In this article, we will look at the 10 Must-Buy Real Estate Stocks to Invest In.
Real estate stocks have been returning to the radar of investors after a period where rising interest rates weighed heavily on the sector. Higher borrowing costs compressed property valuations and pressured REIT share prices across much of the past two years. However, as property fundamentals show signs of resilience, investors are increasingly revisiting listed real estate for both income and long-term capital appreciation. Publicly traded real estate companies also provide an accessible way to gain exposure to property markets without directly owning physical assets, which becomes appealing when valuations begin to look more attractive relative to broader equities.
Institutional investors have started to highlight improving prospects for the sector. Invesco notes that listed real estate currently offers a “compelling combination of improving fundamentals, attractive valuations, and sector-specific opportunities.” The firm adds that the “overall outlook for REITs is constructive,” suggesting that public real estate markets may benefit investors who begin to reassess the sector’s earnings stability and income profile. Cohen & Steers expresses a similar view in its real assets outlook, stating that its macroeconomic outlook remains “constructive for real assets” as economic activity and market returns broaden across sectors. These perspectives suggest that after lagging during the rate hiking cycle, listed real estate may be entering a period where both income and price performance begin to stabilize.
With valuations still recovering and institutional investors pointing to improving fundamentals across parts of the property market, we take a closer look at the 10 Must-Buy Real Estate Stocks to Invest In.
Our Methodology
We used screeners to identify real estate stocks that have an upside potential of at least 20% and limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
10. American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH)
On March 13, 2026, Mizuho analyst Haendel St. Juste lowered the price target on American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) to $29 from $32 and maintained a Neutral rating after updating estimates for the company.
On March 9, 2026, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on AMH to $39 from $40 and maintained an Overweight rating as the firm updated models following Q4 earnings and 2026 guidance. On March 6, 2026, Barclays lowered its price target on AMH to $31 from $33 and maintained an Equal Weight rating after reducing estimates across the residential real estate investment trust sector.
Last month, AMH reported Q4 core FFO of 47c, in line with the 47c consensus estimate. Revenue totaled $454.99M compared with the $458.98M consensus estimate. CEO Bryan Smith said housing affordability remains under pressure and described the company as “part of the solution,” referring to its effort to expand housing choice and supply. Smith added that the company’s ground-up development program has contributed more than 14,000 newly built homes to the U.S. housing stock while AMH continues focusing on improving the resident experience.
Earlier in February, the board of trustees declared a quarterly dividend of 33c per share for the first quarter of 2026, representing a 10% increase from the prior quarterly dividend of 30c.
American Homes 4 Rent develops, renovates, leases, and manages single-family rental homes in the United States.
9. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE)
On March 10, 2026, JPMorgan lowered the price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) to $57 from $63 and maintained a Neutral rating after updating the firm’s model.
Last month, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. to $54 from $55 and maintained an Equal Weight rating after revising its 2026 FFO estimate. Goldman Sachs also initiated coverage of ARE with a Neutral rating and a $60 price target. Goldman described the company’s assets as “high-quality” but said they face “systemic pressures” tied to the U.S. life science industry. The firm’s lab demand model points to an “extended and gradual” recovery, with net absorption expected to turn sustainably positive only in 2027, suggesting a longer timeline for tenant demand to rebound.
Earlier, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. reported Q4 FFO of $2.16 versus consensus of $2.15. Revenue came in at $754.14M compared with the $742.64M consensus estimate. The company reaffirmed its FY26 adjusted FFO outlook of $6.25 to $6.55, versus consensus of $6.42, and expects FY26 same-property NOI of (9.5%) to (7.5%). ARE said guidance reflects its current view of market conditions but remains subject to variables including leasing velocity, tenant demand, and policy developments affecting life science funding and regulation.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. is a life science real estate investment trust focused on owning and developing laboratory and research campuses.
8. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE)
On March 13, 2026, Barclays lowered the price target on CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) to $174 from $192 and maintained an Overweight rating, citing weaker investor sentiment across the commercial real estate services group.
On February 23, 2026, UBS upgraded CBRE to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $185 from $175. UBS described the recent pullback in the shares as a “rare buying opportunity,” pointing to CBRE’s “strong industry position and vast data assets” as advantages even as AI could shape the sector over time. The firm raised estimates following company guidance and said industry conditions in commercial real estate continue to improve.
Earlier in February, CBRE reported Q4 core EPS of $2.73 versus the $2.68 consensus estimate. Revenue totaled $11.6B compared with the $11.62B consensus estimate. Chair and CEO Bob Sulentic said the company finished the year with “a strong end to 2025,” noting that both revenue and core EPS rose by double digits in the fourth quarter. Sulentic pointed to gains in sales and leasing across the U.S. and many international markets while the company’s more resilient business lines continued posting double-digit revenue growth.
CBRE Group, Inc. operates as a commercial real estate services and investment company through its Advisory Services, Building Operations and Experience, Project Management, and Real Estate Investments segments.
7. Cushman & Wakefield Limited (NYSE:CWK)
On March 13, 2026, Barclays analyst Brendan Lynch lowered the price target on Cushman & Wakefield Limited to $15 from $19 and maintained an Equal Weight rating, citing weaker investor sentiment across the commercial real estate services group.
On February 27, 2026, Goldman Sachs lowered its price target on Cushman & Wakefield Limited to $19.50 from $22.25 and maintained a Buy rating.
On February 19, 2026, Cushman & Wakefield Limited reported Q4 adjusted EPS of 54c, in line with the 54c consensus estimate. Revenue came in at $2.91B compared with the $2.83B consensus estimate. CEO Michelle MacKay said the quarter capped an “exceptional year,” noting that adjusted EPS grew 34% in 2025 while the company improved cash flow by more than $125M and prepaid $300M in debt. MacKay added that commercial real estate end markets remain healthy with solid demand across major asset classes and improving pricing and liquidity as the company enters 2026 focused on executing its long-term strategic priorities.
Cushman & Wakefield Limited provides commercial real estate services across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
6. Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE:CUZ)
On March 12, 2026, BMO Capital lowered the price target on Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE:CUZ) to $27 from $31 and maintained an Outperform rating. BMO noted the REIT’s shares trade at a 36% discount to its COVID-era FFO multiple despite rising occupancy and stronger leasing activity, adding that the company could continue benefiting from a flight-to-quality trend in its Sunbelt markets.
On February 26, 2026, Barclays lowered its price target on CUZ to $28 from $34 and maintained an Overweight rating after updating models across the office real estate investment trust group following Q4 reports. Barclays said the “AI disruption narrative” is likely to continue weighing on office valuations.
Earlier in February, CUZ reported Q4 FFO of 71c, in line with the 71c consensus estimate. Revenue totaled $255.03M compared with the $251.49M consensus estimate. CEO Colin Connolly said “improving office fundamentals” is creating tailwinds for the company, noting that Cousins executed 700,000 square feet of leases during the quarter and has a late-stage pipeline of roughly 1.1 million square feet. Connolly also pointed to the recent acquisition of 300 South Tryon in Uptown Charlotte and said the company has purchased $1.4B of lifestyle office properties over the past six quarters, helping upgrade its Sun Belt portfolio and support its 2026 earnings outlook.
Cousins Properties Incorporated is a real estate investment trust focused on Class A office buildings in high-growth Sun Belt markets.
5. Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH)
On March 13, 2026, Mizuho lowered the price target on Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH) to $26 from $27 and maintained a Neutral rating after updating estimates for the company.
On March 9, 2026, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Kramer lowered the price target on INVH to $33 from $34 and maintained an Equal Weight rating after updating models following Q4 earnings and 2026 guidance. Barclays also lowered its price target on INVH to $31 from $33 and maintained an Overweight rating after reducing estimates across the residential real estate investment trust sector.
Last month, Invitation Homes Inc. reported Q4 core FFO of 48c, in line with the 48c consensus estimate. Revenue totaled $685.25M compared with the $684.58M consensus estimate. CEO Dallas Tanner said the company delivered “solid performance in 2025,” noting that Invitation Homes continues to provide single-family rental homes in desirable neighborhoods while serving households that include essential workers such as teachers, nurses, and firefighters. Tanner added that partnerships with homebuilders and the ResiBuilt purpose-built rental platform are helping expand housing supply while offering a flexible alternative to homeownership.
Invitation Homes Inc. leases and manages single-family rental homes across the United States.
4. Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL)
On March 13, 2026, Barclays lowered the price target on Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL) to $355 from $360 and maintained an Equal Weight rating, citing weaker investor sentiment across the commercial real estate services group.
On March 12, 2026, JLL hosted its Investor Briefing, where CEO Christian Ulbrich and CFO Kelly Howe introduced the company’s multi-year strategy, Accelerate 2030, aimed at strengthening its competitive position and driving long-term value creation. The plan includes targets of 8% annual revenue growth, 12% adjusted EBITDA growth, and 16% adjusted EPS growth on average through the cycle. JLL also expanded its share repurchase authorization to $3B, the largest in company history, and plans to launch a $200M accelerated share repurchase. Ulbrich said Accelerate 2030 builds on JLL’s strengths in “actionable intelligence, trusted advice and seamless execution,” while the company continues investing in its platform, data, and people. Howe added that the long-term targets reflect confidence in JLL’s ability to drive growth, improve margins, and generate cash while maintaining flexibility to invest and return capital to shareholders.
Last month, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $8.71 versus the $7.36 consensus estimate. Revenue totaled $7.6B compared with the $7.44B consensus estimate. Ulbrich said the company delivered strong results with “new highs” across key financial metrics and free cash flow, reflecting the execution of its multi-year strategy and favorable business trends.
Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated provides commercial real estate and investment management services across office, industrial, hotel, multifamily, retail, and data center properties worldwide.
3. Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO)
On March 11, 2026, Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO) and LeFrak announced an agreement with Le Colonial to open a new restaurant at 50 West 57th Street, marking the French Vietnamese concept’s return to Manhattan. The restaurant is expected to open in summer 2027 under a 15-year lease and will occupy 9,600 square feet between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. The location will feature 215 seats with indoor and outdoor dining, along with a full bar, lounge, and private dining areas. Le Colonial also signed a companion office lease for the building’s entire seventh floor to house its New York City offices.
On March 2, 2026, Scotiabank lowered the price target on Vornado to $32 from $36 and maintained a Sector Perform rating as part of a broader update to price targets across U.S. real estate and REIT stocks following Q4 results. Scotiabank said REITs may need to raise development yield targets to prioritize near-term funds from operations per share and added that acquisitions could offer a “better thematic story” for external growth.
Last month, Vornado Realty Trust reported Q4 adjusted FFO per share of 55c versus the 57c consensus estimate. Revenue totaled $453.7M compared with the $440.23M consensus estimate.
Vornado Realty Trust is a real estate investment trust with a portfolio of approximately 26 million square feet of New York City office, retail, and multifamily properties and is the developer of the PENN DISTRICT.
2. Newmark Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NMRK)
On March 13, 2026, Barclays lowered the price target on Newmark Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NMRK) to $19 from $21 and maintained an Equal Weight rating, citing weaker investor sentiment across the commercial real estate services group.
On March 2, 2026, Keefe Bruyette lowered its price target on NMRK to $18 from $22 and maintained an Outperform rating. Keefe Bruyette said the shares appear attractive despite recent volatility.
On February 25, 2026, Newmark Group, Inc. reported Q4 adjusted EPS of 68c versus the 66c consensus estimate. Revenue came in at $1.006B compared with the $1B consensus estimate. The company said revenue-generating headcount in the U.S. increased modestly year over year, with growth across leasing, capital markets, and V&A largely driven by productivity gains. While international headcount and office presence expanded at a double-digit pace, the company noted that newer international hires have not yet produced meaningful revenue but are expected to contribute to margins as operations ramp.
Newmark Group, Inc. provides commercial real estate advisory and services, including investment sales, capital markets, and commercial mortgage brokerage across multiple global markets.
1. SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG)
On March 13, 2026, Scotiabank raised the price target on SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) to $52 from $51 previously and maintained an Outperform rating, saying the stock’s current valuation remains “very attractive.”
On March 9, 2026, SL Green Realty Corp. announced that the remaining office space at One Madison Avenue was leased to Harvey AI through a 92,663 square foot expansion, capping what the company described as a potentially record-breaking first quarter. Chairman and CEO Marc Holliday said the quarter may be “the best in our entire history,” driven by large, long-term commitments from companies expanding in New York. Holliday added that demand from technology and AI firms suggests the city could benefit from growth in those sectors as companies continue seeking highly skilled talent and office space.
On March 2, 2026, SL Green Realty Corp. promoted Harrison Sitomer to President and CIO and extended the contracts of CFO Matthew DiLiberto and COO Edward Piccinich through the end of 2028.
SL Green Realty Corp. is a self-managed real estate investment trust focused on owning, managing, and developing office properties.
