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European Investor Intentions Survey 2026

February 4, 2026 3 Minute Read

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HERO European Investor Intentions Survey 2026

Overview

Sentiment in Europe’s real estate markets continues to improve as investors are positively responding to stabilising pricing, lower debt costs, and an increasingly active capital environment. CBRE’s European Investor Intentions Survey 2026, drawing on responses from nearly 700 investors, outlines how sentiment and strategy are evolving as the market moves further into its recovery phase. 

The insights below highlight key trends shaping investment intentions for the year ahead. For full analysis and detailed data, access the complete report. 

Market Attractiveness: Locations Gaining Momentum in 2026

This year’s survey reveals a clear reshaping of market preferences across Europe. Investor expectations for total returns and cross-border activity show strong regional differentiation, with several markets gaining prominence as sentiment improves. 

Our interactive map highlights the countries and cities ranked most attractive by respondents for 2026, reflecting where capital is expected to be most active in the year ahead.
*Only responses selecting markets outside of the country of domicile are taken into account.

Key Insights 

  • Spain moves into the top position at the country level, supported by resilient macroeconomic fundamentals and strong demand across key sectors. 

  • London remains the leading city for cross-border investment, reinforcing its depth, liquidity, and global connectivity. 

  • Madrid, Warsaw, Barcelona, and Milan rank closely behind, each benefitting from solid occupier dynamics and improving market conditions. 

  • Southern Europe continues to strengthen, while select CEE locations hold their position due to stable economic performance and sustained investor interest.

Implications for investors

These results help illustrate where capital flows are likely to concentrate in 2026. The map enables a clearer comparison of market performance expectations and highlights locations where early activity could unlock favourable entry points. 

Investor Confidence Continues to Strengthen

The majority of respondents (89%) expect purchasing activity to increase or remain steady in 2026. This positive sentiment is supported by a more stable macroeconomic environment, greater clarity on valuations, and improved financing conditions. 

Implications for investors 


Stronger capital rotation is expected to underpin activity throughout the year, providing a supportive backdrop for both acquisitions and portfolio rebalancing. 

Capital Deployment Set to Increase

Investors across most profiles anticipate maintaining or increasing their real estate allocations. GPs show particularly strong intentions to deploy capital, supported by higher levels of capital raised for European real estate in 2025. 

Implications for investors 

Investors continue to see opportunities in core plus and value-add strategies due to lack of supply and attractive price entry points. However, interest for core assets has increased incrementally year-on-year due to expected rental growth across several sectors. 

Living and Logistics Remain the Most Preferred Sectors

For the second consecutive year, the Living sector is the most preferred among respondents. Logistics remains a leading choice, while sentiment towards Retail and Office has improved year-on-year. 

Implications for investors 


Structural supply constraints and resilient occupier demand continue to support Living and Logistics. Meanwhile, selective opportunities are emerging in Office and Retail as confidence gradually improves. 

Turning Insight into Action

The 2026 survey results point to a market that is entering a more active phase, characterised by rising confidence, increased capital appetite and improving alignment on pricing. These insights can help inform decisions around sector positioning, market prioritisation, and portfolio strategy. 

For a full breakdown of the findings, including market-level results and a sector-by-sector analysis, access the full report. 

 

Get in touch

For further discussion or to explore how these insights relate to your investment strategy, please contact our Capital Markets Research and Advisory experts. We are available to provide tailored market intelligence and strategic guidance across Europe.

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