The recent The CPN Investment Panel meeting at the RICS headquarters in London brought together investment specialists from across our network of 33 regional member firms to share market intelligence, discuss live opportunities, and assess the outlook for the UK commercial property investment market.
What became immediately clear throughout the discussions was that there remains strong investor appetite within the market. Across multiple regions and in certain sectors, members reported active buyers with capital ready to deploy, all searching for quality opportunities in an environment where available stock remains limited.
While wider economic caution continues to shape sentiment in some areas of the property sector, the mood within the room was confident, with members speaking of investors becoming increasingly decisive, particularly where assets are sensibly priced, well located, and capable of delivering strong long-term fundamentals. This, ultimately, is the key to activity.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the imbalance between demand and supply. Many panel members highlighted that a shortage of available investment stock is, in some respects, limiting the market, with some sellers concerned about buyer reaction when assets are brought to market. However, the panel concurred that there remains sufficient positivity amongst purchasers actively seeking opportunities, particularly for well-performing regional assets. In several cases, members reported multiple parties competing for opportunities before properties had even reached the open market.
This shortage of supply has led many within the panel to conclude that current conditions still present a good window for owners considering disposal. With significant amounts of capital actively seeking opportunities and relatively little product available, the consensus was that successful sales are being achieved where vendors price their assets correctly.
Importantly, the discussions reinforced the value of regional market expertise and collaboration. With representation spanning towns, cities, and key commercial centres across the UK, the panel provided a uniquely detailed picture of how investment activity is evolving on the ground — often ahead of broader market data and national reporting.
The meeting also demonstrated the continued strength of The CPN network itself. By bringing together trusted advisers with deep local knowledge, The CPN creates a platform where members can exchange intelligence, unlock off-market opportunities, and connect investors with opportunities across the country.
As we move further into 2026, the overall message from the panel was one of cautious optimism. While challenges remain in the wider economy, investor appetite is clearly returning and, with stock levels constrained, the market may offer compelling opportunities for those considering bringing assets to market.
The CPN would like to thank all members who attended and contributed to another insightful and collaborative Investment Panel session.
Mark Fisher – Tuckerman, James Sanders – Powell-Lloyd, David Brackenridge – BHT, Chris Hennessy – SK Real Estate, Clive Curd – Veritas, Ben Robinson – Innes England, David Gibson – Veritas, Chris Donabie – Naylors, Nigel Blyth – Fairhurst Buckley, Will Brown – Cheffins, Mark Minchell – Flude, Piers Leigh – Curchod & Co, Michael Hamlen – Flude, Sam Kingston – Roche, Ben Medhurst – PPH, Ben Truslove – John Truslove, Adam Thompson – Primary Care Surveyors