Today’s real estate investors expect more than financial returns — they want transparency, strong performance, and meaningful communication. As investor priorities evolve around risk, asset allocation, and technology, investment managers must adapt to maintain trust and drive growth. To better understand these shifts, AppFolio surveyed 200 U.S.-based investors and property owners.
The findings show that optimism about the economy and real estate market heading into 2026 outweighs uncertainty, particularly among younger investors. Capital allocation is shifting away from REITs toward private real estate, with increased participation in syndications. Investors now prioritize clear communication and transparency over past performance when selecting general partners. Technology plays a critical role in investor confidence, with modern portals and digital reporting viewed as essential indicators of professionalism. Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is widespread, and most
