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A more equitable future is within reach. First, we must harness the enormous potential of the 21st century’s people, places and spaces. #WBEF

Digital Transformation

Digitalisation is transforming our interactions and transactions, habits and habitats

Markets & Geopolitics

The climate emergency is reshaping the world of politics and finance.

Natural Environment

Climate disaster cannot be averted without transformational action across the sector.

Urbanisation

For cities to remain engines of growth, opportunity and prosperity, there can be no more business as usual.

Latest Megatrend Insights

Professional conduct and the responsible use of AI

The awareness and use of AI across the land and property life cycle has steadily grown in recent years, bringing both advantages and risks to professionals and their clients.

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Building inclusive cities: the role of real estate

How inclusive are today's cities? Drawing on the results of the Cushman & Wakefield Inclusive Cities Barometer, a recent webinar examined the role of that the real estate industry plays in fostering socially equitable and healthy urban environments.

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The planet of cities: peak population and urbanisation in the next 100 years

As discussed in the first column of this series, when considering the future of cities, it is important to observe the increasing urbanisation of our people and planet.

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RICS global construction monitor results Q3 2024: Activity growth slowing but remains positive

The Construction Sentiment Index for Q3 2024 indicates an easing in activity growth, while trends at sector level are more divergent.

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RICS commercial property monitor results Q3 2024: Are global real estate markets in early recovery?

The Commercial Property Sentiment Index for Q3 2024 tentatively points to global real estate markets moving towards a more positive trajectory. However, the latest survey results indicate considerable variation in the outlook for the next 12 months regarding different regions, countries and sectors.

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Attracting investment into net zero neighbourhoods: local approaches for global decarbonisation

What specific investment challenges are neighbourhood decarbonisation initiatives in parts of Africa, India and Southeast Asia encountering, and how are these being overcome? A recent webinar welcomed experts to discuss these issues.

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The Planet of Cities: the rise of a global urban population

Over almost nine centuries, we have embraced population growth, new technologies and the spread of trade and civilisation. We did this first by building, and then, regenerating, cities.

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Housing markets in 2024 and beyond: overcoming the sector’s ‘wicked’ problems

The delivery of adequate housing across all tenures is a challenge familiar to many markets around the world. In a recent webinar, a panel of experts from across Europe discussed the drivers and barriers to creating a more sustainable supply of housing.

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ESG risk, resilience, and adaptation in real estate: shaping future practices

As the real estate industry grapples with advancing ESG priorities, experts in a recent webinar highlighted the importance of adapting business models and leveraging technology.

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Leading indicators: could change in fiscal rules unlock funding for 1.5 million new homes in the UK?

Leading Indicators is a column written by RICS chief economist, Simon Rubinsohn. This month, could taking a balance sheet approach to fiscal policy help the UK government realise its housebuilding ambitions?

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Digitalisation in the Indian construction sector: A comparative study from design to handover

India could become the third-largest economy in the next five years, according to the World Economic Forum. Construction is a significant contributor to the country’s gross value added (GVA), however, labour productivity in India's construction sector is lagging.

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Whole life cost in real estate: Sustainability by design (part two)

In a recent webinar, a panel of experts discussed whether a whole life cost strategy can enhance decision-making in the design and operation of assets and lead to more informed investment decisions.

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