Real estate strategies for expansion, innovation, and efficiency
New Jersey’s healthcare sector is transforming, requiring leaders to balance technology integration, workforce challenges, and patient care optimization while driving efficiencies. Strategic real estate decisions can have far-reaching positive impacts. Despite challenges like workforce shortages and regulatory compliance, the market remains dynamic. Healthcare providers and real estate professionals must stay agile and innovative to navigate this complex landscape.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the corporate real estate landscape is poised for significant transformation. Our exclusive 2025 Healthcare Trends to Watch research explores four key real estate trends reshaping how healthcare organizations approach their workplace strategies and real estate, including:
1. Health systems will re-examine their real estate footprint, balancing cost-optimization with expansion.
An aging population will continue to drive demand for healthcare, creating a need for health systems to strategically expand their footprint and service lines to serve their patient populations. A data-driven approach for planning and managing both clinical and administrative space will help leading systems make the most of their real estate.
2. Technology will continue to advance healthcare and the real estate that supports it.
Technological advances have contributed to a site-of-care shift out of inpatient facilities to outpatient settings and patient homes. Changes in how healthcare is delivered will affect health systems’ space planning.
3. Employee-focused design changes will support recruitment and retainment.
While health systems and providers have long focused on tracking and improving patient experience, this focus is expanding to employees to improve recruitment and retention.
4. Complexities in healthcare are driving providers to become more strategic with CRE partnerships and technology.
As systems and providers acquire adjacent services to expand the diversity and reach of their offerings, they will thoroughly assess their facilities strategy to streamline operations.
The healthcare sector in New Jersey and beyond is at a critical juncture, facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. As we navigate through 2025 and the years to come, the interplay between healthcare delivery and real estate will become increasingly vital. Healthcare organizations that can effectively balance cost optimization with strategic expansion, leverage technology to enhance care delivery and space utilization, prioritize employee well-being through thoughtful design, and form strategic partnerships will be best positioned for success. By embracing these trends and remaining adaptable, healthcare providers can create resilient, efficient, and patient-centered environments that meet the evolving needs of their communities while optimizing their real estate investments.
Blake Goodman is senior managing director in the brokerage services division of JLL’s New Jersey office.