CBRE Survey Shows Investors Increasing Capital Allocation Into Commercial Real Estate for 2026

Commercial real estate data analytics

Commercial real estate investors are gearing up for a transformative year, according to the newly released 2026 North America Investor Intentions Survey from CBRE. With stabilizing pricing expectations, improving fundamentals, and renewed optimism around cooling debt costs, substantial capital injections are expected to reshape the U.S. commercial real estate landscape in 2026.

A remarkable 95 percent of investors plan to either increase their purchasing activity or at minimum match last year’s volume. More notably, 55 percent intend to increase overall capital allocation—a strong jump and a clear indicator of rising confidence.

“Investors are approaching 2026 with optimism…”

“Despite political and economic uncertainties, stabilizing debt costs and attractive pricing entry points are driving a strong sense of opportunity,” said Tommy Lee, President and Co‑Head of Capital Markets, U.S. & Canada, for CBRE.

Top Markets Investors Are Targeting in 2026

Dallas continues to dominate as the most attractive U.S. market for the fifth consecutive year. Cities like Atlanta and San Francisco follow closely behind. New high‑growth entries—including Charlotte, Nashville, Tampa, and Seattle—highlight growing demand in both emerging regions and discounted major metros.

What Property Types Are Investors Prioritizing?

Multifamily leads the pack, targeted by 74 percent of U.S. investors. Industrial and logistics assets follow with 37 percent, then retail at 27 percent, and office at 16 percent. Across all categories, top‑tier assets remain the core focus.

Alternative asset categories—including self‑storage, land, industrial outdoor storage, cold storage, and healthcare—are gaining interest, though only 11 percent of investors plan to pursue them actively this year.

Investor Strategy: Moderate Risk, Higher Returns

Value‑add and core‑plus strategies continue to grow in popularity as investors lean toward balanced risk‑to‑reward profiles. While core strategies are improving modestly, opportunistic and distressed strategies have softened.

Debt & Financing: Investors Brace for Market Shifts

Over 70 percent of investors expect to maintain their current debt‑to‑equity ratios. Nearly half are willing to endure a year of negative leverage—demonstrating confidence in long‑term asset performance.

Key concerns include fluctuating interest rates and shrinking refinance loan sizes due to adjusted valuations. Even so, direct real estate equity remains the favored investment vehicle, with continued interest in mezzanine financing, mortgage lending, and secured loan strategies.

Thinking About Breaking Into Real Estate?

With investor enthusiasm rising, opportunities across commercial and residential real estate are expanding rapidly. If you’re preparing to enter the field or elevate your credentials, Cameron Academy offers flexible, industry‑leading licensing education across Florida and beyond. Explore online courses in real estate, mortgage, insurance, finance, and more at CameronAcademy.com.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Housing Market Momentum Builds Early in 2026

The 2026 housing market is off to a powerful start, with rising buyer activity, expanding inventory, and steady pricing creating one of the most balanced environments in years. Pending home sales and mortgage applications are climbing, inventory has reached 2.6 months of supply, and new listings continue to grow—all signaling renewed confidence and fresh opportunity for real estate professionals nationwide.

Investors Prepare for a High-Confidence 2026 as Commercial Real Estate Stabilizes

A wave of optimism is returning to U.S. commercial real estate heading into 2026, with 95% of investors planning to buy the same or more property than last year. Capital allocations are rising, Sun Belt cities continue to shine, and multifamily remains the top asset class. As pricing stabilizes and debt pressures ease, professionals across real estate and finance are entering a year defined by strategic growth and renewed opportunity.

Florida Homeowners Face Rising Insurance Costs Despite Promised Relief

Floridians were told insurance relief was on the way, but many homeowners are seeing the opposite as premiums continue to rise. Despite state leaders insisting the market is improving and insurers filing rate decreases, homeowners like Lisa Riggi say the real‑world impact tells a different story. Higher property valuations, inflation, and updated replacement‑cost calculations are driving premiums upward, leaving some families questioning whether they can afford to remain in Florida.

Where Did Our Parents’ Florida Go? How Paradise Became Pricier, Glossier, and Almost Unrecognizable

Florida once promised retirees sunshine, low costs, and a $20,000 condo by the pool. But in 2026, soaring insurance rates, rising taxes, shrinking affordable housing, and an influx of wealthier newcomers have transformed the state into a far more expensive version of the paradise our parents knew. From corporate buyouts of mobile home parks to multimillion‑dollar estates redefining the market, today’s Florida is a place of widening gaps, disappearing middle‑range homes, and a future that demands deeper pockets—and smarter market insight.

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady in the Low 6% Range as Buyers Gain Breathing Room

Mortgage rates continue easing into the low 6% range, giving buyers and real estate professionals a welcome boost in early February 2026. Softer labor market data and slipping Treasury yields are helping keep rates stable, with 30‑year fixed loans averaging around 6.26% and refinance rates also trending lower. While affordability remains tight, today’s calmer rate environment is opening doors for more buyers—and offers agents a clearer outlook as they guide clients through a still‑shifting market.

Commercial Real Estate Investors Gear Up for a Major Buying Surge in 2026

A new CBRE survey reveals that U.S. commercial real estate investors are preparing to ramp up acquisitions in 2026, signaling renewed confidence across the sector. Dallas leads the nation for the fifth straight year as the top investment market, followed by Atlanta and San Francisco. Florida markets like Miami and Tampa continue to rise, while cities such as Charlotte, Nashville, Seattle, and New York also attract strong investor attention. With activity heating up nationwide, 2026 is shaping into a powerful year for commercial real estate professionals.