The commercial real estate landscape is shifting. High rates, tighter capital markets, and rising investor expectations are reshaping how firms manage accounting and tax operations. With new regulations like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act adding complexity, teams face more manual work, higher reporting demands, and a need for better visibility.
To understand how firms are responding, Agora partnered with Talker Research to survey 200 senior CRE professionals across the U.S. This report highlights the key accounting challenges, tax strategies, and technology trends shaping 2026.
Top takeaways from 200+ CRE leaders
Manual work is the biggest accounting challenge
43% cite manual or administrative work as their top hurdle, rising to 69% in the Southwest.
Monthly close remains fast for most firms
42% close in fewer than five business days, with an average close time of 6.9 days.
Younger leaders are most prepared for new tax rules
50% of Gen Z respondents are actively preparing for upcoming tax and compliance changes.
Tax savings are expected to have the biggest financial impact
35% say tax savings from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will most affect their strategy.
AI adoption is strong across the industry
63% of firms feel comfortable integrating AI into accounting and tax processes.
Firms expect workloads to rise in 2025–2026
40% anticipate a moderate increase of 10–25% in tax and compliance-related work.