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!

Title Insurance Leaders Double Down on Tech and Efficiency to Drive 2026 Market Momentum

The title insurance industry is entering 2026 with a renewed focus on technology, operational efficiency, and stronger agent support after years of volatility. Leaders from major underwriters report rising transaction activity, improved affordability, and a surge in automation and fraud‑prevention tools—signs that smarter systems and better training will define the next wave of growth.

Mortgage CEO Barred in 21 States After Major Education Fraud Settlement

A multistate crackdown has sent shockwaves through the mortgage industry as Patrick Terrance Donlon, CEO of Trusted American Mortgage, accepted a sweeping settlement that bans him from working as a mortgage loan originator in 21 states—19 of them permanently. Regulators say Donlon had another individual complete his mandatory licensing and continuing‑education courses, a violation that triggered a coordinated investigation and a $31,000 penalty. The case underscores regulators’ growing intolerance for education fraud and serves as a sharp reminder to industry professionals: cutting corners on licensing can end careers.

Florida’s Real Estate Slowdown: How Insurance Costs Are Reshaping the Market

Florida’s once‑booming housing market is cooling fast as rising insurance premiums, increasing foreclosures, and expanding flood zones push buyers to back out of deals and force sellers to cut prices. With insurance now adding thousands to annual housing costs, professionals across real estate, mortgage, and insurance are navigating a dramatically shifting landscape that’s redefining affordability in the Sunshine State.

New Florida Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026: Key Changes Every Professional Should Know

Florida begins 2026 with a wave of more than 250 new laws now in effect, impacting healthcare, insurance, real estate, and consumer protections statewide. From free breast cancer screenings for state employees to tighter pet insurance regulations, mandatory healthcare refund rules, enhanced animal‑cruelty penalties, and new condo‑management requirements, these updates carry major implications for professionals navigating Florida’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Florida’s Barrier Islands: Why Paradise Living Comes With Sky‑High Risks for Homeowners and Agents

Florida’s barrier islands may offer postcard-perfect beaches and soaring real estate demand, but they’re also some of the most fragile and costly places to build in the United States. With 765,000 residents living on land that shifts, sinks, and takes the brunt of every major hurricane, the financial and insurance risks are accelerating fast. From billion‑dollar beach rebuilds to towers settling into the sand, today’s coastal development challenges are reshaping conversations around property values, disclosure, and long‑term resilience. For real estate professionals, understanding these risks isn’t just smart — it’s becoming essential.

Cedar City Builder Redefines Affordable Housing With Luxury‑Style Twin Homes

A Cedar City development is turning heads with its fresh approach to affordability. The team behind Temple View Commons is delivering luxury‑inspired twin homes at prices below the local median by using a small, hands‑on staff and cutting traditional costs like realtor commissions. In a tight Utah housing market where inventory is scarce and prices remain high, their strategy offers a realistic path to homeownership without sacrificing high‑end finishes.