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2026: Global real estate investment enters a new historic cycle

The international real estate investment market is approaching a turning point after the recent period of economic uncertainty. According to the latest Impacts report from consulting firm Savills, global investment could exceed one trillion dollars in 2026, a figure that represents not only a quantitative milestone but also confirms the sector’s entry into a new phase of structural growth and strategic repositioning. After several years marked by cautious investment, tighter financial conditions and reassessment of valuations, capital is once again viewing real estate as a safe haven with the capacity to generate stable, long-term returns. Savills estimates that investment volumes will increase by around 15 per cent in 2026 compared with the previous year, supported by higher transactional activity and the gradual return of institutional capital to key markets.

In addition to increased investment volume, this new cycle will be defined by a focus on the quality of assets and projects that offer strategic specialisation. In this context, developments that combine residential, tourism and experiential uses, such as resorts and integrated destinations, are emerging as particularly attractive products for the international investor seeking long-term value.

Europe and Spain at the forefront of the recovery

One of the most notable insights of the Savills report is the role of the EMEA region, which leads the relative growth of global real estate investment. Europe, the Middle East and Africa are expected to record an increase of around 22 per cent, reflecting renewed confidence in markets that are considered stable, transparent and have potential for asset repositioning. Within this context, Spain stands out as one of the European countries with the most favourable outlook. While Savills estimates European investment volumes at approximately 215 billion euros in 2025, the growth expected in markets such as Spain is significantly above the average. This trend is supported by structural factors including a consolidated tourism appeal, legal security, high quality of life and the ability to develop complex real estate projects that cater both to end users and institutional investors.

A market that rewards specialisation

The recovery of investor interest is not limited to traditional assets. The market is increasingly focused on developments capable of responding to new patterns of consumption, mobility and lifestyle, where the experiential component carries greater weight than purely residential or commercial functions. The Savills report also highlights a shift in investment strategy. Average transaction sizes are increasing, and there is a stronger willingness to invest in assets with long-term growth potential, even when they require repositioning or transformation. Office conversions, growth in alternative sectors and capital diversification all point to a more sophisticated and value-driven market.

As specialists in residential and tourism development, at Arum Group we project that, within this environment, highly specialised real estate projects such as resorts will increase in strategic importance. Developments such as Abama Resort in Tenerife offer assets that combine residential, hospitality, leisure, sport and services, demanding an integrated vision that begins with concept design and extends through operational management. These developments fully meet the requirements of international capital in the present moment. They are differentiated products with a clear identity and the capacity to generate enduring value. Savills’ outlook for real estate investment reflects a market that is more mature, more selective and focused on projects with a clear narrative and defined strategic purpose. Global real estate innovation is entering a new chapter, and it’s clear that those able to offer added value, integration and specialisation will be the primary beneficiaries of the growth to come.