1) Models are the most common way 3D printing is used in commercial real estate. 3D modelling reduces costs and helps clients see what a building will look like from all sides at faster speeds. The company Floored is one such example of companies already doing 3D modelling for virtual reality tours inside buildings.

2) 3D printing may be used to build entire buildings. Shanghai-based Winsun unveiled a five-story 3D-printed apartment building in January, building a three-storey ‘villa’ house at the rate of one floor per day. The villa cost about US$160,000 to build.

3) 3D printing can be used in construction in place of current big equipment required, and will be handier for use especially in dense or remote locations. With a 3D printer, needed material can simply be printed out. Since that is a lot easier to transport than huge steel I-beams, construction costs are likely to plummet. Building emergency housing after natural disasters will be a big use of the technology.

4) 3D printing will likely bring zoning changes that will require permits to manufacture on site.

Once everything from medication to pizza can be 3D printed, will stores still need to exist in 10 years? Now is the time for lease signers to start defining their right to print in-house before regulations catch up.