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n 2025, CBRE Investment Management predicts that global listed real estate will outperform broad equities and offer a differentiated total return compared to private markets. The firm believes that listed real estate is in the early days of a new upcycle, characterized by accelerating organic earnings, improved supply/demand dynamics, and abundant capital market access.

    CBRE Investment Management expects 5% earnings growth globally across the real estate sectors in 2025, more than double the level seen in 2024. This growth is driven by strong demand and limited new supply in various sectors, including private-pay senior housing, data centers, cell towers, and retail and net leases.

    The investment firm sees a compelling total return opportunity for REITs, with a ~4% dividend yield that remains competitive versus private real estate income. Amidst moderating central bank target rates and range-bound long-term yields, CBRE Investment Management believes that listed real estate will prosper.

    Here are the top 10 best real estate stocks to buy according to billionaires:

    1. Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL) - 8 billionaire investors, 44 hedge fund holders

    Welltower is a residential wellness and healthcare infrastructure company with a strong portfolio of senior housing assets. The firm has acquired Amica Senior Lifestyles' Canadian portfolio for C$4.6 billion, demonstrating its ability to get top-notch-quality senior housing portfolios at an attractive discount.

    2. Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) - 8 billionaire investors, 40 hedge fund holders

    Simon Property Group is a self-administered and self-managed REIT with a high occupancy rate and robust sales growth at its Roosevelt Field Mall. The company has been performing well amidst the broader challenges faced by the retail sector.

    3. Public Storage (NYSE:PSA) - 9 billionaire investors, 37 hedge fund holders

    Public Storage is a REIT that acquires, develops, owns, and operates self-storage facilities. The company's completed Property of Tomorrow enhancement program, transformation initiatives, sizeable non-same store pool, and growth-oriented balance sheet place it well for improved fundamentals and increased transaction market activity.

    These stocks have been identified through the Finviz stock screener and Insider Monkey's exclusive database of billionaire stock holdings. The hedge fund sentiment around each stock is also mentioned as of Q4 2024.