2017 Most Powerful Brokerage Firms

By Chris Nebenzahl, Associate Director of Research, Yardi Matrix

You can also read our 2018 Most Powerful Brokerage Firms, 2016 Most Powerful Brokerage Firms and 2015 Most Powerful Brokerage Firms rankings. 

Guiding lights

As the post-financial crisis economic expansion continues, nearing its 10th year, the key question on the minds of most real estate professionals is “how long can the good times keep rolling?” The focus will shift to the brokerage community, as transaction activity will be closely scrutinized in 2017. Indications thus far point to a strong and stable year, although overall transaction volume may continue to decline slightly compared to the sky-high levels seen in 2015 and 2016. Rising interest rates, softening economic fundamentals and geopolitical uncertainty could weigh negatively on sales values, and for investors looking to buy or sell property, using a top-rated broker is key. 

CBRE once again topped our brokerage rankings, as its total sales volume increased to more than $211 billion. Cushman & Wakefield and Eastdil Secured each transacted more than $100 billion, and the top three firms made up roughly 60 percent of the nearly $812 billion in total volume traded last year.

Leasing activity remains elevated as well, and in 2016 more than 3.5 billion square feet was leased by our top brokers. New development across asset classes has been strong, but despite the additional supply, occupancy rates have remained relatively stable, with significant absorption of new real estate. CBRE led in leasing activity as well, with Colliers International and Cushman & Wakefield rounding out the top three.

With an eye toward the changing economic and real estate landscape, owners and investors can rely on trusted brokers to best facilitate their upcoming transactions.

Methodology

The CPE-MHN rankings of the Most Powerful Brokerage Firms utilized self-reported data for all firms. The ranking is a weighted formula based on a variety of factors, including firm performance in 2016 and over time, using factors like investment sales and leasing activity. The rankings represents what we feel is a logical balance between firm growth and market share. Ranking factors are not limited to the data that appear on this page.

Originally appearing in the June 2017 issue of CPE.