Best real estate stocks to invest in 2026

Real estate stocks offer investors access to income-generating assets, long-term appreciation potential, and diversification from traditional sectors. Whether through residential development, data storage facilities, or commercial real estate services, the best real estate companies are adapting to economic shifts while preserving value.

Develia specializes in residential and commercial property development across major Polish cities, delivering high-quality projects and capitalizing on Poland's urbanization and growing housing demand. Iron Mountain combines real estate with data management, offering secure storage solutions with growing digital infrastructure exposure across global markets. CBRE Group operates as the world's largest commercial real estate services firm, providing comprehensive leasing, property management, and investment services globally.

These companies represent different angles of the real estate sector, from residential development to data infrastructure and commercial services. As we enter 2026, these are among the best real estate stocks that have demonstrated resilience and strategic positioning in property-based assets.

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Before we dive into each company, let`s take a look at how your investment would have performed if you had invested in stocks mentioned in this article.

Now, let`s take a closer look at each of the companies:

  • Iron Mountain (NYSE:IRM)

    Iron Mountain is a global leader in storage and information management services, specializing in records management, data protection, and secure shredding. Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company has built a vast network of storage facilities and data centers across more than 60 countries. With a strong reputation for security and compliance, Iron Mountain serves businesses, governments, and organizations that require reliable solutions for protecting critical documents and digital assets.

    The company`s core services include document storage, cloud data backup, digital transformation solutions, and secure destruction, helping clients manage information throughout its lifecycle. Iron Mountain is also expanding into data center operations, offering colocation and cloud storage solutions to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure. By leveraging advanced security protocols and sustainability initiatives, the company continues to evolve as a trusted partner in information management, ensuring the safekeeping of valuable records and digital assets worldwide.

    Iron Mountain financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 1.58

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 4.41%
    • Return on equity (ROE): N/A
    • Return on investment (ROI): 0.94%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 55.38%
    • Operating margin: 21.96%
    • Net profit margin: 2.1%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): -8.13%
    • EPS (current): 0.49
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 0.59
    • EPS growth (this year): -14.2%
    • EPS growth (next year): 14.74%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): 13.65%
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 347.07%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 7.61%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 16.6%

    💡 Why invest in Iron Mountain?

    18 presents fundamental strengths that position it well for investors seeking stable returns and growth prospects:

    • Physical Storage Leadership: Iron Mountain operates the world`s largest physical records storage network, serving businesses and government agencies with secure storage, retrieval, and management solutions across global markets.
    • Beyond the Vault: Recognizing the digital revolution, Iron Mountain expands its offerings with data center solutions, cloud archiving, and secure e-discovery services, diversifying beyond traditional physical records management.
    • Advanced Security Focus: Iron Mountain prioritizes data security and compliance, employing industry-leading technologies and adhering to rigorous protocols that resonate with businesses in an increasingly data-driven world.
    • Global Growth Potential: With operations spanning over 50 countries, Iron Mountain caters to diverse information management needs worldwide, providing access to emerging markets with expanding data storage and security demands.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in Iron Mountain

    Like navigating complex market conditions, 18 faces headwinds requiring careful consideration from investors comprehensively:

    • Stock Valuation Concerns: Like many established data storage companies, the stock can be volatile, and the current price might reflect expectations of future data growth rates, economic conditions, and overall market trends.
    • Digital Technology Disruption: Advancements in cloud storage and data management technologies could disrupt traditional physical records management, challenging Iron Mountain`s core business and requiring continuous adaptation strategies.
    • Intensifying Market Competition: Tech giants and nimble data security startups are vying for market share in various segments, challenging Iron Mountain`s dominant position and requiring continuous innovation to maintain advantages.
    • Complex Regulatory Environment: Evolving data privacy regulations and compliance requirements can impact Iron Mountain`s operations and necessitate costly adjustments, requiring ongoing monitoring of regulatory developments and strategies.

    Final thoughts on Iron Mountain

    Iron Mountain`s physical records expertise, diversifying digital offerings, and global reach position it well for long-term growth in information management and data security sectors. However, stock volatility, technological disruption, rising competition, and evolving regulations warrant careful evaluation before investment. Thorough research on Iron Mountain`s strategic initiatives and market positioning is crucial before adding them to your portfolio.

  • CBRE Group (NYSE:CBRE)

    CBRE Group Inc. is the world`s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, providing comprehensive real estate services including leasing, property management, investment management, valuation, and advisory services to owners, investors, and occupiers of real estate globally. Founded in 1906 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company has evolved from a regional real estate brokerage into a global powerhouse with operations in over 100 countries and territories, serving clients across all major property types including office, industrial, retail, multifamily, and specialized sectors. The company has built its market leadership through strategic acquisitions, technological innovation, and deep market expertise, establishing itself as the go-to partner for corporations, investors, and property owners seeking comprehensive real estate solutions.

    CBRE operates through multiple business segments including Advisory Services, which provides leasing, capital markets, and property sales services, Global Workplace Solutions, which offers facilities management and project management services, and Real Estate Investments, which manages real estate investment vehicles and development projects. The company`s core activities encompass commercial real estate brokerage, property management, investment management, valuation services, and workplace solutions, with particular expertise in helping clients optimize their real estate portfolios and workplace strategies. With the evolution of hybrid work models, increasing focus on ESG in real estate, and growing demand for flexible workspace solutions, CBRE is strategically positioned to capitalize on transforming commercial real estate markets and changing occupier needs.

    CBRE Group financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 1.73

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 2.93%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 13.57%
    • Return on investment (ROI): 8.13%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 18.66%
    • Operating margin: 0.12%
    • Net profit margin: 2.85%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): -3.55%
    • EPS (current): 3.86
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 2.67
    • EPS growth (this year): -12.1%
    • EPS growth (next year): 16.7%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): 18.81%
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 65.66%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 8.4%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 11.8%

    💡 Why invest in CBRE Group?

    372 presents fundamental strengths that position it well for investors seeking stable returns and growth prospects:

    • Global Market Leadership: CBRE`s position as the world`s largest commercial real estate services firm provides unmatched scale, market intelligence, and client relationships that create competitive advantages across all service lines.
    • Diversified Revenue Streams: Balanced business model spanning advisory services, property management, investment management, and workplace solutions provides stability and multiple growth drivers across market cycles.
    • Advanced Technology Innovation: Significant investments in proptech, data analytics, and digital platforms enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and create new revenue opportunities in evolving real estate markets globally.
    • Leading Workplace Transformation: Leadership in helping clients adapt to hybrid work models and flexible workspace solutions positions CBRE at the forefront of the evolving commercial real estate landscape with innovative service offerings.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in CBRE Group

    Before investing in 372, consider these headwinds that could impact future performance and investment returns:

    • Economic Cycle Sensitivity: Commercial real estate markets are highly sensitive to economic conditions, interest rates, and corporate spending decisions that can create volatile demand for CBRE`s services and impact transaction volumes.
    • Interest Rate Exposure: Rising interest rates can negatively impact commercial real estate valuations, transaction activity, and investment demand, potentially reducing revenue across multiple business segments.
    • Remote Work Impact: Permanent shifts toward remote and hybrid work models could reduce long-term demand for traditional office space, impacting leasing, management, and investment services revenue across multiple markets globally.
    • Competitive Market Pressure: Intense competition from regional brokers, technology platforms, and alternative service providers can pressure fees, market share, and profitability in key service categories across markets.

    Final thoughts on CBRE Group

    CBRE Group`s global market leadership, diversified service platform, and strategic positioning in evolving commercial real estate markets create compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the world`s largest asset class. However, economic sensitivity, interest rate risks, and structural changes in office demand require careful evaluation before investment. CBRE offers growth potential for investors who understand both the opportunities and challenges of the evolving global commercial real estate landscape.

If you are interested in other stock categories, check out my other lists of the best AI, automotive, basic materials, beauty, brokers, century old, cloud, communication services, conglomerate, construction, consulting, cybersecurity, defense, e-commerce, education, energy, financial, gold mining, healthcare, high dividend, hotel, industrial, insurance, manufacturing, quantum computing, retail, saas, semiconductor, stocks, tech, travel, utility, waste management stocks.