Real Estate Investor Confidence Rebounds as Market Outlook Brightens in Summer
Investor sentiment in U.S. real estate has staged a notable recovery after two consecutive quarters of sharp declines, according to the Summer 2025 RCN Capital/CJ Patrick Company Investor Sentiment Index (ISI). The index rose from a two-year low of 88 in the spring to 102 this summer, marking a 16% gain. While still below last year’s level of 116, the rebound was fueled by stronger positive readings on both current market conditions and expectations for the next six months.
The percentage of investors who view today’s market as better or much better than a year ago jumped from 31% to 48% quarter-over-quarter, while those seeing no change dropped from 34% to 26%. Those perceiving worsening conditions declined from 34% to 25%. Forward-looking optimism also improved, with 49% expecting the market to strengthen over the next six months, 30% anticipating stability, and just 20% forecasting a decline.
Three of the four components of the ISI improved this quarter: perceptions of the current market rose by 15 points, future market outlook gained 18 points, and expectations for home price increases edged up by six points. Plans to buy properties, however, declined by seven points, as more investors signaled intentions to maintain current acquisition levels rather than expand.
RCN Capital CEO Jeffrey Tesch noted that the sentiment rebound mirrors a similar trend among consumers, both bottoming in April before climbing steadily. He cited rising inventory—up 30% year-over-year—and slower home price appreciation as key factors improving affordability and market dynamics for investors.
Despite the upswing in sentiment, challenges persist. High financing costs remain the top concern, cited by 50% of respondents, followed by rising home prices (34%), competition from other investors (34%), lack of inventory (33%), and elevated material and labor costs (25%). These constraints continue to shape acquisition strategies, even as broader market confidence strengthens.