MIPIM 2026 in Review: Between Caution, Structural Change, and a Real Need for Action

The real estate industry is undergoing a period of transformation. At this year’s MIPIM in Cannes, geopolitical uncertainties collided with an enormous demand for sustainable housing. Our CEO, Yüksel Sirmasac, and CSO, Lukas Schilling, were there on behalf of ROCKETHOME. 

MIPIM is less of a traditional conference and more of a massive industry gathering. The most valuable discussions with asset managers, project developers, and property owners often take place away from the conference rooms, along the Croisette. The mood this year was marked by cautious optimism and the clear realization that structural change can no longer be put off.

Insights from the Croisette

Based on the many discussions we had on site—as well as the insightful conclusions drawn by our partners DEAS and ECN Managed Digital Signage—clear areas of focus for the coming months have emerged:

• Uncertainty meets enormous demand: Geopolitical tensions, volatile energy markets, and high financing costs are holding back the transaction market. At the same time, the demand for housing and functional neighborhoods remains as high as ever. The market is desperately seeking stability.
• Predictability and profitability as key criteria: Capital is returning only cautiously. Today, more than ever, new projects and renovations must demonstrate that they are economically viable in the long term. As our colleagues at DEAS aptly put it, the industry is seeking "predictability and risk transparency."
• ESG and decarbonization are hard facts: ESG and the path to net zero are no longer just image-related issues. Transforming the building stock is a matter of hard-nosed risk management—those who fail to act will see their asset value decline.
• Technology is becoming a key competitive factor: Rising energy and operational costs are making smart buildings a necessity. AI, smart sensors, and digital twins are no longer just “nice-to-haves.” With operating costs for energy and administration rising sharply, digital buildings are essential for profitable portfolios.
• Partnerships set the pace: No one can solve these complex challenges alone anymore. The most exciting projects emerge precisely where the real estate industry, the energy sector, and technology and risk partners work closely together.

The ROCKETHOME Perspective: From Analysis to Implementation

The industry remains under pressure, but it is precisely this pressure that drives innovation. Waiting for subsidies or interest rate cuts is not enough. We need to focus on the operational fundamentals of the buildings.

Data-driven asset management, smart energy solutions (HEMS), and open platforms that integrate the IoT with user interaction and building management provide exactly the transparency and efficiency that investors demand today. When technology is used effectively, it increases asset value and accelerates measurable decarbonization—in both new construction and existing buildings.

The takeaway from Cannes: The era of concepts is over. Now the real work begins—follow-up, deepening the discussions, and consistently putting ideas into practice on the ground.

Would you like to turn the insights from MIPIM into concrete actions for your portfolio? Let’s just get started. Contact us to learn how we can use smart digitalization to make your portfolio future-proof and low-carbon.

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