New survey shows investors want greater market certainty
Investors remain committed to UK real estate but are becoming more selective and want greater political and fiscal certainty before deploying additional capital, according to the latest 2026 Real Estate Investor Sentiment Survey from Ask Partners.
It found that the number planning to increase their real estate allocation has fallen from 51% in 2025 to 37% in 2026, although only 17% intend to reduce exposure.
Political certainty has overtaken interest rate cuts, debt availability and planning reform as the biggest factor that would increase confidence in UK real estate over the next 12 months, while tax policy, fiscal unpredictability and geopolitical instability have replaced planning delays as the biggest challenges this year.
Collectively, residential, including build-to-rent, purpose-built student accommodation, later-living and co-living, attracts the strongest interest from investors.
Focus has shifted
The findings suggest capital remains available but is increasingly focused on resilient income, demographic trends and long-term fundamentals rather than short-term market catalysts, the company says.
Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder of ASK Partners, said: “Compared with last year, investors appear less concerned about a single issue such as planning reform and more focused on the broader investment environment, looking for confidence in the direction of travel before increasing allocations.
“The survey suggests capital remains available and interested in UK real estate, but investors are looking beyond the next interest rate decision and focusing on long-term fundamentals, political stability and sectors where demand is supported by structural trends.”
“The market has entered a new phase. Rather than waiting for a single catalyst, investors are positioning for a gradual recovery, with capital increasingly directed towards sectors supported by resilient income, demographic demand and long-term fundamentals.”
