Home Insights Real estate U.S. CRE deal volume up 17% in 3Q 2025
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MSCI Real Capital Analytics reported that U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) transaction volumes rose +17% in 3Q25, while upwardly revising 2Q25 to +12% (from an initially reported +7%). As a result, total volumes for the first nine months of 2025 were 17% higher than the during the same period in 2024.

Transaction volumes often serve as a barometer of market sentiment: accelerating volumes signal growing demand and confidence, while slowing volumes suggest increasing caution. Today’s market still faces notable risks and uncertainties, yet the recent pickup in transaction activity, reminiscent of 2014, is particularly noteworthy. Following the sharp slowdown during the Global Financial Crisis, 2014 marked a turning point: sales activity returned to pre-crisis levels as investor confidence returned. There are hints of a similar inflection point now as property prices are rising again, and there’s renewed investor engagement.

Broad-based strength across property types

Property type 3Q25 YTD
Office 38.4% 24.5%
Industrial 7.5% 15.5%
Retail 23.6% 21.0%
Apartment 12.6% 8.7%
Hotel -14.9% -5.1%
Senior Housing 21.1% 61.5%

Despite the favorable backdrop for year-over-year growth, given easier comparisons in the same period in 2024, 3Q25 likely exceeded expectations for several reasons:

  1. Net operating income (NOI) growth remains above historical averages, driven largely by alternative property types.
  2. Lending markets remain open and liquid, with debt originations up 55% year-to-date as of 2Q25 according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
  3. The recent tax bill preserved, and in many cases enhanced, the tax advantages of owning U.S. commercial real estate.

YoY comparisons to tighten, momentum holds

We expect transaction volumes to pick up in 4Q25, consistent with the seasonal trend of higher activity in the year’s final quarter. If 4Q25 matches 4Q14 levels at roughly $136 billion, it would mark the highest quarterly volume of the year and push full-year 2025 volumes ~10% higher than 2024.

However, it’s possible that volumes will be flat to slightly lower year-over-year as comparisons will become more challenging into year-end. Transaction volumes totaled $42.0 billion, $36.9 billion, and $62.5 billion in October, November, and December 2024, respectively. -This compares with average monthly volumes of $41.7 billion in 3Q25 and $38.6 billion year-to-date in 2025. Notably, December 2024 was higher than every other December since 2001, except during the 2018–2021 period.

Bottom line

The figures are remarkably strong, perhaps even surprisingly so. Few would have expected this performance in the days and months following “Liberation Day.” Earlier concerns that the full effects of inflation had yet to be felt now appear overstated, as both the economy broadly and the CRE market specifically have proven more resilient than anticipated. We think potential headlines that read “volumes slipped YoY in 4Q25” would understate the underlying momentum, as transaction activity accelerated throughout the year. Indeed, the recent pickup in volumes, reminiscent of 2014’s post-crisis recovery, signals a market regaining confidence, with liquidity improving, fundamentals stabilizing, and capital steadily returning to the sector.

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Disclosure

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of Principal. Past Performance does not guarantee future return. 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. 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.     

Views and opinions expressed are accurate as of the date of this communication and are subject to change without notice. This material may contain ‘forward-looking’ information that is not purely historical in nature and may include, among other things, projections and forecasts. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader.

The information in the article should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security. The general information it contains does not take account of any investor’s investment objectives, particular needs, or financial situation.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

Principal Real Estate is a trade name of Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC, an affiliate of Principal Global Investors. 

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