The retail investment market is back – if it ever truly went away. While investors were cautious two years ago, the market is now fully in motion. At MAPIC 2025, the positive sentiment, increased activity and restored confidence are clear to see. This shift is also reflected in ongoing sales processes, where the number of bids from various types of investors has risen significantly across nearly all retail segments.
“Investor interest in retail real estate is visibly growing. The market has become more professional, more sustainable, and more international. This makes it the perfect moment to step back in,” says the BRIKKS team.
International interest and growing confidence
French, British and German capital is decisively returning to the Netherlands. Foreign investors, including French SCPIs, are showing serious interest in Dutch retail investments. At the same time, Dutch institutional investors are broadening their focus. As well as the popular convenience retail segment, they are once again turning their attention to other categories, including high-street assets and core retail park
Falling yields, rising confidence
Prime yields are compressing, reflecting healthy demand and renewed confidence. Market fundamentals are strong: market rents are stabilising — in some cases, increasing — and banks are willing to finance retail real estate again.
Physical retail bounces back
An analysis of CBS retail turnover data (2022–2025) clearly shows that e-commerce is stabilising while physical retail is rebounding. In certain sectors, such as fashion, online sales are declining, while turnover in physical clothing stores is increasing. This renewed stability provides a solid foundation for both market rents and investment returns. Furthermore, retail market rents in city centres have already undergone a significant correction and have remained stable for several years.
Sustainability and maturity
Sustainability has become an integral part of the retail landscape. At the same time, the market itself is maturing: the gap between book values and market values is narrowing, and investors are conducting deeper and more critical analyses than ever before.
Momentum for growth
The momentum is here. The combination of increasing capital, stable fundamentals, and renewed confidence makes 2025 a year of revitalised opportunity in the retail investment market.
“We expect the positive trend to continue into 2026. The retail market has proven its resilience, and this energy can be felt in every conversation at MAPIC, especially during the BRIKKS MAPIC Breakfast,” says BRIKKS.
BRIKKS is optimistic about the future of the retail investment market. The market is back, stronger and more sustainable than ever.
