Commercial real estate investment in the Netherlands reached €7 billion during the first half of 2026, a 36% increase from the same period last year, according to new data from CBRE. The rebound was fueled by renewed investor confidence, stronger activity in office and retail assets, and a growing contribution from domestic private capital.
Offices Lead the Recovery
Office investment surged 66% year over year to €985 million, more than doubling from the market’s low point in 2023. CBRE said investors are once again targeting existing office buildings in prime locations, while domestic private investors are increasingly joining forces through club deals to complete larger acquisitions.
Retail also posted solid gains, with investment rising nearly 30% to €1.2 billion. Investor demand remained strongest for supermarket-anchored retail properties and assets in well-established shopping locations.
The logistics sector saw a quieter start to the year, with investment totaling €1.05 billion, up more than 7% annually. CBRE noted that occupier activity improved during the second quarter, which could support stronger investment activity later this year.
Housing Investment Rises, Rental Supply Stays Tight
Residential investment increased 43% to €2.71 billion, helped in part by transactions that shifted into 2026 following lower transfer taxes.
However, the higher investment volume has done little to expand the institutional rental housing supply. While investors acquired thousands of new-build and existing homes, CBRE estimates that around 90% of the existing properties purchased will ultimately be sold to owner-occupiers, limiting overall rental stock growth.
The impact is expected to be particularly noticeable in smaller cities, where a growing share of investor-owned rental housing is leaving the rental market. CBRE warns this trend could create additional housing challenges over the next five years, especially for students and young first-time renters.
Investment Forecast Raised
With liquidity remaining strong and office investment recovering faster than expected, CBRE has raised its full-year forecast for Dutch commercial real estate investment from €14.3 billion to €15 billion.
The firm expects improving conditions in both the office and logistics sectors to support continued market momentum through the second half of 2026.
