Real estate capital is increasingly being redirected — and not just redeployed. According to Colliers’ 2026 Global Investor Outlook, entire real estate strategies are being revamped, not only geographically but also by asset type.

Nearly 30% of real estate fundraising in Q1–Q3 2025 came from multi-regional platforms, suggesting that investors no longer want to confine their bets to a single geography. Meanwhile, direct real estate investment remains the preferred route for almost half of the respondents, indicating a move toward more control and selectivity.

Data centre exposure is surging, but so is interest in active strategies — where capital is not just parked, but actively engaged in development, joint ventures, and value-add plays. This approach allows investors to capture alpha in a changing global landscape.

The rise in geopolitical risk, combined with cost pressures (especially construction and land), is prompting reallocation. Still, most investors believe long-term opportunity lies in diversification, not consolidation. As one fund manager commented: “Today’s real estate portfolio needs to be balanced both across regions and asset types.”

In 2025, the real estate game appears less about “where do I put my money” and more about “how I engage my capital.” It’s a strategic pivot — and for many institutions, this could define the next decade of real estate investing.