Global Bidding Activity Rises as Commercial Real Estate Gains Momentum

Recent findings reveal a notable increase in bidder competitiveness across the globe, which can be attributed to the rejuvenated investment cycle in commercial real estate. According to the Global Bid Intensity Index developed by JLL, the foundation for this positive trend is firmly rooted in the enhanced liquidity and enhanced market confidence, observable in various asset classes.

Key Insights from JLL's Index

In October 2025, the Global Bid Intensity Index reflected a significant rise, marking one of the most substantial monthly gains within the last year. The analysis observed that the market's competitive landscape is not only improving but also providing encouraging indicators that more capital is poised to flow into the sector.

Richard Bloxam, CEO of Capital Markets at JLL, highlighted that these indicators are strong signals of a recovering market. He noted, “As capital deployment accelerated during the third quarter, institutional investors show increasing market confidence despite persisting uncertainties.”

Factors Contributing to Increased Competition

A combination of several factors has contributed to this uptick in bidder dynamics. Notably, the Federal Reserve's decision to reduce interest rates in September and October spurred investor activities, catalyzing a robust environment for capital allocations. Institutions have eased into a trend where they are now more willing to engage in competitive bidding, reflecting a shift from the cautious stance they maintained over the past year.

The Living/Multi-Housing sector is emerging as a frontrunner, capturing the highest level of activity driven by a mix of strong investor interest and a notable shortage in housing across key markets. This prime sector is being buoyed by near-record levels of available capital, allowing for heated bidding dynamics. Subsequent to this, other sectors like Industrial and Logistics have also shown marked improvements in competitiveness, especially as trade policy uncertainties began to wane. Retail markets have similarly reported increased liquidity for a variety of asset types.

Even the Office sector is witnessing a remarkable rebound, with bidding dynamics recovering from historically low levels observed in late 2023. As sentiment around investment improves, there is a clear expansion in the number of bidders and lender participation, signaling a rebound from previous lows.

Future Outlook

Bloxam expressed optimism about the outlook for 2026: “Market fundamentals continue to hold up, and asset valuations have remained stable through 2025. While uncertainties still present challenges for decision-making processes, the landscape appears increasingly positive.”

As more investors adapt their strategies to accommodate a higher risk tolerance, buoyed by strong performance from debt markets, there is an expectation that liquidity will continue to improve significantly.

The combination of these evolving factors paints a hopeful picture for the commercial real estate sector, enticing both current and prospective investors to engage actively. Enhanced bidding activity suggests a sustainable growth trajectory as 2026 approaches.

For those looking to stay informed on trends within the real estate sector, including insights on investment performance and market dynamics, JLL encourages exploration of its comprehensive resources and institutional research initiatives.

Conclusion

The rising bidder activity signals a renewed faith in the commercial real estate market, backed by solid capital flows and improving competitive dynamics. With optimism prevailing among institutional investors, the prospects for the coming years appear brighter, indicating a resurgent phase in the sector's investment lifecycle.