Home Insights Real estate CRE total returns rise in 2Q25
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The National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) recently released preliminary results of its ODCE index for 2Q25. The ODCE index tracks 25 open-ended funds that own U.S. core commercial real estate. It is also a widely followed barometer and the real estate benchmark index for many institutional investors.

Gross total returns climbed +1.03% driven by +1.01% of income returns and +0.02% of capital returns. This represents the fourth consecutive quarter with positive returns following returns of +1.06% in 1Q25, 1.16% in 4Q24 and 0.25% in 3Q24. Total returns have now risen a cumulative +3.5% since the trough in valuations in 2Q24.

These results reinforce our expectation of unlevered total returns of +/- 5% in 2025, driven primarily by income amid muted capital returns. Optimism was high at the beginning of the year but shifting policies and geopolitical issues have reshaped market dynamics, leading investors to prepare for a risk-off environment. Despite these market conditions, commercial real estate (CRE) appears firmer than it has in the last three years, and the latest ODCE index reinforces our thinking.

Bottom line

It seems that private equity pricing may have hit its lowest point, as occupancy rates are solid, and operating income suggests a rebound in investment performance. Debt is also accessible, with U.S. publicly listed REITs showing resilience (+3% YTD) and European REITs performing well (23.1% USD / +9.3% EUR) as of late June. Commercial real estate (CRE) appears to be in a stronger position today than at any point in the past three years.

Please see our mid-year 2025 CRE outlook, Back to Basics for further detail and analysis.

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Risk Considerations 
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of Principal. Past Performance does not guarantee future return. All financial investments involve an element of risk. Therefore, the value of the investment and the income from it will vary and the initial investment amount cannot be guaranteed. Potential investors should be aware of the risks inherent to owning and investing in real estate, including value fluctuations, capital market pricing volatility, liquidity risks, leverage, credit risk, occupancy risk and legal risk. All these risks can lead to a decline in the value of the real estate, a decline in the income produced by the real estate and declines in the value or total loss in value of securities derived from investments in real estate. Real estate investment options are subject to risks associated with credit, liquidity, interest rate fluctuation, adverse general and local economic conditions, and decreases in real estate values and occupancy rates.  Commercial real estate (CRE) investments carry several inherent risks, including those related to the economy, interest rates, and tenant behavior. These risks can impact property values, rental income, and overall investment returns.  Fixed-income investment options that invest in mortgage securities, such as commercial mortgage-backed securities, are subject to increased risk due to real estate exposure.   

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