International and domestic migration, temporarily limited by the pandemic, is forecast to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, with smaller cities likely to see increased net migration figures. Continued hybrid working and the quest for more living space presents opportunities for growth in suburban operational real estate in many countries.

Enrolment in higher education usually rises during times of economic stress. International student numbers are expected to return to growth as travel restrictions lift. Innovative solutions, such as modern methods of construction and repurposing existing structures, can lower the embodied carbon of operational real estate, helping to make the sector more ESG compliant