Dallas-Fort Worth Leads the Nation in Real Estate Investment and Development
Dallas-Fort Worth is again expected to be the nation’s hottest real estate market for investment and development.
D-FW led the field in a scorecard of metro areas that property executives expect to prosper in 2026. It’s the second straight year that North Texas has topped the PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report.
Methodology and Findings
The group drew on insights from more than 1,700 real estate investors, developers, lenders and advisers across the U.S. and Canada. The forecast scores markets as the best places to buy, build and finance property in the year ahead.
D-FW clinched the top spot on both the commercial and homebuilding prospects list for next year with investors offering strong net buy recommendations for retail and industrial in the region.
Why Dallas-Fort Worth?
North Texas has ranked in the top 10 for the last seven years, taking home third in 2024. D-FW also took the top spot in 2019.
“Dallas mirrors the national economy in its sector diversification, making it resilient and attractive for investment,” the report reads.
The region earned its spot as the top market to watch due to its “accessibility, low cost of living and ease of doing business” compared to its rivals, according to the report.
Economic Growth and Development
D-FW has attracted 100 corporate headquarters from 2018 to 2024, and the region also led Texas’ 111% increase in investment banking and securities employment over the past 20 years, the report states.
North Texas has become the second-largest financial market in the country, and the Y’all Street boom continues to fuel its growth.
“The pending launch of the Texas Stock Exchange in downtown Dallas, along with local expansions of NYSE and Nasdaq, underscore the metro area’s status as a leading financial center,” the report reads.
Demographics and Market Trends
Demographics also bode well for the region. Texas was the number one destination for Generation Z, which is projected to account for one-third of the U.S. workforce by 2030.
The report also cites mixed-use districts like Uptown, Legacy and the Knox District, as well as widespread office-to-residential conversion projects as evidence of D-FW’s standing as a top metro for economic growth.
National Market Trends
Beyond geography, the report examines other market trends and conditions nationwide.
Demand for data centers pushes ahead, driven by growth in artificial intelligence and cloud computing — despite power shortages and supply bottlenecks that limit expansion.
Demand for senior housing is also skyrocketing as the first baby boomers turn 80 in 2026, and the office market is stabilizing as top-tier buildings in major markets capture record rents, according to the report.
The report’s top 10 markets to watch are:
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Jersey City
- Miami
- Brooklyn
- Houston
- Nashville
- Northern New Jersey
- Tampa-St. Petersburg
- Manhattan
- Phoenix
“To be ranked the No. 1 market to watch for two consecutive years speaks to the strength of our partnerships and shared commitment to making North Texas a place where people and businesses thrive,” Terrence Maiden, chair of ULI Dallas-Fort Worth and CEO of Russell Glen Co., said in a statement.
D-FW Real Estate News
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dallas-Fort Worth is expected to remain a top market for real estate investment and development in 2026, driven by its strong economy, favorable business climate, and growing population. The region’s diverse economy, low cost of living, and ease of doing business make it an attractive destination for businesses and individuals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dallas-Fort Worth real estate market:
Q: What makes Dallas-Fort Worth an attractive market for real estate investment?
A: Dallas-Fort Worth is an attractive market for real estate investment due to its strong economy, diverse industry base, and favorable business climate. The region’s low cost of living, ease of doing business, and growing population also make it an attractive destination for businesses and individuals alike.
Q: What are the top markets to watch in 2026?
A: According to the Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, the top 10 markets to watch in 2026 are: Dallas-Fort Worth, Jersey City, Miami, Brooklyn, Houston, Nashville, Northern New Jersey, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Manhattan, and Phoenix.
Q: What are the trends driving demand for data centers and senior housing?
A: Demand for data centers is driven by growth in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, while demand for senior housing is driven by the aging population and the need for age-restricted housing.
