MIPIM 2025: Reading the Property Market Signals
As the Mediterranean sun sets on another successful MIPIM conference in Cannes, property professionals are returning with fresh insights on the UK economy and real estate market. These annual gatherings provide valuable forecasting opportunities beyond networking and deal-making for those of us in the CGI visualisation industry.
CGIs as Economic Indicators
While many still reference the traditional crane index (formerly by DTZ) to gauge development pipeline activity, I've always maintained that CGI commissions serve as one of the earliest indicators of market recovery. CGI activity is particularly evident in planning applications, where visualisation needs to precede physical construction for months or even years.
Current Market Signals
Our recent workload offers several interesting insights into sector performance:
Industrial remains robust: Industrial sheds and warehouses show no signs of slowing down
Residential showing promise: After a period of hesitancy, more prominent developers are beginning to revisit schemes that were previously on hold
Prime Central London offices performing well: Despite hybrid working models, premium office space in central locations continues to attract investment
The Planning Timeline Challenge
What's particularly noteworthy is the extended timeline from planning to breaking ground. A recent relatively straightforward industrial project took two years to move through the system. Observing whether the current government's proposed planning reforms will successfully streamline these processes will be fascinating.
Post-MIPIM Expectations
As delegates return from La Plage and rest their weary, sandy feet under their desks, we're preparing for the customary spike in workload. MIPIM consistently catalyses project green-lighting as decision-makers return energised (if slightly sunburnt) and ready to advance developments in the consideration phase.
The visualisation sector has always functioned as an economic barometer, and current signals suggest cautious optimism across key market segments. As we process the insights from MIPIM 2025, we're gearing up for what promises to be an active spring season in property visualisation—once everyone has shaken the last grains of Cannes sand from their laptops.