Commercial real estate investment activity remains well below the highs of the previous cycle, and capital markets conditions continue to challenge both buyers and sellers. Elevated borrowing costs, refinancing pressure, uneven property fundamentals and continued pricing uncertainty have kept many investors on the sidelines.
A submarket-by-submarket look at Office, Industrial, Retail, Multifamily, and Land in the Missoula market from Coldwell Banker Commercial Drew Ward Warne, August 2026.
For decades, commercial real estate leases followed a fairly predictable formula. Landlords sought long-term commitments that provided stable income, while tenants prioritized securing the space they needed to support future growth. Those priorities have not disappeared, but the leasing conversation has become more nuanced.
Today, many occupiers are looking beyond rent and square footage and placing greater emphasis on flexibility. In some cases, that means shorter lease terms. In others, it means negotiating options that provide room to adapt as business needs change.
Demand for smaller and more flexible spaces is growing across office, retail, and industrial properties as occupiers prioritize adaptability in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
A look at the construction and development projects that have been applied for this year in Helena Montana.
For years, shopping malls felt like a fading part of the retail landscape, shaped by store closures, declining foot traffic, and the steady rise of e-commerce. But in 2026, that narrative is starting to shift. Malls are not just recovering, they are being rethought around how people actually want to spend their time.
Demography is the quiet engine under real estate. Buildings don’t create demand; people do. When population patterns change, the built environment eventually follows
At first glance, triple-net (NNN)-leased properties are a perfect investment solution for those less experienced in or knowledgeable about commercial real estate — the tenant pays for nearly everything and does nearly all the work. And for many landlords, these investments provide an alternative to bonds — a stable, passive income that allows owners to diversify their investments without the responsibilities of leasing and property management.
The American mall is not dying—it’s dividing. While roughly 1,200 malls remain across the United States as of 2025, according to Capital One Shopping Research, projections suggest only 900 will still operate by 2028.
After a prolonged period of caution, CRE begins 2026 with greater stability and improving momentum. The market hasn’t rebounded sharply, but pricing has settled, capital is re-entering with intent, and investors are moving from defense toward selective deployment.
Investor and user interest levels have increased, but that hasn’t translated into higher transaction volume. Barriers such as tariffs, interest rates, and elevated construction costs continue to present challenges to completing transactions. Sellers are not budging on price, especially if they have little debt and expect to have rent upside as quality tenants that pay top dollar are abundant.
