The UK commercial property market was on the cusp of renewed momentum before geopolitical instability intervened, forcing investors and occupiers alike to reassess risk, resilience and the critical importance of energy security.
We caught up with our Managing Partner, Andrew Bridge, who argues that the conflict in Iran should act as a wake-up call for the property and infrastructure sectors, accelerating the need for decisive action on energy projects and long-term investment strategies.
“Only a few weeks ago, I was feeling distinctly more optimistic about the direction of the market. After a prolonged period of uncertainty through 2025, we were starting to see confidence return. There was a growing sense that 2026 and 2027 could offer a more stable and constructive environment for investment and development.
“Across a mix of sectors, there were clear signs of progress. Industrial and logistics markets were growing, the office sector was continuing its evolution with a focus on high-quality, sustainable space, and infrastructure-led opportunities were gaining real traction. The mood was not exuberant, but it was improving.
“The Iran conflict changed that dynamic almost overnight. The speed of that shift should be a concern for all of us in the property sector. It underlines just how exposed the market remains to external shocks and how quickly confidence can be undermined.
“For me, this is not just about short-term volatility. It is a stark reminder of the UK’s vulnerability when it comes to energy security. We are still heavily influenced by global energy markets, and events in one part of the world can have immediate and far-reaching consequences for costs, supply and investor sentiment.
“The property sector cannot afford to treat this as a background issue. Energy security goes to the heart of development viability, occupier demand and long-term asset performance. If we want a resilient and competitive market, we need to take this seriously and act accordingly.
“That means accelerating investment in energy infrastructure and supporting the transition to more secure and sustainable energy sources. It means recognising that infrastructure is not a passing concern, but a central pillar of the property market.
“From our perspective at Fisher German, we are already seeing a significant increase in demand for advice in this space. Our infrastructure team is playing a critical role in helping clients across various energy sectors bring forward new projects. That work is now more important than ever before.
“But this is not just about one part of the market. It requires a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach. Planning, valuation, development and asset management all need to be aligned to support the delivery of energy infrastructure at scale. Without that, progress will be too slow and opportunities will be missed.
“Broad expertise is central to how we respond to that. Providing joined-up advice across various disciplines is now essential to deliver large-scale projects effectively and quickly.
“To help with this, we have continued to invest heavily in our people. It has been a strong year for talent progression, and we are building real depth across the partnership. That investment is not optional. If we are to help clients navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain environment, we need the right people with the right skills in place.
Looking ahead, there is no doubt that a swift and lasting resolution in the Middle East would help to restore confidence. But we cannot rely on that. The lesson from recent weeks is that volatility can return at any time.
“The property sector needs to respond proactively. Building teams with the right skills to advise clients on infrastructure delivery, across mapping, planning, valuation, and more, is crucial. And if UK infrastructure can be delivered more quickly and reliably, we can solve our over-reliance on foreign energy imports, boosting the resilience of commercial and residential property markets as a consequence.
“At Fisher German, our focus is clear. We will continue to work closely with our clients, invest in our people and systems, and play an active role in not only supporting the delivery of the infrastructure that the UK so clearly needs but also supporting all our clients across the diverse markets they operate in.”