Growth Meets Greater Competition
BDO’s 2026 Private Equity Survey reveals how private equity leaders investing in real estate and construction are protecting growth momentum as competition for quality assets increases.
Based on responses from 133 PE firms that invest in real estate and construction, the spotlight examines the deployment pressures, people challenges and value creation priorities shaping where capital goes.
What Real Estate & Construction PE Leaders Should Know
For real estate and construction investors, sustained performance depends on what happens after capital is deployed. The spotlight explores the operating choices that can help strengthen assets throughout the hold period.
of real estate and construction investors identify finding and retaining the right people as their primary limitation to executing deals at speed.
Key Takeaways
Competition is shaping capital deployment
32% cite increased competition as their biggest challenge to deploying capital.
Staffing gaps are affecting deal execution
Staffing gaps at both the fund and portfolio company levels are affecting execution.
Acquisitions remain central to growth
37% say new platform acquisitions will be their primary use of dry powder in the next year.
Cash flow management is supporting value creation
Cash flow management remains an important lever for improving portfolio performance.
Investors are maintaining exit flexibility
Real estate and construction investors are evaluating several routes to liquidity.
2026 Private Equity Survey
Explore the full report and insights from all 400 respondents.
Methodology
This spotlight reflects responses from 133 PE firms that invest in real estate and construction. BDO’s 2026 Private Equity Survey polled 400 U.S. PE fund managers and operating partners in May 2026 to understand their strategies as well as the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for the next 12 months. The survey was conducted by Rabin Roberts Research.
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