The Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth recently hosted their 2025 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast offering a dynamic view of where the market is heading over the next few years. From surging industrial demand and nearshoring trends to optimism in retail and shifts in the office sector, a variety of speakers shared data-driven insights that painted a cautiously optimistic picture.
As a full-service agency with a special focus on real estate and economic development, we’re constantly looking for innovative ways to elevate our clients’ projects and investments. For that reason, the insights shared at the 2025 Real Estate Council Tarrant County CRE Forecast were especially valuable, offering a clear look at the industry’s trends and challenges. Below, we’ve distilled our top takeaways from this year’s event.
Economic Indicators Point to a 2025 Rebound
Easing inflation, stable material costs, and continued demand in data centers, healthcare, and higher ed have created cautious optimism for growth.
Workforce and Labor Remain Critical
Even with a positive outlook, labor constraints continue to shape project timelines and costs, with competition for skilled talent poised to intensify.
Construction Cost Escalation – Still a Concern
Costs have risen more slowly than in previous years, but firms remain vigilant—particularly on large-scale projects where financing and contract timing are crucial.
Mixed-Use and Adaptive Reuse on the Rise
Shifting work patterns and demand for experiential spaces have investors and developers repurposing older properties into dynamic, multi-functional environments.
Sustainability: A Must-Have, Not a Nice-to-Have
Biophilic design, carbon neutrality, and eco-friendly building strategies are now table stakes, with “green” considerations central to most commercial real estate decisions.
High Retail Occupancy Marks the “Year of the Grocer”
Retail occupancy is strong (95%), with grocers claiming nearly half of new developments. Pop-up shops, technology-driven experiences, and eco-conscious offerings are also reshaping consumer expectations.
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Multifamily Demand Holds Steady Amid Fewer New Starts
While construction pipelines have shrunk from historic highs, robust absorption and stable occupancies signal ongoing renter demand, placing DFW among the Sunbelt’s healthiest multifamily markets.
Industrial Growth Driven by Nearshoring
DFW’s position as the second-largest industrial market and its proximity to Mexico continues to attract large-scale deals. Forecasters predict lower vacancy and rising rents as demand outpaces supply.
Office Market “Built Different”
Despite national headwinds, DFW’s office sector bucks the trend, seeing new district developments, ongoing tenant expansions, and a landlord-favorable environment where rents and escalations are climbing.
Capital & Investor Interest in DFW Remains High
Even with potential volatility ahead, investor interest in commercial real estate in the DFW Metroplex remains strong. DFW remains attractive when compared to competitive markets, thanks to its expansive land and green space, convenient airport access, lack of state income tax and a welcoming community that actively supports growth and success.
Amid all the insights, trends, and data shared at the Commercial Forecast, one overarching sentiment remains: there’s tremendous opportunity in the DFW region. In Fort Worth specifically, meaningful economic development transcends bricks and mortar—it’s about forging strong partnerships, investing in people, and building resilient communities. That’s the vision we champion at Schaefer. We build brands that actively engage consumers and drive business results. We combine meaningful data about the market with insight and intuition to create value and bring real estate to life. If you’re ready to make your mark on the DFW market and beyond, let’s talk.
