Though the CRE market experienced some stability in 2025, funding challenges remained, and opportunities were not evenly distributed across sectors.
If you plan on buying commercial property in 2026, you should start preparing for the realities that will define the CRE industry in the near future.
In this article, we will highlight 4 tips for buying CRE property in 2026 based on the industry’s outlook.
Explore non-traditional financing
Though the Fed cut interest rates twice this year, there is still monetary uncertainty, driven mainly by fiscal uncertainty. Thus, it is not clear if there will be more cuts or if those cuts will even make traditional lenders more generous.
Thus, you may need to keep prioritizing non-traditional financing sources like seller financing, gator lending, and hard money loans, among others.
Also, if you are learning how to buy commercial property with no money down, you should embrace creative financing strategies like lease-to-own, seller financing, and seller-provided down payment, among others.
Prioritize sectors with growing demand
AI is the most popular theme in the world. Hyperscalers are investing in data centers, making this CRE sector a strong prospect going into 2026.
The industrial sector is also prospering, driven by the growth of the e-commerce sector.
Office spaces continue to struggle, though there are opportunities to reposition them for other uses. Multifamily housing is enjoying growing demand, but oversupply remains an issue in some areas.
The retail sector is also experiencing much repositioning, as investors explore experiential retail and mixed-use developments.
Before investing in any sector, ensure you understand where the opportunities lie.
Get on board with the sustainability drive
Green and energy-efficient buildings are becoming more popular amidst the global drive towards sustainability.
Governments are enforcing stricter building efficiency standards and carbon reduction targets. Tenants are also demanding green leases and wellness certification. It’s no wonder that many CRE firms are pursuing more sustainable strategies.
Interestingly, following this trend is not only a way to meet growing demand; investors can also save costs by pursuing sustainable practices.
Don’t ignore equity investing
Though debt financing is more common, smart investors cannot ignore equity investing going into 2026.
With partnerships and joint ventures, you can explore CRE opportunities that you can’t afford on your own. Also, the loss sharing that comes with them is a way to minimize your risk exposure.
Even when you are low on cash, you can enter into partnerships and joint ventures where you contribute your skills while other partners contribute money.
Duckfund is a financing firm that you can partner with at different stages of your CRE purchase process.
When you are ready to inspect and negotiate for a property, Duckfund will provide you with earnest money financing. You can complete an application in under two minutes and get funds released within 48 hours.
Once you have decided to go on with the purchase, Duckfund will offer equity (up to $100 million) and debt financing (up to $500 million) for the property’s purchase price. They support new constructions, renovations, and value-add projects in major US markets and the Sunbelt.
