Atlanta Among Top Targets for Commercial Real Estate Investment in 2026, CBRE Survey Finds

A recent survey of commercial real estate investors ranked Atlanta as a top 10 target among U.S. metros. Atlanta rose two spots to #2 in CBRE’s 2026 North America Investor Intentions Survey.

Investors are strategically focusing on high-growth Sun Belt markets while also seeking discounted opportunities in gateway cities. Several new markets made the top 10 this year, including Charlotte, Nashville, Tampa, and Seattle, reflecting shifting investor preferences.

“In addition to serving as the Southeast’s most diversified employment hub, Atlanta is benefiting from a meaningful slowdown in new multifamily deliveries following the peak supply wave of 2024,” said Shea Campbell, Vice Chair. “Both institutional and private investors are viewing the market with renewed confidence, recognizing its strong near-term fundamentals and compelling long-term investment trajectory.”

Atlanta Key Findings:

• Multifamily remains the most targeted asset class (74% of investors), followed by industrial & logistics (37%) and retail (27%), sectors that align closely with Atlanta’s development, infrastructure and demographic growth profile.
• Value‑add and core‑plus strategies are the top investment approaches in 2026 (both at 32%), reflecting investor demand for moderate‑risk opportunities with durable income and upside, well-suited for established Atlanta submarkets.
• Nearly all investors (95%) plan to buy as much or more real estate in 2026 than last year, supported by stabilizing pricing, improved capital availability, and easing debt costs—factors expected to support increased transaction activity in Atlanta.
• Reduced new‑construction pipelines, attractive price entry points, and improving rental outlooks were cited among the strongest tailwinds for investment in 2026, particularly benefiting supply-constrained, high-demand markets such as Atlanta.

“Investors are approaching 2026 with optimism about the continued recovery of commercial real estate, even as they navigate political uncertainties affecting the broader economy,” said Tommy Lee, President and Co-Head of Capital Markets, U.S. & Canada for CBRE. “Despite these challenges, stabilizing debt costs and attractive entry points for pricing are driving investor confidence, as many see this as an opportunity to secure high-quality assets and position themselves for long-term growth.”