CBRE Global Head of Research Henry Chin sizes up Q3 investment activity, which was stronger than anticipated, and reveals which asset classes are best positioned for Q4 and 2026.

Key Takeaways on Commercial Real Estate Investment Trends

U.S. real estate is entering a prime investment window as repricing and improving fundamentals create opportunity.

Retail and office sectors are attractive plays, as rents bottom out and occupier demand increases.

Investors should explore value-add strategies and secondary assets. Demand should spillover as vacancy in top-tier space continues to shrink and future supply in office and retail remains constrained. 

Alternative assets are evolving from niche to institutional, but investors should remain disciplined about entry pricing and mindful of the needed operational expertise.

With volumes poised for double-digit growth in 2026 amid a durable market recovery, investors can benefit from early positioning and data-driven conviction.