STOCKS | Global Cross-Border Commercial Real Estate Investment Rises 56% in First Half

Global cross-border commercial real estate investment rose 56% year on year to $71.8 billion in the first half of 2026, according to research data. According to Sina Finance, that was well above about $46 billion in the same period last year. Europe attracted $39.9 billion, while Asia drew $19.3 billion, and the two regions together accounted for more than 82% of global cross-border investment. By destination, Europe accounted for about 55.6% of the global total, while Asia made up about 26.9%. Outside Europe and Asia, other regions received about $12.6 billion in cross-border investment. The report said cross-border investment refers to investors buying real estate assets in markets outside their place of registration. A survey of European investors at the start of the year showed 89% expected real estate buying activity to increase or remain stable in 2026. London remained the most closely watched cross-border investment city in Europe, followed by Madrid, Warsaw, Barcelona and Milan. In Asia, cross-border commercial real estate investment appetite also improved. The region attracted $19.3 billion in cross-border funds in the first half, and more than 57% of respondents said they planned to increase real estate investment in 2026. Office properties became the most preferred commercial real estate category among Asian investors for the first time in six years, followed by industrial and logistics facilities, living assets and data centers. Tokyo was ranked the most favored cross-border investment destination in Asia for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Sydney, with Singapore and Seoul tied for third. Global direct real estate investment rose 28% year on year in the second quarter, with investment up 38% in Asia-Pacific, 27% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and 26% in the Americas. The report said financing costs could still limit transaction speed in the second half.