The comeback of REITs: Top ways to play commercial real estate

Published On Dec 22, 2024, 1:27 PM

The commercial real estate sector is showing signs of a comeback in 2025 after facing declines in recent years, particularly in the office space segment. Experts anticipate a recovery fueled by strong job growth, steady consumer spending, and decreasing vacancy rates. Lower interest rates are expected to further bolster this recovery, relieving refinancing risks and enhancing capital activity across various property types. Key growth areas identified are data centers and retail, with Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) emerging as appealing investment options due to their high dividend yields and value opportunities in the sector.

Stock Forecasts

EXR

Positive

The REIT sector, particularly companies in self-storage, retail, data centers, and logistics, is likely to benefit from improving market conditions and a stable economic outlook in 2025. Growth in these areas suggests a favorable investment environment for REITs, particularly as they can take advantage of lower interest rates and renewed capital activity. This presents an opportunity for investors looking for income and long-term growth potential.

KIM

Positive

The potential for steady rental growth, especially in data centers, combined with a recovering retail sector indicates that companies like KIM and PLD will thrive as consumer demand stabilizes. With investors leaning towards value opportunities, a proactive investment in these REITs could yield beneficial returns.

AHR

Positive

As vacancy rates drop and lease demand increases in the commercial space, companies in the healthcare and retail sectors, like AHR, are similarly positioned for growth, suggesting a positive outlook in the coming year. Health-focused REITs can capitalize on rising demand for healthcare services alongside improving real estate fundamentals.

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