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In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron Cameron and Adam Powadiuk welcome Peter Senst, President of Canadian Capital Markets at CBRE, to discuss the emerging real estate recovery after five challenging years. From his vantage point at a global firm with $170B under management, Peter shares insights on office leasing surging 40% year-over-year, the shift from Chinese to Asian capital flows, and why food-anchored retail has become the hottest asset class. He explains how tariff concerns are actually driving European capital toward Canada and predicts new tower announcements before June 2026.

What you will learn:

• How CBRE’s August 2025 revenues jumped 40% year-over-year, signaling market recovery


• Why office leasing is experiencing a dramatic turnaround with record rents at CIBC Square


• The shift from Chinese capital to Singapore, Japan, and Australian investment in Canada


• How food-anchored retail has become the most sought-after asset class for investors


• Why apartment rents are declining but fundamentals suggest a 2026 recovery


• The impact of geopolitical tensions on global capital flows and Canadian real estate


• How institutional capital moved from real estate to infrastructure during the downturn


• Why positive leverage (buying at 5%, financing at 4%) is attracting international investors


• The productivity challenges facing Canadian workers and return-to-office mandates


• How ESG priorities shifted from top-tier to middle-tier during survival mode

Peter Senst is the President of Canadian Capital Markets at CBRE, overseeing investment activities for the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm. With operations in over 100 countries and a market cap exceeding $50 billion, Peter provides strategic insights to institutional investors globally. His role includes managing relationships with sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and private capital across North America, Europe, and Asia. Peter regularly travels internationally to facilitate cross-border investment and has been instrumental in positioning Canada as an attractive alternative to US real estate amid geopolitical uncertainties.

The post The Real Estate Recovery: Navigating Market Cycles with Peter Senst, President of Canadian Capital Markets at CBRE appeared first on Commercial Real Estate Podcast.