The healthcare real estate sector is undergoing rapid change as space redesigns, outpatient expansion, and deeper technology integration continue reshaping the industry in 2025. CBRE’s new “U.S. Healthcare Real Estate” report outlines six trends that will define property needs and investment strategies in 2026.
#1—The Shrinking Pipeline
New medical outpatient buildings (MOBs) declined this year and are expected to drop another 26% in 2026, reaching their lowest level in more than a decade. On-campus hospital construction will follow the same pattern. With limited new supply, MOB rents are expected to hit record highs, prompting many tenants to consider Class B alternatives.
#2—Investment Increases
Improved investor sentiment and capital availability are projected to increase commercial real estate volume, particularly within MOBs. CBRE forecasts a 12% rise in overall transaction activity, with healthcare real estate benefiting as a highly attractive investment niche amid broader market momentum.
#3—Demographic Shifts and Demand
The U.S. population aged 75+ is expanding by more than one million people per year—triple the rate of the past four decades. Combined with higher healthcare spending, a growing healthcare workforce, and rapid technology adoption, these shifts are driving strong MOB demand, according to the report.
#4—Savings Reigns Supreme
Providers continue to prioritize real estate efficiency as inflation and tight labor markets pressure operating costs. As a result, CBRE notes that healthcare groups will increasingly focus on portfolio optimization and more cost-effective outpatient facilities to maintain financial stability.
#5—Politics and Provider Impacts
Following the July 2025 federal tax bill, more than $1 trillion in healthcare reductions are expected, with an estimated 14.2 million Americans losing insurance coverage. This environment is likely to accelerate demand for outpatient real estate as providers seek more affordable delivery models and regulatory barriers ease on the Inpatient-Only List.
#6—The Boost of Bots
Technology—including artificial intelligence—will play an even larger role in 2026. CBRE’s report highlights AI’s potential to improve patient volume management, ease workforce stress, raise satisfaction scores, increase patient admissions, and optimize usage of existing space across healthcare real estate assets.
