The real estate investment chessboard in Spain is reshaping itself for the coming year, and two segments are emerging with undeniable strength: residential and hotels. According to the latest investment forecasts, these two sectors are consolidating their position as the preferred safe-haven and growth assets for major investors, setting a clear roadmap for capital in 2026.
A survey conducted by CBRE of the main players in the market leaves no room for doubt. The 51% of the inverters plans to allocate its capital to the residential sector. But this is not a monolithic bet; the interest spans the entire spectrum of the residential sector. living, from the build-to-rent (BTR) up to the various forms of Flexible Accommodationas the flex livingthe senior living and student residences. This diversification responds to the growing demand for housing solutions adapted to different stages and lifestyles.
In second place, but with an equally remarkable momentum, is the hotel sector, which will attract 36% of the inverters. The strength of tourism, the recovery of fares and the scarcity of new quality supply make it a highly attractive asset.
What explains this overwhelming preference for residential and hotel? The answer lies in their resilience and in the strength of its fundamentals. Both sectors benefit from strong underlying demand, driven by demographic and social factors, and have proven to be an excellent hedge against inflation.
Although other segments such as logistics and offices are still relevant, they have lost some of the lustre they had in previous years. Caution, however, is still present in the market. The high financing coststhe economic uncertainty and the geopolitical risks continue to be the main concerns for investors when making decisions.
In this context, investment strategies are becoming more sophisticated. Investors are no longer just looking to buy assets prime, but also focus on strategies of added value (value-add), looking for properties that can be repositioned or improved to generate higher returns. In addition, the ESG criteria (environmental, social and governance) have become a non-negotiable factor, increasingly conditioning investment decisions.
The market message for 2026 is clear: capital will seek refuge and growth in assets that house people, whether permanently, temporarily or for tourism. The Flexible Accommodation and hospitality will be the main protagonists.
