Cushman & Wakefield released its 2026 Vital Signs report showing continued strength in the U.S. medical outpatient building sector. First-quarter 2026 absorption reached 3.8 million square feet, up 71% year-over-year, pushing occupancy to 92.5% across the top 50 U.S. markets. Average rents rose 1.9% to $26.64 per square foot, while new construction declined 10% and represents just 2.2% of existing inventory. Investment sales totaled $1.8 billion in the first quarter, a 36% increase, with rolling four-quarter volume reaching $9.8 billion, up 49%. Cap rates have stabilized around 6.7%, and MOB total returns are outperforming other real estate sectors.
Cushman & Wakefield plcCushman & Wakefield's own report shows strong absorption and rent growth in the medical outpatient building sector, indicating robust demand for its services.