The second half of 2025 presents a strategic turning point for global real estate investors. Following a period of market volatility, capital is now shifting with clear, deliberate intent, prioritizing stability and long-term value.

Here is where smart money is moving:

• The Power of Alternatives: Capital is flowing into alternative property types, such as data centers, multifamily housing, and student housing. Deloitte projects these types could make up nearly 70% of U.S. CRE, reflecting a strategy of diversification and resilience.

• A New Focus on ESG: Environmental, Social, and and Governance (ESG) considerations are now central to global investment decision-making. The demand for resilient, sustainable assets is guiding investors, helping to mitigate climate-related risks and enhance long-term value.

• Geographic Pivot: Investors are moving beyond saturated core markets and the U.S. to look elsewhere. Capital is flowing to high-growth areas, including Japan and India, due to their strong growth potential fueled by growing populations and technological initiatives.

• African Emergence: Investment interest is rising in strategic African cities like Kigali, Nairobi, and Accra, driven by expanding digital connectivity and young populations. Morocco, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a gateway for AI investment.

This strategic pivot reinforces the need for diversification and a focus on assets with essential demand drivers—a principle that remains crucial in the Lagos market.

Conclusion

This strategic pivot in global capital markets—the flight to resilient sectors, the prioritization of ESG, and the focus on high-growth emerging markets—all underscore a crucial principle: success depends on choosing the right location, focusing on future-ready sectors, and investing in sustainable projects. For the Nigerian investor in the diaspora, understanding these macro trends is vital to positioning your local portfolio for maximum resilience and growth. To successfully align your investment strategy with these global mandates, expert local guidance from Troloppe Property Services is essential.

Source: The insights and analysis presented are compiled from the Investment Trends in Commercial Real Estate for H2 2025 report by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA).