In this article, we will take a look at the most profitable real estate stocks right now.

The real estate sector is among the most prominent wealth-building asset classes. In an environment characterized by fluctuating demand, political challenges, evolving interest rates, and inflationary pressures, it is crucial to identify sectors less exposed to these risks.

On March 23, Forbes published “Housing Market Predictions For 2026: When Will Home Prices Drop?” highlighting that buyers have more options and purchasing power, thanks to lagging home price growth, slightly rising inventory, and lower mortgage rate assumptions. Despite these benefits, several potential buyers are still opting to wait.

The publication further states that housing experts are predicting gradual home price growth, with a slight drop in mortgage rates in 2026. Markets with increasing supply and robust local economies are expected to offer the most prospects for buyers early in 2027.

At its March 2026 meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to keep rates unchanged at a target range of 3.5%-3.75%. According to Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, the economy “has been expanding at a solid pace,” but tensions in the Middle East have shaped inflation trends. The article cites J.P. Morgan, forecasting home prices to remain flat this year, “with a slight improvement in demand likely offsetting any increased supply.”

In light of this, we have compiled a list of the most profitable real estate stocks right now.

Our Methodology

For this article, we used the Stock Analysis screener to filter for real estate sector stocks with market capitalizations exceeding $2 billion that reported operating and net profit margins exceeding 20%. From this pool, we selected the top 14 stocks with the highest trailing twelve-month (TTM) net income that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These are then ranked in ascending order by net income.

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14. W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE:WPC)

On March 26, Citizens reaffirmed a Market Perform rating on W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE:WPC), while raising its estimates. The firm highlighted that the company has remained active from a capital markets standpoint since the beginning of the year. This positions it well to sustain a rapid pace of deployment. According to Citizens, the company’s shares trade at a slight premium to the net-lease REIT sector, at 13 times 2026 projected adjusted funds from operations per share, implying a fair valuation.

Earlier on March 17, Raymond James upgraded W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE:WPC) to Outperform from Market Perform and set a $76 price target. The firm noted that the company’s Q4 results were in line with expectations and issued 2026 adjusted funds from operations guidance modestly above consensus forecasts.

Raymond James believes W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE:WPC) could surpass the investment target, stating that it appears conservative after a record 2025 when the company completed $2.1 billion in investments. From appealing investment spreads to an attractive cost of capital, the firm cited strong reasons for a bullish stance.

W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE:WPC) is a Maryland-based net lease REIT and one of the largest, with a diversified portfolio of high-quality commercial real estate. Incorporated in 1973, the company has 1,682 net lease properties.

13. Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG)

On March 24, Scotiabank raised its price target on Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) to $82 from $76 and reiterated its Sector Perform rating. This is a part of the price target readjustment in the U.S. Retail REITs space.

During the presentation at Citi’s Miami Global Property CEO Conference 2026, Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) highlighted its strong operating momentum and strategic growth. Although risks like changing tenant demands and technological influences exist, the company remains focused on solid financial performance and development opportunities.

On the operational front, Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) is expanding its development pipeline with top tenants, while emphasizing enterprise intelligence. The company anticipates this pipeline to substantially contribute to earnings in 2026 and onwards. The company aims to power data analytics and AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making. As stated by CEO Lisa Palmer,

“Taken together, our portfolio quality, the value creation platform, balance sheet strength, and experienced team position us to deliver durable growth through any and all cycles.”

Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) is a Florida-based, fully integrated real estate company and self-administered and self-managed REIT. Founded in 1963, the company owns and operates income-producing retail real estate mainly located in suburban trade regions.

12. Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM)

On March 24, Scotiabank lifted the price target on Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM) to $24 from $22 and maintained a Sector Perform rating. In a research note, the analyst states that the firm is adjusting its price targets for U.S. Retail REITs, adding that management is intentionally building conservatism into its initial 2026 same-store NOI guidance. This will create a favorable backdrop for strong performance, the firm concluded.

Earlier on March 17, Argus reaffirmed a Buy rating and a price target of $27 on Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM). This optimism is based on projected strong growth from portfolio acquisitions and the asset pipeline. According to the firm, the REIT appears focused on last-mile retail, a segment with solid growth prospects relative to urban and suburban stores.

The firm further added that Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM) has a steadily expanding base of anchor stores, including Home Depot and T.J. Maxx, which positions the company well for stability and lower risks from tenant bankruptcies.

Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM) is a REIT that owns and operates high-quality shopping centers and mixed-use properties. The company’s portfolio is focused on the first-ring suburbs of leading metropolitan markets.

11. Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI)

On March 26, Wells Fargo elevated the price target on Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI) to $47 from $45 and maintained an Equal Weight rating. The firm continues to favor Senior Housing within the REIT group due to solid fundamentals that indicate same-store NOI growth levels in 2026 to match or outperform 2025 levels. That said, the firm also remains constructive on skilled nursing facilities but with a more cautious near-term outlook.

Back on March 5, Truist Securities lifted the price target on Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI) to $48 from $46 and reiterated a Hold rating. The firm also lowered its normalized funds from operations projections for 2026 and 2027 by 1% and 0.9%, respectively. Truist Securities pointed out that fundamentals strengthen the industry and company, while saying investors must consider competition from many fast-growing companies in the healthcare REIT space.

Nicholas Yulico, an analyst at Scotiabank, also raised the price target on Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI) to $48 from $45 and reaffirmed a Sector Perform rating on March 2. This is part of the price target adjustment for U.S. Real Estate & REITs following Q4 earnings.

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI) operates as a REIT that provides financing and capital to the long-term healthcare industry. The company is focused on skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, particularly care homes.

10. Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI)

On March 13, Richard Hightower from Barclays cut the price target on Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI) to $52 from $53 and reiterated an Overweight rating. According to TheFly, the firm is readjusting models in the net lease real estate investment trust group.

On the other hand, Mizuho lifted the price target on Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI) to $53 from $50 on March 11. According to TheFly, the firm revised its real estate investment trust targets to better reflect Q4 earnings.

As the analyst notes in a research note, war with Iran and the resulting increase in oil prices that is fueling inflationary pressures and slowing growth have blurred the sector picture. Mizuho believes this blend has historically weighed on REITs and “increases the need for selectivity.” The firm remains bullish on Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI), keeping an Outperform rating.

A day earlier, Scotiabank analyst Greg McGinniss elevated the price target on Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI) to $50 from $48 and maintained a Sector Perform rating. The analyst highlighted the addressable market for gaming real estate in the U.S., which it describes as a sizable investment opportunity, as well as cost-of-capital pressures.

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI), incorporated in 2013, is a Pennsylvania-based company that acquires and owns real estate leased to gaming operators.

9. Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR)

On March 26, Michael Lewis, an analyst at Truist, trimmed the price target on Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) from $145 to $140 and maintained a Hold rating. This is part of the firm’s broader readjustment of models to incorporate Q4 results, while it updates revenue growth and expense assumptions, according to TheFly.

Several other analysts have recently revised their outlook for Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR). On March 23, JPMorgan lifted the price target on the company to $144 from $142 and reiterated a Neutral rating. The firm revised models in the storage real estate investment trust space. Similarly, Ravi Vaidya from Mizuho elevated the price target on the company to $150, up from $143, on March 17. The firm has an Outperform rating on the stock.

Overall, Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) has a Buy rating from 38% of analysts covering the stock, with 52% neutral and the remaining 10% bearish. The consensus 1-year median price target of $150 implies an upside potential of 16.32%.

Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR), headquartered in Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT offering a range of conveniently located and secure storage units. The company owned and operated 4,238 self-storage stores as of September 30, 2025.

8. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB)

On March 26, Morgan Stanley downgraded AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) to Equalweight from Overweight and cut the price target from $208 to $203. Adam Kramer, an analyst at the firm, lowered the company’s forecasts more than any other competitor following Q4 earnings. The midpoint of guidance for this year signals nearly flat core funds from operations per share relative to last year.

Morgan Stanley now projects earnings in line with the consensus estimates for 2026 and 2027. Despite this, the firm’s 2028 forecast remains above consensus due to lower projected interest expense. Additionally, the expected 2028 earnings growth of 7.9% would lead peers. Kramer indicated that earnings growth is set to improve in 2027.

Earlier on March 6, TheFly reported that Richard Hightower from Barclays reduced the price target on AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) to $202 from $217 and maintained an Overweight rating. This follows the firm’s lower estimates in the residential real estate investment trust sector.

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) is a Maryland-based equity REIT that develops and manages communities in top metropolitan areas. Founded in 1978, the company owned or held an ownership interest in 320 communities as of December 31, 2025.

7. SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:SBAC)

On March 10, SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:SBAC) participated in the 34th Annual Media, Internet & Telecom Conference, featuring the company’s President and CEO, Brendan Cavanagh. During the conference, the company’s strong performance in 2025 and strategic focus for 2026 were discussed.

On the operational end, a 10-year agreement with Verizon is projected to accelerate organic growth over the next decade. The purchase of more than 7,000 towers in Central America will position SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:SBAC) as the largest tower operator in the region with over 10,000 sites.

Looking ahead, US organic growth is expected to return to 4-5% following mitigated churn issues, with fixed escalators and new leasing activity contributing 3% and 2-3%, respectively. Additionally, planned spectrum auctions are anticipated to positively impact SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:SBAC).

Overall, SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:SBAC) has mixed analyst sentiment, with half of the analysts bullish and the other half neutral. With a 1-year median price target of $220, the stock has an upside potential of 31.69%.

SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:SBAC) is among the largest independent companies that own and operate wireless communications infrastructure. The company has a portfolio of over 46,000 communications sites across America and Africa.

6. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR)

On March 26, Morgan Stanley upgraded Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR) from Equalweight to Overweight and lifted the price target to $74, up from $72. According to the firm, the company’s markets have shown greater resilience from a supply standpoint. Morgan Stanley anticipates an outperformance of urban assets relative to suburban ones, thus improving key performance indicators faster than coastal peers.

The company’s increased West Coast exposure compared to competitor AvalonBay Communities positions it well for sustained recovery in those markets, despite greater Los Angeles exposure limiting some upside, Morgan Stanley noted. Regarding its previous worry about dilution and negative market perception from continued Sun Belt acquisitions, Morgan Stanley indicated that cost-of-capital restrictions have likely put those acquisitions on hold.

Back on March 12, Argus trimmed the price target on Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR) to $70 from $74 and maintained a Buy rating. Marie Ferguson, an analyst at the firm, attributed the price adjustment to the broader market pullback. For the first half of this year, management expects proceeds from asset sales of approximately $200 million to be used in share repurchases.

Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR), incorporated in 1993, is a Maryland-based company that owns and operates 312 rental properties comprising 85,190 apartment units in dynamic metro areas.

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