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!

Florida Homeowners Finally Get Relief as Gov. DeSantis Announces Significant Insurance Premium Cuts

Florida homeowners — especially in hard‑hit South Florida — are set to see rare and substantial reductions in their property insurance premiums. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an average statewide Citizens Insurance decrease of 8.7%, with even larger savings of up to 14% in counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. State officials credit recent legal and regulatory reforms for stabilizing the market, attracting new insurers, and delivering the first meaningful rate relief Floridians have seen in years.

Tampa’s Real Estate Market Enters a Smarter, More Selective Growth Phase

Tampa’s commercial real estate market isn’t slowing—it’s maturing. With strong population growth, rising office demand, a normalized industrial sector, resurgent retail, and an emerging health‑care real estate boom, investors are shifting from speed to strategy. Tighter underwriting, cautious capital and increased due‑diligence are shaping a more disciplined market, creating new opportunities for informed professionals.

Florida Slashes Home Insurance Rates: Biggest Drop in a Decade Sends Shockwaves Through the Market

Florida homeowners are finally seeing relief as Citizens Property Insurance announces a major 8.7% average rate decrease—far larger than originally proposed. Driven by legislative reforms, fewer lawsuits, and a calm hurricane season, the state’s once‑unstable insurance market is showing real signs of recovery. But with reduced coverage limits and shifting legal protections, experts warn that lower premiums may come with hidden trade‑offs.

Florida Homeowners Finally Get Insurance Relief After Years of Soaring Premiums

After a decade of rising premiums and retreating carriers, Florida homeowners are finally seeing long‑awaited relief. Dozens of insurers have filed for rate decreases—some as high as 11%—thanks to legislative reforms and a stabilizing market. Early approvals are already hitting counties across the state, and experts say the momentum could boost buyer confidence, affordability, and competition throughout Florida’s real estate and insurance sectors.

Self‑Storage Investing in 2026: A Market Thaw Opens the Door to Big Opportunities

After years of slowed activity caused by rising interest rates, the self‑storage industry is heating up again. New data from Marcus & Millichap shows a fresh market cycle emerging, driven by renewed buyer confidence, recalibrated pricing, and stronger lender participation. Acquisitions are rebounding, development is resetting in a healthier direction, and financing conditions are improving—creating one of the most promising investment landscapes the sector has seen in years.

Brookline’s Real Flood Risk: What FEMA’s New Maps Reveal—and What They Miss

Brookline’s newly updated FEMA flood maps identify 97 high‑risk parcels, but local experts warn the true threat is far greater. While FEMA highlights river‑based flooding around Leverett Pond and the Muddy River, alternative models show more than 1,300 Brookline properties at risk within 30 years. Hidden vulnerabilities along major corridors like Beacon Street, rising rainfall intensity, aging infrastructure, and climate‑driven storm patterns suggest that many “low‑risk” areas may be anything but safe.