Workplace management used to focus on managing physical space. Now, you’re responsible for workplace experience, supporting hybrid work, enabling sustainability goals, and aligning with long-term business strategy.
Real estate decisions carry more weight than ever. And for major projects, most companies turn to one of the global real estate firms: JLL, Colliers, Cushman & Wakefield, Savills, or CBRE.
But when these firms all promise full-service solutions and global reach, how do you choose the one that fits your organization?
This blog breaks down what sets each of the “big five” apart, both regarding capabilities and approach. At the end of this blog, you will find tips on how to make a strategic, informed decision based on your goals.
The role of facility managers in real estate strategy
Facility managers today do more than keep the office running. You’re part of the team driving how space supports people, performance, and long-term goals.
- Create environments that support productivity and wellbeing
- Make efficient use of every square meter
- Contribute to ESG and sustainability targets
- Support hybrid and flexible work models
- Align space decisions with broader company strategy
Choosing a real estate partner is no longer about who offers the lowest rates or the biggest name. You need a firm that understands your business challenges and can help you solve them with the right data, services, and insight.
Top commercial real estate firms: JLL, CBRE, Cushman, Colliers, and Savills
All five firms—JLL, CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Colliers, and Savills—offer commercial real estate services on a global scale. But their strengths, strategic focus, and client experience differ in important ways. Here’s what you should know.
Real estate technology solutions: how each firm uses data and tools
Technology is essential to managing your workplace. Whether you’re tracking occupancy, planning a new layout, or supporting hybrid work, tech plays a central role.
JLL is a leader in this area, offering real estate technology platforms powered by AI and big data. Their tools provide insights into space utilization, employee experience, and long-term portfolio planning.
CBRE also takes a tech-integrated approach, combining workplace analytics, design, and operational data to support decision-making. Their focus is on creating adaptable, future-ready workspaces.
Cushman & Wakefield emphasizes data-driven workplace strategy, integrating analytics into everything from scenario planning to employee engagement.
Colliers takes a more targeted approach. Their Workplace Expert tool helps clients align space design with business objectives and team behavior.
Savills is more traditional but still leverages technology to support sustainability goals and building performance.
Having the right tech partner can help you make layout changes with confidence, justify investments with data, and monitor the impact of space decisions over time. If you need deep analytics or workplace intelligence tools, JLL, CBRE, or Cushman & Wakefield are strongest. If you’re looking for flexibility with lighter tech needs, Colliers may be a better fit.
How sustainability differs across commercial real estate
Sustainability is now part of every organization’s mandate, whether that’s reducing carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, or aligning with corporate ESG targets.
JLL and CBRE offer the most mature sustainability services. They offer a range from energy audits to net-zero strategy to green certifications like LEED and BREEAM.
Cushman & Wakefield integrates sustainability into their broader real estate strategy. They help clients embed ESG goals into space planning and operational decisions.
Colliers approaches sustainability through workplace design, promoting flexible, efficient layouts that reduce waste and support employee wellbeing.
Savills focuses on long-term value and sustainable investments, particularly for clients in luxury and high-end commercial real estate.
When evaluating your real estate partner, consider who can help you move from compliance to impact. If ESG reporting, carbon tracking, or green certifications are on your roadmap, JLL, CBRE, and Cushman & Wakefield bring the tools and expertise to deliver. For companies with fewer internal resources, Colliers may offer a more manageable and design-led approach.
Which real estate firm is best for your industry and company size?
Not every firm works equally well with every type of client. Depending on your industry, company size, and growth model, you may find that some firms are a better match than others.
- JLL works with large enterprises, governments, and technology companies. Their strength lies in complex, global portfolios that require innovation and scale.
- CBRE serves the broadest range of clients, from industrial and healthcare to retail and public sector. They’re often a go-to for organizations with diverse or geographically dispersed portfolios.
- Cushman & Wakefield focuses on corporate clients and institutional investors. They’re often selected for their strategic, data-driven approach.
- Colliers is known for its flexibility and mid-market focus. They work well with fast-growing or evolving businesses that want tailored support.
- Savills is strong in luxury, financial services, and high-value investments. They tend to work with clients focused on long-term asset performance and bespoke real estate solutions.
The best fit for your organization depends on the type of support you need. For day-to-day real estate execution plus workplace consulting, Colliers and Cushman & Wakefield offer a good balance. For strategic partnerships on a global scale, JLL or CBRE may be better suited.
Global real estate services: who offers the right market coverage?
Even if your office footprint is regional today, future expansion, or even managing remote teams, can require support across borders. The ability to scale and navigate local markets is a key differentiator.
- CBRE has the most extensive global footprint, with offices in over 100 countries and deep sector expertise.
- JLL also operates globally, with strong coverage across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.
- Cushman & Wakefield and Colliers are close behind, with growing operations across North America, Europe, and APAC.
- Savills is more regionally focused, with a strong base in Europe and Asia.
This matters if you’re managing multiple regions, planning expansion, or need consistent service standards across offices. If global coordination is a priority, CBRE or JLL offer the most seamless support.
How to choose the right commercial real estate partner
With so many overlapping capabilities, how do you make the right choice?
Here are five key questions to ask yourself:
- What kind of support do we need? Strategy, execution, design, sustainability, or all of the above?
- How complex is our portfolio? Are you managing a few offices or a global footprint?
- What are our internal capabilities? Do you need a full-service partner or targeted expertise?
- What are our business priorities? Growth, efficiency, employee experience, ESG?
- How important is flexibility? Do you want a large global provider or a more adaptable, hands-on partner?
Use these questions to evaluate each firm. Think about their offer but also how well they align with your operating model and goals.
Conclusion: your real estate partner should be a strategic asset
The firms you work with in real estate will shape your organization. It influences the way your employees experience the workplace, how efficiently your portfolio runs, and how aligned your operations are with your company’s long-term goals.
While all five companies are respected players, the best real estate partner for your company depends on your unique needs.
If you’re tasked with driving efficiency, enabling hybrid work, or embedding sustainability in the built environment, it’s worth taking the time to evaluate not just who a firm is, but how they work.