The Unlocking Value Bulletin #8
Market Shifts, Emerging Opportunities & Bold Moves in CRE
Welcome to a new issue of the Unlocking Real Estate Value newsletter. Each week I will provide you with exclusive advice and professional insights to help you realise long-term value through real estate development.
This week, I’ve curated ten real estate stories that caught my attention on LinkedIn, and they all point in the same direction: big shifts are happening.
From AI that turns a rent roll into a working DCF model, to platform thinking in real estate operations, there’s a lot to unpack.
We look at the rise of walkability, placemaking success in Seabrook, and intuitive investment strategies like adjusting your discount rate. Add in a major JV, a workplace trends report, and lessons from Substack—and you’ve got a sharp snapshot of what’s next.
Let’s dive in.
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1. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 #𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱?
Walkability is becoming a central metric for urban real estate. This post dives into how developers, investors, and cities are rethinking infrastructure to support mixed-use, pedestrian-first spaces. Projects that score high on walkability are seeing premium valuations and rising tenant demand. A key metric to watch in the next cycle.
2. The most important report in the world right now for anyone in Food & Facilities Management, Corporate Real Estate, or the Future of Work?
This post highlights a report packed with data and insights on evolving corporate space needs. Topics include hybrid work dynamics, space optimisation, and emerging demand for multi-functional environments. Essential reading for professionals in corporate real estate and workplace design.
3. Could you build an entire town from scratch? Casey Roloff did. Here's how Seabrook survived when other developments crashed (without over-leveraging).
Casey Roloff’s Seabrook, WA, story is a masterclass in vision-led development. Built from scratch with a strong placemaking ethos, it weathered market downturns without excessive leverage. A timely reminder of how intentional design and sustainable growth can yield outsized, long-term value.
4. The most underrated use of AI? Doing complex, multi-step tasks without needing multiple experts.
AI isn’t just for simple automations anymore. This post explores how new tools can now execute entire workflows, like turning raw data into investment-grade presentations, without cross-functional teams. It is a wake-up call for CRE professionals to integrate smarter tools into their day-to-day decisions.
5. 5M paying users. 35M monthly readers. Zero ads. Here’s 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹—from the ground up.
Substack’s creator-first model is reshaping digital publishing. This post explains how they built a sustainable, ad-free platform with strong user growth and high retention. The lesson for real estate? People are willing to pay for niche value and clear voices, something asset managers should take seriously.
6. This is a really good overview of the heuristic adjustment of the discount rate (aka target rate, rate of return or just return, r)
A quick yet valuable guide on how experienced investors intuitively adjust discount rates based on risk, liquidity, and strategic context. This skill is worth mastering, especially when evaluating off-market deals or secondary assets where textbook finance doesn’t tell the full story.
7. Joint Venture with Lendlease to deliver 6 key developments across London and Birmingham
A major JV announcement that points to renewed confidence in UK urban development. Lendlease and its partner will activate multiple sites, blending placemaking, ESG priorities, and long-term hold strategies. Signals a broader appetite for transformational urban regeneration even amid macro headwinds.
8. Most "entrepreneurs" online look successful. But they’re internally bankrupt.
A blunt post on the difference between external success and internal stability. In the CRE world, we see similar façades—polished decks, ambitious visions—but resilience and values remain the true long-term differentiators. A reminder to stay grounded and build from strength, not just style.
9. AI now takes you from a rent roll to an interactive Excel DCF valuation spreadsheet in a single prompt: short guide.
This post shows a simple yet powerful workflow using AI: upload a rent roll and instantly generate a working valuation model. No formulas, no manual setup. If you’re still building from scratch, this is a game-changer. It’s not the future—it’s here.
10. The next big shift in real estate? Platform Operating Systems. Real estate is waking up to something venture capital figured out years ago.
CRE is finally adopting the “platform” mindset—think data layers, automation, and seamless tenant experience. This post connects the dots between PropTech, asset ops, and venture principles. Early adopters will drive better margins and asset performance through smarter infrastructure.
— Carlo
Founder and Managing Director Benigni
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This post is sponsored by Benigni a specialist development manager working with international investors to realise long-term value through optimised development strategies. To learn more click this link to our website.
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