MIPIM 2026: Real estate's resilient future

MIPIM 2026, held in Cannes, demonstrated the resilience of the real estate market despite global uncertainties. 

The event drew 20,000 delegates from 90 countries, with a notable increase in international capital and political leaders.

The 36th edition of MIPIM, a global urban festival, served as a crucial meeting point for public and private sector leaders to shape the future of cities. A key takeaway was the strong presence of international investors (nearly a third of attendees) and regions showcasing their development capabilities, reinforcing the market's stability.

MIPIM 2026 provided valuable insights into capital flow, technological advancements in real estate, and evolving user demands that are redefining business models.

The program expanded with new conferences and formats, including the "Housing Matters!" program, which saw a 50% increase in attendance from 2025, and the inaugural Data Centres Summit, reflecting the sector's rapid growth.

A significant new addition was the RE-Family Summit, a private forum for institutional investors and global family offices, which aimed to connect capital with opportunities and diversify the investor base. This summit welcomed family offices from across Europe. These investors were joined by delegates at the RE-Invest Summit, representing institutions managing over €4 tn in assets.

MIPIM 2026 also attracted high-level political figures from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including ministers and mayors from major cities. This underscored the event's unique ability to bring together top public decision-makers and global investors. Strong delegations from France, the UK, Germany, and an increased presence from Southern Europe were noted, alongside the return of Scottish delegations and Ireland's largest-ever delegation.

Nicolas Boffi, MIPIM director, said: “MIPIM 2026 will be remembered as a moment when the real estate investment market demonstrated its resilience and relentless optimism in the face of an uncertain geopolitical situation.

“The message I heard across the week from delegates was the need for action and the high cost of doing nothing when there are so many urgent topics that we must face together. This was best demonstrated in the coming together of the public and private sectors, of international investment with local real estate, and of politics with business.

“We have seen AI as a topic and data centres as a core asset quickly establish their presence across the week, with our first Data Centres Summit immediately full and standing-room only. Meanwhile, the relevance of the global housing crisis was evident in the stronger turnout for Monday’s Housing Matters!, where four housing ministers appeared alongside UN‑Habitat.

MIPIM will be back in Cannes from 15 to 19 March 2027.