Investors in commercial real estate are growing increasingly optimistic as the Federal Reserve signals the possibility of rate cuts through 2025, according to a report from Colliers. After months of waiting on the sidelines during the central bank’s aggressive tightening cycle, both buyers and sellers are now gearing up for a market rebound, driven by more favorable conditions.
Multifamily and industrial properties are expected to dominate transaction activity, as these sectors continue to show strong fundamentals. Multifamily remains a top target for investors, particularly in high-growth regions across the Southeast and Southwest, where population growth is driving demand for housing. Despite supply pressures from recent developments, markets like Florida and Texas remain competitive. Meanwhile, core markets along the coasts, including New York and Los Angeles, continue to appeal to institutional players seeking stability.
Industrial real estate, which now accounts for 33% of the NCREIF Property Index, has seen sustained growth over the last decade. Logistics hubs from California to Florida are experiencing renewed activity as investors capitalize on limited supply and robust tenant demand. Institutional capital, active on both the buy and sell sides, reflects the industrial’s increasing importance in the broader economy.
Even the office sector, plagued by high vacancies, is showing signs of stabilization. Limited new construction and an uptick in return-to-office trends are creating selective opportunities for risk-tolerant buyers.
International investors, undeterred by the strength of the U.S. dollar, are showing sustained interest in American assets. Meanwhile, pricing adjustments in the U.S. have outpaced those in other global markets, making acquisitions more attractive on a per-square-foot basis. High-barrier cities such as Boston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., are expected to see a resurgence in cross-border investment.
Alternative asset classes are also gaining momentum, particularly data centers. Driven by soaring demand from AI and cloud computing, billions of dollars in development are underway in markets ranging from Northern Virginia to Indiana. Life sciences, though facing near-term challenges from oversupply, remain a long-term bet for investors banking on demographic and technological trends.
With significant capital still waiting to be deployed, the path to recovery appears clear now. Investors are positioning themselves to seize opportunities as rate cuts approach and market conditions improve. The current market dynamics are also creating opportunities for distressed and value-focused buyers to acquire properties below replacement costs, further energizing investment activity.