Winter 1999/2000, Vol 24, No 4

Abstract: The real estate industry has experienced many setbacks over the years, but never has it faced a threat to its fundamental role in society – providing physical space for people and firms to perform their day-to-day activities. It is only in the last few years, as the use of the Internet has spread and been adapted to commercial transactions that the true nature of this threat has begun to emerge. This article explores the e-commerce phenomenon, examines the nature of the threat to real estate, and speculates on the magnitude of the impact on each property type.