Highlights  

  • Investors are shifting from passive allocations to controlled, hands-on real estate strategies. 
  • Data centres and revitalized office assets are attracting substantial global capital. 
  • Multi-regional diversification is rising as investors rebalance toward Europe and Asia Pacific. 
  • Adaptive reuse and value-add upgrades are accelerating amid high construction and operating costs. 
  • Industrial, multifamily, and retail assets continue to draw attention due to dependable fundamentals. 

Colliers’ (TSX:CIGI) 2026 Global Investor Outlook shows thatcapitalis pivoting from passive structures to more controlled and flexibleinvestmentapproaches. Nearly half of surveyed investors prefer direct investments and separate accounts, while platformjoint venturesand M&A structures are gaining traction as investors seek operational influence. 

Private equityand secondary funds are deploying capital not just into propertyassetsbut also into operating companies, signaling a desire to shape strategy at the ground level. Despite 37% of investors preferring core and core-plus plays, only 9% of funds raised target these strategies, revealing a clear mismatch between investor appetite and fund availability. This gap is pushing institutions toward vehicles that allow faster execution, more agility, and greater alignment with their risk-reward objectives. 

Multi-regional allocations now account for nearly 30% of global fundraising. North America’s share of fundraising decreased from 50% in 2024 to 40% in 2025YTD, while Europe climbed 50% year-on-year and Asia Pacific surged 130%, reflecting rising interest in Japan, Australia and India.

DataCentresSurge as Offices Rebound 

Data centres captured 31% of global real estate fund inflows from Q1–Q3 2025, becoming the second-most preferred asset class. Demand for digital infrastructure continues to intensify asAI, cloud computing and global connectivity reshape economic activity. 

Offices — long overshadowed post-pandemic — are reclaiming relevance. Expanded return-to-office mandates, modern workplace expectations and improvedliquidityare stimulating renewed investor attention. Alternatives such as student housing, healthcare, and self-storage are gaining momentum thanks to demographic needs and widening supply-demand gaps. 

Industrial, multifamily and retail properties remain important components of global portfolios. Investors are targeting logistics corridors, urban rental markets and retail concepts centred on essential daily services.

Redevelopment, Repositioning and Sustainability Lead Value Creation

As construction and operating costs rise, adaptive reuse is becoming a more appealing path to value. Investors are refurbishing existing assets to meet new sustainability requirements, enhance efficiency, and align with evolving tenant expectations. Office repositioning remains especially active in Europe and Asia Pacific, where regulatory frameworks and market demand are accelerating sustainability-driven upgrades. 

Across regions, investors are deploying capital into assets where they can directly influence outcomes — through redevelopment, operational improvements or strategic partnerships. 

Conclusion 

Colliers’ 2026 outlook signals a new chapter for global real estate investing. Capital is not only returning but also recalibrating: investors are prioritizing control,diversificationand strategic execution. From data centres to adaptive reuse opportunities, the market landscape is expanding for those prepared to move with clarity and pace.