Pittsburgh’s Real Professionals discussed dynamics that could affect development in the region and several of the members noted they see heightened activity. There is an increasing demand by investors from outside the region interested in buying property in Pittsburgh. A wave of tech companies, comparably low housing prices, and interest as a potential site for Amazon’s second headquarters all are factors contributing to the spike in interest in Pittsburgh real estate. Investors are seeking multi-family housing, properties for re-use and even areas for new construction.

In nearby Beaver County, there is activity related to Royal Dutch Shell’s planned ethane cracker plant—anticipated to open in 2020-21. The plant will create about 600 jobs at the complex and is expected to boost demand for housing and development in the area.