Global capital is on the move as investors redraw the real estate map

Core Insights - The 2026 Global Investor Outlook by Colliers indicates a shift in investor behavior towards active capital deployment and diversification across sectors and regions, driven by improving market fundamentals and returning liquidity [1][2][3] Investment Strategies - Nearly 49% of investors prefer direct investments and separate accounts, with a growing interest in platform joint ventures and M&A, while private equity and secondary funds are increasingly targeting property-owning entities and operating businesses [2][3] - A significant 37% of investors are leaning towards core and core-plus strategies, despite only 9% of real estate funds being raised in these areas, highlighting a disconnect between investor appetite and fund orientation [2] Market Dynamics - Multi-regional strategies now account for nearly 30% of global fundraising, with North America’s share decreasing from 50% in 2024 to 40% in 2025 YTD, while Europe and Asia Pacific saw increases of 50% and 130% year-on-year, respectively [3] - Data centres have become the second-most popular asset type, representing 31% of global real estate funds raised from Q1 to Q3 2025, while offices are experiencing a global rebound [4][5] Sector Performance - Industrial, multifamily, and retail assets continue to attract capital, particularly in markets with strong fundamentals and limited supply, focusing on logistics hubs and urban residential growth corridors [6] - Investors are increasingly looking to reposition existing assets for value creation, with a focus on adaptive reuse in supply-constrained markets, particularly in APAC and Europe [7] Regional Insights - In the United States, pent-up capital and attractive valuations are driving renewed activity, especially in multifamily, industrial, and data centres [12] - Europe remains a key destination for global capital, with office and industrial sectors leading a rebound amid improving liquidity [12] - APAC is witnessing robust growth prospects, boosting demand for office, logistics, and emerging alternatives like data centres and student housing [12] - Canada’s appeal as a safe haven, along with supply constraints in multifamily and retail sectors, is enhancing investor confidence [12]