Cushman & Wakefield’s Market Expertise Took Center Stage at ULI’s 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum
Cushman & Wakefield’s Market Expertise Took Center Stage at ULI’s 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum Research Analyst Eric Messer Presented on Key Market Trends, Migration Patterns, and Commercial Real Estate Outlook for Southwest Florida Fort Myers, Fla. (February 2025) – Cushman & Wakefield, a global commercial real estate services leader, took center stage at the 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum, where industry leaders gained exclusive insights into the region’s evolving market. As Southwest Florida experienced dynamic economic and demographic shifts, Senior Research Manager Eric Messer presented data-backed forecasts that shaped investment strategies and commercial growth across the region. Messer’s session delivered an in-depth analysis of key market trends, economic drivers, and commercial real estate performance across all asset classes, providing attendees with a forward-looking perspective on market demand, development trends, and investment opportunities in 2025 and beyond. His insights highlighted how migration trends, evolving economic forces, and capital market shifts shaped the future of industrial, office, multifamily, and retail sectors in Southwest Florida. As the leader of Cushman & Wakefield’s Florida research team, Messer and his team provided comprehensive market intelligence, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quarterly and annual data across office, industrial, multifamily, and retail properties. His presentation outlined how vacancy rates were expected to stabilize, capital markets were reawakening, and population growth continued to drive regional commercial development. “Southwest Florida’s real estate market was at a pivotal moment, influenced by demographic shifts, national economic forces, and evolving investor sentiment,” said Messer. “At Cushman & Wakefield, we leveraged extensive market research and real-time data to help clients anticipate trends and make informed decisions. The ULI Forum provided an excellent platform to share these insights and engage with industry leaders navigating the region’s opportunities and challenges.” According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest research, Southwest Florida’s commercial real estate sector saw continued growth in industrial development, driven by e-commerce expansion and demand for last-mile distribution centers. The multifamily sector remained strong, with rental demand increasing alongside continued migration into the region. While office vacancy rates remained elevated in some submarkets, the flight-to-quality trend led to reinvestment in Class A properties. Retail demand also rose, particularly for mixed-use developments that incorporated live-work-play concepts. “Southwest Florida entered a new phase of economic and commercial real estate growth,” said Gary Tasman, CEO & Principal Broker of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida. “Businesses and investors recognized the long-term value of this market, and our data showed that key sectors—particularly industrial and multifamily—continued to thrive in 2025 and beyond. The insights Eric Messer shared at ULI’s annual forum were invaluable for those looking to make informed, strategic decisions in this evolving landscape.” The 2025 ULI Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum brought together top real estate professionals, developers, and industry experts to discuss growth trends, housing solutions, and commercial real estate strategies. This year’s forum featured key insights into Lee and Collier County’s economic development, the Housing Coalition’s strategies for expanding housing access, and emerging trends in real estate for 2025. To view Eric Messer’s Presentation on Southwest Florida and Commercial Real Estates 2025 Economic Outlook click here. As a leader in commercial real estate research and advisory services, Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida provides clients with actionable insights and strategic guidance across all property sectors. The firm’s deep understanding of market dynamics ensured clients were equipped to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate evolving trends in Southwest Florida and beyond. This year’s forum was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, Christopher Alan Homes, M/I Homes, and Owen-Ames-Kimball Company.