Barry McKeown: MIPIM 2026 - Cautious optimism for Scotland in next phase of sustainable and resilient real estate investment

Last week, I and several colleagues joined more than 20,000 delegates from across the global property, infrastructure and investment markets to discuss sector developments at MIPIM 2026 (Cannes, France) - the world’s leading international real estate conference.

Notably, Scottish cities, regional partnerships and government representatives were highly visible throughout the conference. I believe it’s a presence that reinforces Scotland’s growing role in place‑based investment strategies and alignment with global investor priorities.

Furthermore, it’s reassuring that against a backdrop of significant geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Scotland emerged from MIPIM as a confident, credible and well‑aligned destination for long‑term investment, reflecting the market’s shift towards resilience, sustainability and delivery.

Indeed, from a Scotland perspective there were a number of key themes which emerged from MIPIM: 

Capital is returning – selectively and strategically

Discussions suggest investors have signalled a renewed appetite for real estate, albeit with a more disciplined and selective approach. This trend aligns strongly with Scotland’s market fundamentals, where investment propositions are increasingly defined by quality of assets, transparent governance and long‑term economic resilience rather than short‑term scale.

This can potentially create opportunities to attract capital into well‑structured urban regeneration, mixed‑use development and infrastructure‑led growth across Scotland’s cities and regions.

Net zero and building performance

Discussion further highlighted that decarbonisation and building safety can no longer be framed as policy ambitions for they are now central drivers of asset value and liquidity. The dominant focus on a ‘road to zero’ agenda, has underlined that assets failing to meet environmental and regulatory standards face the increasing risk of obsolescence.

Therefore, the established policy framework around net zero, energy efficiency and building standards in this country positions Scotland well to respond to these market expectations. Particularly in the context of retrofitting existing housing stock and the delivery of low‑carbon new development.

Technology, data and AI support Scotland’s innovation ambitions

Artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital asset management featured prominently across MIPIM 2026. Technology is increasingly viewed as core infrastructure rather than a specialist added-value tool.

Technology presents challenges but from a Scotland perspective, there’s the opportunity to align real estate investment with the country’s wider strengths in innovation, data and digital infrastructure. This includes the growing market interest in data centres and technology‑enabled real estate operations.

Housing delivery and affordability

The conference reinforced that Scotland is far from alone in continuing to grapple with the issues around urban regeneration, creating sufficient quality and affordable housing stock at scale. Housing was a prominent theme and there was global consensus at MIPIM around the urgency of delivery and affordability. Collaboration between public and private sectors, planning certainty and innovative funding models were all discussed as part of creating sustainable communities.  

Scotland’s place‑based story resonates internationally

It’s significant that city and regional delegations were present in force at the Cannes event, reflecting growing investor interest in clearly articulated, place‑based investment strategies.

The return of sizeable Scottish delegations to France, highlighted Scotland’s ability to present coherent long‑term visions aligned with infrastructure investment, skills, sustainability and inclusive growth. Undoubtedly, international investors seek locations able to demonstrate clarity of vision, partnership working and delivery capability.  These are areas where Scotland continues to build momentum.

Looking ahead

In summary, colleagues and I left MIPIM 2026 with a sense of cautious optimism. For Scotland, the conference reinforced the importance of aligning capital, policy and delivery to unlock investment that supports long‑term economic and social outcomes.

Global real estate interests are increasingly adapting to a more regulated, sustainability‑driven environment, and Scotland’s focus on resilience, net zero and place‑making strongly positions this country for the next phase of market recovery and growth.