Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
Global commercial real estate (CRE) investment is poised for a strong rebound, with investors signaling intentions to inject nearly $150 billion into the sector this year, according to research from property adviser Knight Frank.
Appetite for Acquisitions Surges
Knight Frank’s Active Capital survey found that 87% of respondents plan to increase direct CRE investment in 2026. Nearly two-thirds (62%) expect to be net buyers, while only 12% anticipate selling, indicating a clear acquisition-focused mindset among investors.
Lower interest rates, stronger occupier demand, and favorable demographic trends are cited as the primary drivers behind this renewed enthusiasm, outweighing concerns about geopolitical and domestic policy risks. Interest rates were cited by 54% of respondents, followed by occupier demand (40%), bond yields (31%), demographic shifts (31%), and emerging factors like AI (30%). Geopolitical risk and domestic policy concerns were mentioned by 20% and 15% of investors, respectively.
Europe Leads as Investment Destination
The survey highlights the U.K. and Germany as top destinations, attracting interest from 60% and 52% of respondents, respectively. These markets are seen as offering strong liquidity, exit prospects, and investor confidence.
Offices Make a Comeback
After several challenging years, offices have reemerged as the leading asset class within CRE. Investors are showing a preference for office properties that demonstrate strong ESG credentials and are less likely to face long-term obsolescence.
The return of occupiers to office spaces is driving renewed confidence, sparking what Knight Frank describes as a “turnaround in the global real estate investment market.”
Capital Flows Remain Selective
While capital deployment is increasing, investors are being selective, focusing on locations with the highest confidence in values and exit prospects. The survey also notes growing competition in prime markets, where the imbalance between buyers and net sellers may intensify pricing pressures.
