2026 is projected to be a landmark year for commercial real estate (CRE). Investors aren’t just looking for growth—they’re chasing markets with unstoppable momentum, economic resilience and unbeatable returns. Ready to see where the next wave of opportunity is expected? Let’s explore the cities driving growth today and positioned to lead in 2026.
1. Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas
Consistently ranked as a top destination for CRE investment by various major brokerage, analytic and investment firms, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (DFW metroplex) is experiencing explosive growth with no signs of slowing down. Investors, developers, lenders and corporate business operations continue to be drawn to this land-rich area. Developers are buying up land at a breakneck pace to bring new subdivisions with affordable housing, shopping centers, industrial warehouses, healthcare facilities, restaurants and more – all to meet the demands of the growth. Here are some of the key drivers behind the DFW metroplex sustained popularity:
• Retailtainment: The retail market is transitioning into a “retailtainment1” hub as mixed-use projects blend shopping, dining and entertainment to boost consumer engagement. Over 7.1 million square feet (msf) of new retail construction is underway2, much of it anchored by experiential concepts like pickleball venues, rooftop dining and lifestyle hubs.
• Corporate relocations and expansions: The DFW metroplex leads in corporate relocations. It attracted 100 new corporate headquarters from 2018 to 20243—and this momentum shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. Click here to see which companies moved to the DFW metroplex during 2023 and 2024; and for a map of relocations as of 2025, click here.
• Data center expansion: The DFW metroplex is rapidly emerging as a major hub for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, with multiple projects underway and strong funding prospects in 2026. A prime example is global technology leader Wistron, which is investing $761 million into the establishment of its first U.S. manufacturing site focused on producing AI supercomputers and related components.4
2. Miami, Florida
Miami remains a premier Sun Belt market, supported by economic strength and dynamic growth trends that consistently rank the city among the top choices for CRE investment firms. Key catalysts include the region’s rise as “Wall Street South,” driven by the migration of financial firms and high-net-worth individuals. Some other significant catalysts include:
• Foreign investment: Miami’s world-class airport and seaport infrastructure make it a hub for logistics and international business. According to the 2025 Miami New Construction Global Sales Report compiled by the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®, 73 countries have purchased new construction units over the last 22 months5, including pre-construction and condo conversion sales.
• Luxury appeal: Miami has become one of the world's top luxury real estate destinations for its beachfront condos that feature resort-style amenities and waterfront estates with private docks.
• Favorable tax and business policies: Florida offers a highly favorable tax environment for investors. The state imposes no personal income tax, which means higher net returns for investors. In Miami, both the city and county also maintain no property tax on business inventories and no corporate tax on limited partnerships.
3. Houston, Texas
Houston delivers a rare combination of expansive land, long-term growth potential and lower entry costs compared to other major markets. Some of the top factors contributing to Houston’s CRE surge include:
• Global shipping hub: Port Houston is a critical gateway for global trade along Texas’ 367-mile Gulf Coast, one of the most active trade corridors in the U.S. In 2024, total trade through the port surged to $223.5 billion—a remarkable 42% increase since 2019.6 As a net exporter by trade value, Port Houston recorded $129.9 billion in exports compared to $93.7 billion in imports5, reinforcing its role as a powerhouse for outbound U.S. goods.
• Energy: Texas dominates U.S. energy production—leading in oil, gas, wind and solar—and generates nearly one-fourth of all domestic energy. As the number two liquified natural gas (LNG) exporter and a top producer of hydrogen, carbon capture, battery storage and modular nuclear power, Texas is driving the future of energy innovation.7
According to information compiled by the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston is home to over 4,200 energy-related firms and major global headquarters8, creating a strong demand for industrial, logistics, and specialized facilities and prime opportunities for CRE investors.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Its proximity to major West Coast markets, combined with comparatively lower operating costs and plentiful land for development, positions Phoenix as a high-potential destination for CRE investment. Major drivers in the area include:
• Industrial/Manufacturing: The Phoenix industrial market posted an impressive Q4 2025, which is expected to continue in 2026. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has significantly expanded its footprint in North Phoenix, acquiring approximately 900 additional acres for $197.25 million on January 7, 2026.9 This purchase builds on the 1,129 acres purchased in 2020, bringing TSMC’s total land holdings in the area to more than 2,000 acres for its major semiconductor campus expansion.
• Healthcare: Phoenix is experiencing a healthcare CRE surge due to rapid population growth, aging demographics, and the industry’s goal to increase both medical office buildings (MOBs) and conduct major hospital expansions. Mayo Clinic announced in early 2025 that it is making a $1.9 billion investment to transform its Phoenix campus with a 1.2 million-square-foot expansion that will increase clinical space by nearly 60%.10
5. Brooklyn & Manhattan, New York City
Manhattan continues to be a global mecca with concentrations in finance, law and media, while Brooklyn has become a centralized location for tech, creative agencies and startups, making both boroughs highly attractive to CRE investors. Some recent highlights for each borough include:
• Class A and trophy office buildings in Manhattan: There has been a surge in the construction and leasing of Class A and “trophy” office buildings, mostly due to a demand from tech and financial firms for premium spaces with cutting-edge amenities. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Q3 Manhattan’s Office MarketBeat, there was 7.3 msf11 of new leasing activity, which marked the third straight quarter of elevated activity. Year-to-date volume reached 23 msf, up 37.6% from 202411, positioning 2025 as one of Manhattan’s strongest leasing years since 2019.
• Overall pricing indicators in Brooklyn: Record-high price-per-square-foot metrics, rapid investment sales, strong demand for development sites and rising rents – all fueled by limited supply and shifting demands – is placing Brooklyn at the CRE forefront.
• Affordable housing initiatives: CRE professionals are watching as New York seeks to advance housing stability by tightening rent stabilization and improving enforcement, while advancing initiatives like the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA). TOPA would give tenants a chance to purchase their buildings, and COPA would offer nonprofits and community land trusts first rights on Multifamily sales—both aimed at preserving affordability and community control amid ongoing legislative debate.
Beyond the top five, there are additional markets that continue to attract attention from CRE investors and developers. These cities also have promising opportunities worth watching:
- Austin, Texas
- Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida
- Northern New Jersey and Jersey City
Old Republic Title’s CRE Footprint
As CRE markets continue to evolve, investors, developers, lenders, corporate firms – and the brokers and attorneys who guide them – need title and closing solutions that deliver expertise, efficiency, accuracy and timely service. That’s where Old Republic Title comes in. Our top-tier products and services are curated to safeguard your investment and provide the clarity you need to close with confidence. From clearing complex title issues and complying with state and federal laws, to managing multistate and multisite projects, we deliver the skill, reliability and financial strength that commercial transactions demand.
Old Republic Title maintains a strong presence not only in the top five CRE cities, but throughout cities nationwide. Our National Commercial Services (NCS) team – comprised of highly experienced attorneys, underwriters, closers and other title specialists – combine local market insight with national resources to deliver customized solutions and underwriting strategies.
Ready to put our expertise to work for your next transaction? Visit oldrepublictitle.com/ncs to connect with a dedicated representative and discover how our tailored title and escrow solutions can help you close with confidence.
Old Republic Title, its officers and employees do not provide, and this communication is not intended to be, investment, tax or legal advice. Old Republic Title makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of the information or tax consequences addressed herein. You should consult an investment, tax or legal professional of your choosing to advise you of the benefits and risks of your specific transaction.
Sources:
1 CrispIdea. Retailtainment: Merging Shopping with Entertainment. May 20, 2025. https://www.crispidea.com/retailtainment-shopping-experiences/?srsltid=AfmBOoqthjGbPqFCDLpziG9vg4bTI8JAZgK4dakH95pFGFfpl5pJLJ__
2 CultureMap Dallas. Dallas comes in at No. 1 in the U.S. for retail construction in 2025. July 25, 2025. https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/innovation/dfw-retail-construction-2025/
3 CultureMap Dallas. Dallas ranks No. 1 city in U.S. for corporate HQ relocations. June 20, 2025. https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/innovation/corporate-headquarters-relocations-dfw/
4 Fort Worth Inc. Wistron Picks Fort Worth for First U.S. Manufacturing Site, a $761M AI Investment. August 21, 2025. https://fortworthinc.com/news/wistron%E2%80%99s-first-u-s-plant-lands-in-fort-worth-in-761m-ai-fac/
5 Miami and MIAMI REALTORS®. New International Report: Global Buyer Share Increases for Miami New Construction Units; Buyers from 73 Countries. November 11, 2025. https://www.miamirealtors.com/2025/11/11/new-international-report-global-buyer-share-increases-for-miami-new-construction-units-buyers-from-73-countries/
6 Texas Comptroller. Port of Entry: Houston Impact to the Texas Economy, 2024. https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/economic-data/ports/2024/houston.php
7 Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. Energy Evolution https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/texas_energy#:~:text=Texas%20powers%20America's%20economy.&text=Texas%20leads%20the%20nation%20in,Renewables
8 Greater Houston Partnership. Houston: Welcome to the Energy Capital of the Word. https://houston.org/why-houston/industries/energy/
9 AZ Big Media. TSMC buys 900 acres of land in North Phoenix for $197 million. January 8, 2026. https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/tsmc-buys-900-acres-of-land-in-north-phoenix-for-197-million/
10 City of Phoenix. Mayo Clinic Announces $1.9B Investment in Phoenix. March 3, 2025. https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/ced-news/3373.html
11 Manhattan Office Market Maintains Strong Momentum with Robust Class A Leasing in Q3 2025, According to Cushman & Wakefield. October 10, 2025, https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/news/2025/10/manhattan-office-market-maintains-strong-momentum-with-robust-class-a-leasing
