What will be the priority drivers of real estate finance in the second half of 2025?

One fact seems undeniable according to market trends in the short term: real estate financing will grow in Europe with a focus on multifamily, logistics and hotels. These are the conclusions of the 'Lender Intentions Survey 2025' prepared by CBRE. Of the 143 European lenders surveyed, 79% of them expect to expand their lending activity this year, and 40% report a general improvement in confidence across all sectors compared to last year.

In particular, 48% of respondents rank multifamily as their top investment priority, followed by industrial and hotel assets, along with a renewed interest in retail, as well as a growing focus on data centres and infrastructure.

More than 80 % of the funders surveyed also show interest in alternative assets, a trend that remains the same as in 2024. Among them, residential sub-sectors such as senior housing, coliving and affordable housing top the preferences.

The vice-president of DEXTERAlfonso Merlos points out in this regard that "Our company has distinguished itself over the past six years precisely by remaining alert and proactive to market trends. We are driven by the preferential demands of loan applicants and the way in which we take our private capital injection operations forward. Residential is still king for DEXTER, but there is no doubt that the real estate market, in general terms, is going through a time of splendour and solid fundamentals".concludes Merlos.

The report also points to greater dynamism in non-banks, such as debt funds, insurers and investment banks, which anticipate stronger growth in lending than traditional banks.