Debt Markets Surge to Record Highs, Signaling Liquidity Cycle on the Rise
Global credit competition soared to an all-time high in
Simultaneously, investment sales competitiveness showed steady improvement over the past year. Following some seasonal softening to start the year, the weight of capital active in the transaction market is rising as investors are drawn to the strong relative value proposition of commercial real estate, even amid a backdrop of macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
"We are seeing a hyper-competitive financing environment," said Richard Bloxam, CEO, Capital Markets,
Key Findings and Market Dynamics:
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Lender Appetite at Near-Record Levels: The number of distinct lenders actively submitting quotes on loans remains near all-time highs, with
April 2026 showing some of the strongest lender participation on record. To stand out in a crowded market, lenders are increasingly competing on terms, driving a rise in average winning bank loan-to-value rates since the start of the year. - Bidders Return with Discipline: Bidding dynamics are on the rise, driven by an increase in the number of unique capital sources bidding on transaction processes. While bidding pools are expanding, actual pricing competitiveness on individual transactions still lags peak 2021 levels by a notable margin.
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Bid-Ask Spread Stabilizes: While a gap between buyer and seller expectations persists on a number of transactions—including the
U.S . multi-housing sector where rent growth has been more subdued—the overall global bid-ask spread has narrowed significantly since the market trough in 2023. This sustained stability over the past year demonstrates a strong foundation of pricing alignment, paving the way for a more predictable and steady transaction environment in the months ahead. - Diverging Forces: Since early 2025, a divergence has been evident between the credit and investment sales markets. Competitiveness and market activity in the credit markets are rising more sharply than bidder competitiveness. This is partially accounted for by an above-average share of refinancing activity relative to new acquisitions.
"The credit markets globally are currently acting as a significant catalyst for this recovery, providing vital optionality for property owners facing loan maturities," said
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About Global Bid Intensity Index and Global Credit Intensity Index
The Global Bid Intensity Index measures investment sales competitiveness through the number of unique bidders on a transaction and the relationship between winning bids and asking prices. The Global Credit Intensity Index measures debt market intensity through the number of unique lenders quoting on loan opportunities and the average winning loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Together, these indices create a comprehensive liquidity monitoring system and provide unmatched early signals ahead of the rest of the market.
Contact: Jesse Tron
Phone: +1 212 376 1216
Email:Jesse.Tron@jll.com
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SOURCE JLL