Global Real Estate Investment to Exceed $1 Trillion in 2026: Spain Among the Fastest-Growing Markets
Global Real Estate Investment to Exceed $1 Trillion in 2026: Spain Among the Fastest-Growing Markets
The global real estate market is entering a new expansion cycle. According to the latest Impacts report by international consultancy Savills, global real estate investment is expected to grow by 15% in 2026, surpassing the $1 trillion mark for the first time since 2022—a clear sign of market recovery and renewed appetite from institutional capital.
EMEA Region Leads Real Estate Investment Growth
The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region is set to lead global growth in 2026, with an estimated 22% increase, reaching $300 billion in investment volume. This strong performance positions Europe as one of the most attractive destinations for international real estate investment.
Meanwhile, the Americas will remain the largest market by volume, with projected activity of $570 billion, representing a 15% year-on-year increase.
Office Sector Regains Momentum
Savills estimates that approximately 25% of global real estate investment will be allocated to the office sector, which is regaining momentum thanks to the ongoing flight to quality. Investors are prioritising prime assets in strong locations, with low vacancy rates and solid lease structures.
2025: A Turning Point for the Real Estate Market
The report identifies 2025 as a pivotal year for real estate investment. Asset values have bottomed out, average deal sizes are increasing, and financing conditions are once again contributing positively to returns. These trends are expected to strengthen further in 2026.
In Europe, real estate investment volumes are forecast to reach approximately €215 billion by the end of 2025, representing a 9% year-on-year growth.
Spain Among Europe’s Most Dynamic Real Estate Markets
Spain stands out as one of the fastest-growing markets, with investment increases of over 20% compared to 2024, alongside countries such as Portugal, the Czech Republic, Finland and Denmark. Looking ahead to 2026, Savills forecasts an 18% increase in real estate investment across Europe, supported by macroeconomic stabilisation and the return of institutional capital.
The Spanish market is increasingly viewed as a strategic investment destination, particularly in prime office assets, the residential (living) sector, and hotels in established locations, driven by strong tourism fundamentals and structural demand.
Growth in International and Cross-Border Investment
The consultancy anticipates continued growth in cross-border real estate investment across Europe, led by British, French and Swedish investors expanding beyond their domestic markets. In addition, a resurgence of capital from the Middle East is expected, while North American investors will remain key players on both the acquisition and divestment sides.
Key Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Europe for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, Savills highlights several key investment opportunities across Europe for different investor profiles:
- * Core and Core+ investors: Prime office assets in major European financial districts, offering quality, stability and sustained demand.
- * Hotels: Strong investment appeal in established destinations such as Spain, London, Italy, France, Portugal and Greece.
- * Institutional residential: Particularly in capital cities and major metropolitan areas, supported by a structural shortage of housing supply.
- * Prime high-street retail: Benefiting from high occupancy levels, growing tourism and resilient consumer demand.
Positive Outlook for the Global Real Estate Market
Forecasts for 2026 point to a renewed sense of optimism in the global real estate sector, not only in terms of investment activity but also in occupier markets across most sectors and regions. Falling interest rates, increased capital availability and solid user demand are creating a supportive environment.
At the same time, technological transformation, led by the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, is becoming a key driver of the real estate market. Nevertheless, Savills emphasises the importance of monitoring structural factors such as demographic trends and evolving consumer behaviour.
In an increasingly competitive market, operational excellence and the ability to adapt to changing user needs are emerging as critical differentiators for real estate investors and operators.