainties, it becomes increasingly evident that sustainability principles are not just a flash in...